[Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?

[Bill W4ZV]

VK7JB wrote:
> 
> My question:  Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra
> investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the
> 2.8-2.7 filter swap option?   
> 
> About filters:  which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode
> operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more
> proficient in CW.
> 

1.  Definitely not the KTCX03-1.  This is a waste of money for a casual
operator and is unnecessary for HF operation (but possibly needed for some
VHF uses).  If your shack is kept at a relatively constant temperature and
you allow a reasonable warmup time, your properly calibrated VFO will
typically be within 1 Hz at HF even with the standard TCXO.

2.  You will need a CW filter if you ever expect to have S9+25 signals
within ~3 kHz of your CW or digital frequency.  If you don't have one, your
AGC will "pump" when strong signals are near.  For casual operation, you
might consider the $90 5-pole 500 Hz filter instead of the $131 8-pole 400
Hz.

3.  For casual operation the 2.8<>2.7 filter swap is unnecessary (I don't
have this in either of my K3s).

4.  I don't have a KAT3 in my shack K3 since I'm always driving a tuned
input linear and my antennas are resonant anyway.  However my K3 configured
for portable/expedition use does have the KAT3.  At $300 (kit) or $330
(assembled), it's worthwhile to think carefully about whether you really
need an ATU.

The beauty of the K3's modular configuration is that you're not forced to
pay for options that you may seldom if ever use (e.g. AM, FM, general
coverage in my case).  However, unless money is no object, careful
consideration before you place your order can save you a lot of money.  

Some people say the K3 is a $4-5k rig, but it need not cost that much if
carefully configured.  For example my shack K3 cost about $3k (even with
KRX3) and my portable unit cost about $2.4k (including KAT3).

73,  Bill

P.S.  I would strongly suggest you build the kit version.  You'll not only
save $300 but you'll learn a lot in the process and will not be afraid to do
hardware updates, make repairs or add modules later.



-- 
View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5892027.html
Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.