[Elecraft] K3 Observations Digital Modes and SSB

[goldtr8 at charter.net]

I spent a lot of time with the K3 this weekend working SSB and data 
modes mostly PKS.

The K3 the more I use it the more I like it and am amazed by its 
performance with a standard 2.7 5 pole filter and 2.1 8 pole filter.

First for ssb I was joining a new that had .5 khz signal above the net 
signal.  I was able to dial down to a .95 khz filter and shift it such 
that I could still join in on the roundtable net.  It was absolutly 
amazing.

Then I spent a ton of time on the digital modes.  I wanted to try and 
make a lot of contacts and use the extra punch you get with these narrow 
signals.   First I have learned that PKS guys dont care if they get 
right on top of your transmitt and receive.  I was able to narrow down 
to .15 khz on the dsp filter and could eleminate completey the 
interference from nearby signals that would get hammered by the qrn.   I 
do not believe that everyone has a K3 but that they depend on the 
computer extra filtering.  However, I could eleminate the close signals 
with the K3 which greatly enhanced the copy.

Finally I learned really dial in my output from the pc for the digital 
modes so that the ALC would be at a solid 3 bars and just tickel the 4th 
bar.  In this condition I could go to 100w out and still have a clean 
signal.  I was able to punch some dx at high power that i could not get 
at 50w or less.

Spending a lot of time over 50w and the PA temp never went above 43C.

The more I use it the better it gets.  I can only wonder how much better 
it would be with a 500hz and 250hz filter.

Also if the new amp is as clean for 500w as the standard 100w built in 
amp it will be a winner.

Now how to save more money for my two hobbies.  One is ham radio and the 
other is my Jeep (Just Empty Every Pocket).

I wonder what I could do if I had more than a dipole at 30 ft.

Don
KD8NNU