[Elecraft] Newbie

[N5GE]

Ralph,

I know the feeling ;-)

One thing that will help you is to put the name of the Elecraft product in the
subject line. Something like "KX3 Need Help Getting Started" will get you the
help you need.

When I got my K3 I was in the same place you are now, so don't be bashful about
asking questions.  If the group can't help you with an answer, call Elecraft and
ask them for help.  They are the most helpful folks I've ever encountered.  No
kidding.

My suggestions are:

Set the KX3 on your operating table and get the manual out.  Read it while you
get to know the controls.  Do this a couple of times.

One of the things I do is keep a PDF file copy of my K3 manual handy on the
computer screen.  For instance, if you need help charging the batteries, right
click the page you are on and look at the menu that pops up, then select "Find"
and you will see a small window open in the upper right hand corner of the page.
Type batteries in the window and click on the small right hand button on the
right of the window and see if the page with batteries comes up.

I don't have a KX3, so I can't help you with it, but maybe that will get you
started.

Good luck.  You're going to love that KX3.  You just received something special
from a special company.

Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member


On Mon, 6 Aug 2012 20:59:45 -0500, "Ralph Bagwell" <ralph.bagwell at gmail.com>
wrote:

>Thanks Tom,
>
>My invoice shows that I have a KX3-F ( with mike and USB cable ) . I have no 
>idea of what modules are installed. It has been so many years since I keyed 
>a mike - I have a lot to re-learn . I'm an old "ham" and in past years have 
>done RTTY, packet, CW etc.
>
>I hope to combine my computer and ham hobbies .
>
>I need a lot of help but it is difficult to list what I need to learn . I 
>just want to listen to the bands for a while to learn what bands are usable. 
>The design of this device is different than any I have seen . Even attaching 
>power required a read - the on/off switch is not a common one for me.
>
>I just assumed that there have been many others with these same learning 
>needs - thus a common function is to have a section dedicated to raw 
>new-comers so that experienced folks don't have to be bothered with novice 
>questions over and over again .Thus the general question - Is there a newbie 
>area in this forum
>
>( example: when selecting the band of interest by pressing the "band" 
>button - is there a way to " go backwards " ? My guess is that pressing 
>another button or holding the "band" button might reverse the selecting 
>pattern - but searching archives so far has revealed no answer to a very 
>simple operation.)
>
>Thanks very much .
>
>
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "N5GE" <Lists at n5ge.com>
>To: "Ralph Bagwell" <ralph.bagwell at gmail.com>
>Cc: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
>Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 8:15 PM
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Newbie
>
>
>Hello, Ralph,
>
>It would help all of us if you would tell us what it is you need help with.
>
>Is it a K3, K2, KX3 or KPA500?
>
>Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
>ARRL Lifetime Member
>QCWA Lifetime Member
>
>
>On Mon, 6 Aug 2012 19:03:46 -0500, "Ralph Bagwell" <ralph.bagwell at gmail.com>
>wrote:
>
>>Is there a "newbie" section ? I read the manual and still have difficulty 
>>with simple operations . ( I just opened the box )
>>
>>I'm still trying to understand how to charge the batteries  ( for 
>>instance ) - I hate to "experiment" on such a nice piece of gear - I'd like 
>>absolute detail on "how-to" rather than clicking and turning knobs at 
>>almost random to do simple things . I don't want to hurt the beautiful 
>>device .
>>
>>thanks,
>>
>>ralph ( xe1hi )
>>
>>
>>
>>______________________________________________________________
>>Elecraft mailing list
>>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>>
>>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html