[Elecraft] JT65A and the K3

[Lance Collister, W7GJ]

Hello RC,

I am not sure exactly what your question is, but I will offer some information that 
may be of interest to you.  I currently use a K3 here at home for all my 6m EME 
operations (all of which use JT65A mode from the most recent WSJT software package).  
I also have used it on my recent 6m EME DXpeditions to E51, 3D2 and 5W0.  A few of 
the reasons I think it is such a perfect radio for 6m EME are the following:

1.  Of course, it automatically includes 6m, so any DXpedition taking a K3 is 
automatically equipped for 6m.

2.  It has a built-in computer interface, so all you need is to connect stereo audio 
leads from your computer sound card, along with an RS232 cable from the computer to 
control the PTT function via the RTS serial line (a MENU option from the front 
panel).  So the K3 is also "digital ready"!

3.  The bandpass is essentially FLAT for more than 800 Hz either side of the JT65A 
center frequency, so it is easy to spot spread-out callers with equal sensitivity.

4.  The K3'a optional KXV3a module provides IF output, along with separate BNC 
connections for transverters.  It also provides convenient receiver-only line in and 
out, for connection of a separate receive antenna or insertion of a low noise 
receive-only preamp (a necessity for weak signal work on 6m).

5.  It has a GREAT IF noise blanker, that has saved me more than once while operating 
in the field.

6.  Unlike some radios, it has the ability to turn the AGC totally OFF, which is 
quite helpful with WSJT weak signal digital modes.

7.  With the 100w option, you have enough power to drive popular commercial 6m amps 
such as the ACOM 1000, ACOM 1006, ALPHA 8406, M2 6M-1000, ICOM PW-1, and many others.

8.  It weighs only 12 pounds, so is easily transportable to rare and exotic locations.

Last summer during Es season on 6m, I was amazed to contact so many new K3 owners 
trying out 6m for the first time!  That is the beauty of having such a high 
performance radio that includes the Magic Band ;-)  The current Es season is just 
beginning now (even way up here in western Montana!), so stick up a good 6m beam and 
get ready to join in on the magic!

GL and DX!  VY 73, Lance



On 5/4/2012 3:25 PM, Robert 'RC' Conley wrote:
> I would like to know more. Please
> RC KC5WA
>


-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ
(ex WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX, 3D2LR, 5W0GJ)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT   59834-0073
USA
TEL: (406) 626-5728
QTH: DN27ub
URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
Windows Messenger: W7GJ at hotmail.com
Skype: lanceW7GJ
2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815

Interested in 6m EME?  Ask me about subscribing to the Magic Band EME
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