[Elecraft] K3 and KX3 in contests

[Kenneth A Christiansen]

Hi to the group

I earlier wished for a report of how the K3 and KX3 compared in a contest. Here is my report. I have run my K3 for 6 years in many contests and usually run in the 5 watt QRP class. I was always impressed by how much better the K3 handled close in QRM and full break in than my old transceivers. The P3 was added two years ago and I have become dependent on it. A couple contests have been run at 100 watts but I was always surprised I did not do much better at 100 watts than I do at 5. I prefer the QRP  class because it is easier to place well and I have taken ND section in several contests at 5 watts.

This year I bought a KX3 and now I have used it in 3 contests. I ran out of battery on my logging computer during Field Day but the KX3 worked fine at 5 watts for the 8 hours I was able to operate. I ran the KX3 at 5 watts CW along with the N3FJP logging program for the November Sweepstakes and I felt the KX3 handled everything as well as the K3 except I missed the P3. I had an iMic and the program ROCKY but was not able to get them to work together for that contest. This group helped me get ROCKY and the iMic to work after the contest was over.

This week end I entered the ARRL 160 meter contest with the KX3 at 5 watts. I had the N3FJP logging program, WinKeyer USB, ROCKY and MixW all running together on my Windows 8.1 lap top. ROCKY did a good job of helping me find QSOs.  The KX3 receiver selectivity and break in seemed to work as well as on the K3. The only thing I missed on 160 was the use of my separate receiving antenna. There is an antenna switch in my system that can do that but I may add a relay to make it easier.

The KXPA 100 will be a lot of fun for camping and rag chewing when it comes but the KX3 is going to see many more 5 watt QRP contests. The K3 will be used at home without the station being pulled apart when I go camping.

73 and I hope this report helps someone.

Ken  W0CZ

Sent from my iPad