[Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3? and what options?

[Josh Fiden]

Considering you're initially running SSB with compromised antennas, I 
would definitely look at K3-100 and not run QRP. You don't need any 
filter to start besides the stock 2.7 or 8-pole 2.8kHz, the DSP will do 
the rest until you know what you want to do and where you want improved 
performance. As W0MU correctly noted, you can always add whatever you 
want. This is a great feature of the K3! You will want an antenna tuner, 
either the internal KAT3, or if you want the option of running more 
power later, you might consider putting the cost of the KAT3 into a 
KAT500 which accomplishes the same thing but accommodates up to 1KW. 
Alternately, if you anticipate wanting to load up a wet noodle (possible 
in an apartment), some external tuners will give you more flexibility. 
Last, my favorite bargain headset Yamaha CM100 and you're in business!

Welcome to HF!

73,
Josh W6XU


On 5/27/2013 3:12 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:
> The good thing is you can add stuff later, if you need it.
>
> I would start out with a CW filter/RTTY Filter, 100 watts and the 
> tuner.    If you plan to xmit FM or AM you will need the appropriate 
> filter.  The Xvter board is nice if you use receiving antennas.  The 
> sub Rcv is great if you like to tune multiple bands at the same time.  
> If you want general coverage then you will need that module.
>
> The kits are fairly simplistic to build.  The boards are built and 
> tested.  It is a matter of building the case around the parts.  I 
> enjoyed building both of mine and my amp.  They really don't take too 
> long to build.  If you don't have the time then have Elecraft build 
> it, the additional cost is reasonable.
>
> If you are into QRP then look at the KX3.
>
> Mike W0MU
>
> On 5/27/2013 3:51 PM, Bill Blomgren wrote:
>>
>> I've built LOTS of electronics over the years... but frankly I'm not 
>> sure I have enough time to build a K3.. (which is what I'm currently 
>> looking at..) - or a KX3.
>>
>> My problem: deciding which options will be useful.  I've never "done" 
>> hf... I've been a broadcaster (with 20kw into 4" heliax with an 
>> antenna "way up thereeeeee.." or a pile of verticals that I never 
>> have to touch because the tuning was done correctly N years ago....  
>> I had the Tech for 2 months, and with my background splurged on 
>> taking both the general and extra.. and somehow managed to pass 
>> both.  (Thanks to the DurHamFest and their VE's!)
>>
>> I'm not sure what will be needed at this point.  Right now, I don't 
>> 'do' code. Never learned it.  I will eventually pick it up, but not 
>> right at first... Computer? but of course... That's the sort of stuff 
>> I do for a living, so morse from keyboard? No issue.  Reading what 
>> comes back?  The computer can handle that.
>>
>> Pactor?  Shoot.. I'm a tcp/ip junkie... it's not IP, but it is a 
>> packet from point A to someplace else.. Can do.
>>
>> Other that that.. I'm really not sure what options will be required 
>> in a 100 watt/living in an apartment with resulting ugly antenna 
>> issue world will need.  Obviously the antenna tuner, but what else is 
>> everyone finding useful. (I can skip the 2 meter add on for the time 
>> being... probably can find a 6 meter antenna I can fudge into 
>> functionality.. SOMETHING for 20 to 6 meters perhaps...or 20 through 
>> 10... Again, not sure what will be needed.
>>
>> Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with every 
>> possible bell and whistle.. but.... is it all something a newb will use?
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