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

[Bill Blomgren]

That's the sort of thing I was thinking.. I *really* don't anticipate going 
higher than 100 watts.. and will try the tripod antennas they have available 
in all probability, and look into building a motorized magnetic loop in all 
likelihood.  (I can put nylon straps around the wooden beam holding up the 
second floor here.. and move the 2 meter somewhere.. perhaps to the front of 
the apartment, hanging from the light outside..<G>

I was looking at ground loops - the only problem there would be RF levels if 
a cat or goose decided to get nosey.  (I don't want to injure the critters, 
and don't want nosey kids playing with the antenna, naturally.  A tripod 
antenna can find its way into the storage room easily... a Mag Loop?  Get it 
up to the 6 or 7 foot level, and hope no one yanks on it.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Josh Fiden" <josh at voodoolab.com>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 6:30 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3? and what options?


> 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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>
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