[Elecraft] A confession

[Bill Blomgren (kk4qdz)]

And as I said in a private message to him... Fred's book is a godsend to those that just got an Elecraft K3 or KX3...

 
KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them!


________________________________
 From: Edward R Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net>
To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2014 2:03 PM
Subject: [Elecraft]  A confession
 

I think Chris summarizes the issue pretty good.

Gary, it kind sounds like you have not taken the time necessary to 
really get familiar with your K3 (excuse me if this is incorrect).  I 
found it took me about three weeks of playing and reading the manual 
until I became "fairly" comfortable with using the features (only 
some, not all) of the K3.  The Fred Caty manual had not been written 
so this was a little more difficult on some topics and features, but 
I figured them out with a little time tinkering and reading.  This 
list is a great resource of knowledge, too!

The K3 does require more time to become versed in its abilities and 
that can try one's patience if just wanting to "plug n play".  I 
bought my K3/10 as a kit so had that process before even turning it on.

So take it out of the box and connect an antenna, with hopefully 
Fred's manual at hand, just step thru the pages of the manual and try 
some of the stuff he writes.  Great way to get more familiar with the 
radio.  You might want to skip some chapters if not particular to 
your interests.  Give the radio some time and do compare it on the 
air with the TS-590.  I haven't had my hands on the TS-590 but I 
suspect you will develop an appreciation for the K3.

When I chose the K3 it was after several years of studying the 
literature and comments.  I came from having a TS-180 in 1980, TenTec 
505 Argonaut, TS-50, FT-840 (liked that one), and FT-847 (great 
VHF/UHF but disappointing on HF).  I also acquired the FT-817 when it came out.

Being active in eme on VHF+, I needed a good CW radio and a 
transverter friendly radio and that brought me to the K3/10.  The 
fact that is a SDR means I do not have to shell out more money every 
2-3 years for the latest advances in radio technology (so far this 
has been true).  I sold my FT-847 to raise cash for a 222 and 432 
transverter and finally sold the FT-817 in favor of the KX3.  With 
addition of the 2M module the KX3 will have pretty much replaced what 
I used with the FT-817.

To purchase my K3 I had to promise my wife that this would be the 
last big ham purchase "in my life" as we entered retirement (and 
reduced income).  Yeah, I lied, but she understands 
(thankfully).  But I can say the K3 is fulfilling that promise since 
buying it four years ago.  Elecraft is unique in providing equipment 
support and upgrades (via firmware).  And upgrading is purely 
voluntary on your part, so you do not have to if not interested.

Finally, there is a lot of new stuff going on in ham radio if you 
look, so if the "same old stuff' has gotten boring, take a look at 
some of the digital modes, soundcard programs, come up to VHF/mw or 
down to MW and LF.  Try building some stuff - can be fun!  Get out of 
the house and go portable/mobile.  You get the idea.

Gary, come back in a few weeks and tells how it goes!

73, Ed - KL7UW
600m to 3cm

---------------------------------
From: "Chris Pickett" <chrispickett at blueyonder.co.uk>
To: <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] A confession
Message-ID: <007EA2BDBDB947DFB83C34C81959B1E5 at chrisshack>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"

Gary,

Take time out, study the manual learn to embrace the modern features and
play, play and play some more
to learn your way around. You have taken the tests, passed the exams etc so
practice what has been preached.

Get rid of the big rice box, keep the TS590s (best value on the ham market
today) for back up or field day.

Then just fall in love with your K3 - simples.

Very 73
Chris
M5LRO


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
    dubususa at gmail.com

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