[Elecraft] Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

[Fred Jensen]

I wasn't a newbie when I bought my K3/100 kit, but I probably have what 
you want.

K3
100W amp
"stock" SSB filter
500 Hz CW filter [you could skip this]
KAT3 Auto tuner

I have since added the Digital Voice Recorder/Keyer which, it turns out, 
I rarely use.  I was capitalizing on the modularity of the K3 planning 
on adding a few things after I got used to it.  Other than the DVR, none 
of that has materialized.

All of the filters are roofing filters, designed to keep strong adjacent 
signals out of the first mixer.  The differences between them and the 
one that comes with the K3 are small.  Slightly sharper skirts, maybe a 
little less passband ripple, but probably only noticeable if you have 
several stations close to you.  The final bandwidth is set by the DSP 
with a knob on the front panel.

I got the tuner because not all of my antennas are resonant, YMMV.

The second receiver is popular, it permits listening on two frequencies 
at once and you can use diversity receive with it.  I've used K3's with 
it, I don't do SO2R or diversity, and I'm quite happy with the 2 VFO's 
in the base K3.

If you are going to use the CAT capability with USB, be sure to get a 
USB-Serial adapter with the FTDI chipset.  Mine is the Prolific, it 
works just fine, never had any problem with it, but a number of others have.

Easiest way to go digital is 2 stereo cables from Radio Shack connecting 
your sound card to the LINE IN/LINE OUT jacks on the back of the K3 in 
DATA A mode.  It helps to have a good sound card on the computer, and 
you can severely complicate the configuration with other interface 
devices, but those 2 cables are all you really need.

VHF/UHF will get you into the transverters.

I think you'll be very happy with the "stock" K3/100 and you can always 
add things as you gain experience.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org

On 2/20/2014 12:25 PM, Arlen Fletcher wrote:
> I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS returns
> the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There are a LOT of
> options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and I'm a total newbie,
> so I'm appealing for help from current K3 owners. I plan to chase DX
> primarily and hope to learn more about the digital modes, though CW
> isn't of significant interest at this point.