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

[Rick WA6NHC]

Hi Arlen,

Welcome to the group and the Elecraft Kool Aid.

I will presume that you'll get the tuner, serial interface and perhaps 
the TCXO module for digital stability.  I consider that to be a basic 
K3/100 (as opposed to a bare K3 with no options).  If you are NOT 
planning on those, they are the first three options you should get.  
Otherwise;

If you plan on working much DX, you'll find that unless you build a 
mega-station, that you WILL want to work CW (avery high percentage of DX 
is on CW only).  That means that you will want at least the 400 KHz 
filter, which works well enough for digital as well.  For phone, I like 
the 1.8 KHz filter, then the FM/AM filter is you plan on those modes 
(hint: 6 and 10 meters has been wide open this week).  Read the 
discussion on filters on the Elecraft pages, it'll help.  I have the 5 
slots filled (and in the KRX3).

Having the KRX3 sub-receiver is a GREAT tool so you can hear stations 
working the DX which gives you a major clue where to transmit.  My 
suggestion is that you match the filter sets between receivers (same in 
both).  You can also have diversity receive or listen on other bands at 
the same time; a pretty handy tool.

The P3 is an absolute KILLER tool for DX hunting.  You can see the DX 
AND the stations (pileup), figure out where the DX is listening (watch 
the spikes, is there a pattern?) and/or find a quieter slot.  Your time 
is better spent and your 'attacks' are more productive.  Once you get a 
P3, you'll wonder why you ever went without one and you'll feel blinded 
when you don't have one.

With this combination, I've worked 216 countries on a simple dipole in 
the last 2.5 years.  Plus a BUNCH of band/modes.  [Ok, the KPA500 helps 
but I couldn't use that until I got the KAT500.]

So my suggestions are a full filter set, KRX3 and P3.  It all depends on 
how much of a loan you gave Uncle.  ;o)  It isn't cheap but if you want 
the best it's worth it.  Besides you won't find the level of support 
that you can get from Elecraft.  What you don't get now can be added 
later, along with other neat toys like transverters, pre-amps, general 
coverage receiver board, SVGA board...

Finally, get the kits, not the factory built.  Not only will you save 
money (its easier to build than any Heathkit if you're old enough to 
know about that) you will see what is involved should you have to make 
an addition, repair or modification.

73,
Rick wa6nhc
a well dressed K3, P3, KPA500, KAT500
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.
>
> Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three 
> options for a brand new K3/100?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> 73, Arlen, N7YIM