[Elecraft] ordering what you need

[Don Wilhelm]

I failed to mention one thing regarding diversity reception - if the K3 
and KRX3 are to be used for diversity reception, you will want to have 
the same filter set in both the base K3 and the KRX3 and with filter 
offsets that are matched (at least for all filter widths you will use 
with diversity.  You can have the 5 pole filters matched for offset, but 
the easy solution to the filter offset problem is to use only the 8 pole 
filters which have zero offset and do not need offset matching.

73,
Don W3FPR

-------------------------------------------------
Zane,

I assume you are asking about the K3.  The KX3 is easier because the 
option set is smaller, so I will confine my comments to the K3.

I believe the information on what comes with the basic K3 can be 
deciphered from the description on the Elecraft website and looking at 
the list of options.  If it is listed as an option, it is not included 
with the basic K3.  There is one roofing filter, and that is the 5 pole 
2.7 kHz filter.
The basic K3 is an all mode, 160 through 6 meter transceiver delivering 
12 watts power output.

What you need/want for options is going to depend on your operating 
preferences and desires.  Let me try to help you with your choice of 
options:

-- Do you want to use it for SWL as well as ham band use?  Then the 
KBPF3 and either the 6 kHz or 13 kHz roofing filter would be valuable 
for that use.
-- Are you going to want FM or AM transmit?  A yes answer will require 
you to order the 13 kHz roofing filter for FM and while the 13 kHz 
filter can be used for AM transmit, if that is your regular operation, I 
suggest using the 6 kHz filter for AM.
-- Do you want the 100 watt output level?  The KPA3 should be on your 
order list.
What antennas do you have or want to have?  If they are all resonant, 
you will not need the KAT3, but if you are going to need an antenna 
tuner, the internal wide range KAT3 would be desirable.
-- Do you already have a microphone that is wired for either the Kenwood 
pinout or the Elecraft?  If not, you may want to order the Elecraft 
MH2/3 microphone.
-- Is your operating and operating goals for casual operation?  Then the 
above may provide the K3 option set that you will need.
-- If you will be doing contesting and/or DXing where there are many 
strong signals adjacent to the station you want to copy, then you will 
want more narrow roofing filters - You may want to study the K3 FAQ on 
roofing filters at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm before 
making a decision, or alternately, use the K3 with the basic 2.7 kHz 
filter for a time before deciding the DSP filter widths you tend to use 
in crowded band conditions and then order the roofing filters that are 
closest to those widths.
-- Are you going to be working a lot of DX while using SPLIT?  If so, 
then you will find the KRX3 subRX to be useful - you can hear the DX in 
one ear and the pileup in the other so you can decide when to call and 
on or near the last frequency the DX was listening.
-- Do you anticipate working weak signals that are subject to fading? 
Then the KRX3 used in diversity mode can assist with the fading.
-- Do you want a pan-adapter display?  The Elecraft P3 will give you 
that, and with the P3SVGA option, you can display both the spectrum 
display and the waterfall on a large SVGA display.
-- Do you want a 600 watt transceiver with an amplifier that follows the 
K3?  If so, the KPA500 will give you that capability.
-- If you order the KPA500, then the antenna tuner question comes again 
-- if your antennas need a tuner, the KAT500 may be the answer for you.

As you can see, many of the answers to your question depend on your 
operating practices and desires as well as the other features of your 
station such as antennas.

I hope the above list has been of help to you in deciding on your 
particular K-Line configuration.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 9/15/2014 5:16 PM, Zane D. Clark wrote:
> I hate to be so stupid, but is there a link somewhere that goes over the options available and what comes with the basic order?  For the life of me I can't seem to figure it out.
>
>
> zanedclark at att.net
> KK6GTA
>