[Elecraft] ordering what you need

[Matt VK2RQ]

Suggest to get a copy of Fred Cady's book on the K3 -- he goes through all the options, and explains how it all works in easy-to-understand language.

73,
Matt VK2RQ

> On 16 Sep 2014, at 8:01 am, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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
> 
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