[Elecraft] K3 Must have upgrades

[Don Wilhelm]

Dave,

The best K3 configuration for you will depend on your operating goals.
The dual VFO is included with even the most basic K3.  Did you perhaps 
mean the KRX3 subreceiver?  That allows you to listen to two signals 
simultaneously - one in each ear.  Without the KRX3 you listen to only 
one VFO at a time, but you can swap between VFO A and VFO B easily.  
That is usually done when operating SPLIT, and mostly occurs when 
working a rare DX station.

If you are buying a new K3, you get the new synthesizer.

There are a bunch of "ifs" to your 'perfect' configuration:
If you want 100 watts output, order the K3/100, for QRP order the K3/10
If you are working DX and need to hear the DX station as well as a place 
in the pileup, then add the KRX3
If you want to run transverters or want the IF output or need an RX ANT 
input, then add the KXV3A
If you do not have resonant antennas for all bands you intent to 
operate, then order the KAT3
If you want to add 2 meters, order the K144XV option (or use an external 
transverter).
With the K144XV, you may want to add the K144RFLK reference lock for the 
K144XV.
If you want a panadapter display, order the P3.
If you want a large-screen display adjunct to the P3, add the P3SVGA
If you want to use the K3 for SWLing, add the KBPF3
If you do a lot of voice operating and want a voice recorder, add the KDVR3
If your K3 will be subject to temperature variations and you want a more 
stable frequency, add the KTCXO3
IF you will be operating data modes that require extreme frequency 
stability, use a 10 MHz frequency standard and add the K3EXREF option in 
the K3.
You may want to add the PR6-10 receive preamp depending on your antenna 
situation for 6 and 10 meters.

Filter selection will depend on your operating choices.  The filters are 
'roofing filters' to protect from strong adjacent signals as may be 
encountered in contesting or DXing.  The DSP filters provide the 
ultimate filter widths even without the optional roofing filters.
If you want FM operation, order the KFL3B-FM 13kHz filter - you may want 
this filter for SWLing.
If you do a lot of AM transmit, order the KFL3A-6K (although the 13kHz 
filter will also work, but is not optimum).
If you operate SSB in contest situations, you might want either the 
KFL3A-1.8K or the KFL3A-2.1K
For CW contesting or working DX in a pileup, you may want the 400 Hz 
KFL3A-400
For even more extreme contesting, you can add the KFL3A-250 250 Hz filter
If you like to tune the CW bands using a wide filter width, you may want 
the KFL3-1.0K 1 kHz filter.

Remember that there are only 5 filter slots in the main receiver and 5 
in the subRX.
If you plan to use the KRX3 subreceiver for diversity reception, put the 
same filters in both the main and the sub (and you may want to use all 8 
pole filters - including the KFL3A-2.8_2.7sw filter swap - the 2.7 5 
pole comes stock with the K3 and KRX3)

With options and filters tailored to your operating needs, you can keep 
the price below $4000.  The additional filters can add up quickly, so 
choose wisely.

That is about the best I can do.  As I said, let your desired operating 
preferences guide you.  If you are not going to use a particular option, 
leave it out.  It is easy to add options later, especially if you build 
the kit so you know how it goes together. The kit is not difficult if 
you can 'operate' a screwdriver and plug in boards and follow the 
instructions correctly.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 4/25/2015 4:32 PM, Becar Family wrote:
> Elecraft Team,
>
>   
>
> I would like to order my first K# I am not understanding all the add in
> option for the K3.
>
> I would like the auto tuner, The dual VFO the 100 watts is a must.  I just
> attended a Elecraft workshop defiantly want the updated synthesizer.
>
> For a few dollars more what are the best add boards or feature that a new
> user would benefit from at option to add to my new K3?
>
> If you give me the Elecraft model numers with description that would be very
> helpful.  Can I get a good system for under 4,000.00?
>
>