[Elecraft] Ready to Purchase KX3 and PX3 - Would Like Advice on accessories and "must haves".

[Matt Maguire]

I would recommend getting the KXAT3 antenna tuner option, especially if you are planning on operating portable. Maybe also the BNC binding posts connector, depending on what antenna arrangements you are planning for your portable ops.

For the shack, if you have some nice paddles already, I would suggest just using those. If you are operating portable, the KXPD3 paddles are light and convenient.

Internal charger is for NiMH cells only. You can use an external LiPo battery, although I prefer LiFePO4 batteries myself (they are safer, and the voltage output from a 4S pack is ideal, whereas the output of a LiPo pack is likely to be too low or too high). You of course need an external balance charger designed to work with the specific battery chemistry you choose.

If you plan to do phone, you’ll need a microphone. You can order one from Elecraft, or you can use a computer headset. The radio does not come with any cables (except a flying lead power cable and USB cable), so you should order a cableset if you want to connect the audio to a PC soundcard.

You also might want to consider purchasing Fred Cady’s book on KX3 (hard copy or PDF). Lulu is currently offering a 25% discount on hardcopies with coupon code HOLIDAYS25; otherwise you can order it from Elecraft or from directly from Fred KE7X.

-- 
73 de Matt VK2RQ

On 3 décembre 2015 at 4:12:43 AM, Mark Tosiello (tkddruid at gmail.com) wrote:

Hi all!!  


I'm preparing to purchase the KX3 and PX3 kits. I'm planning on the ATU and  
Roofing filter options, as well as the battery charger and clock. I'm also  
planning on purchasing the Powerwerks switching PS and the power supply  
cable for the PX3.  

Initially, I plan to use the system as a QRP CW/Phone (mostly CW) rig. This  
will supplement my main 100w rig (and IC-746 Pro). Hopefully, the  
sensitivity of the receiver will help out during phone and CW contesting as  
well!. During The winter months here in Michigan the KX3 will stay in my  
station, and come summer I'm hoping to operate from various locations here  
in Traverse City.  

I want to be sure that I order all of the parts that I need so that once  
the kits are built, I can get on with the fun on the air. As far as I  
understand it, I'll need:  

*Main Items:*  

KX3 Kit  
PX3 Kit  
Power Supply for KX3  
Powerpole terminated cable for above.  
Power Supply for PX3  

*Connectors:*  

All of my antenna feed lines terminate with PL259 connectors. My research  
suggests that I'll need a BNC Male to SO239 adapter, as well as (for  
convenience) a right angle BNC-BNC connector. Is a right angle male BNC to  
SO239 connector available? That would be ideal.  

I'm waffling on the paddles, as I have 2 beautiful sets of brass K8RA P-4  
and P-3 paddles to use in the shack. Probably a later purchase. I do have a  
question, however, regarding the charger. Will the internal charger charge  
LiPo batteries or only NiMH? Can LiPo batteries be used in the unit if  
charged with an external charger?  

I'll also need cabling to connect to my Windows 10/7 computer; I think this  
comes with the unit but thought I'd better check.  

Thanks for all of your advice and experience with the KX3! I'm excited!  

Mark KD8EDC  
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