[Elecraft] Mods to K3

[Jim Brown]

On Sat,12/5/2015 10:12 AM, Cady, Fred wrote:
> I've summarized some of my thoughts here:
> http://www.ke7x.com/home/guide-to-the-k3/should-i-update-my-k3-with-k3s-parts

I've upgraded my K3s with the new synth board and the KXV3B board. You 
don't need to buy a book to know what I think about it.

I found both upgrades quite worthwhile. The synth board makes your 
signal cleaner and reduces RX phase noise when the band is full of 
strong signals. It can be a very big deal in contests and with big DX 
pileups. The new synth board, combined with a mod to the KBPF3, also 
enables high quality reception below 500 kHz.

It's VERY easy to install. Guys running QRQ say that it improves high 
speed CW significantly (I rarely work above about 34 WPM). If you have 
the Sub-RX, you must install two of the new boards.

The KXV3B includes the new preamp, which helps a lot with weak signals 
on 12, 10, and 6M. Installation is more of a challenge mechanically, 
because physical tolerances make it a bit of a "shoehorn job."

That's as far as I've gone with upgrades -- I'll upgrade to the new 
KIO3B only if it corrects the glaring Pin One Problems present in the 
original KIO3, which I consider the biggest design mistake Elecraft ever 
made.

73, Jim K9YC