[Elecraft] Mods to K3

[ab2tc]

Hi Jim,

Well, I decided to upgrade to the K3S. The old K3 will replace my IC7200 as
the "to-go" station. The 7200 is more than adequate for my use, but I have
become so dependent on the panadapter with my K3(which the 7200 cannot
support) that I decided on the upgrade. The "to-go" station is mostly used
in the back yard deck on nice summer days.

The new USB port is wonderful. I use it both for control (with HRD) and
audio. One surprise I got was that the factory setting (010) for the line
output (yes, that setting affects the USB audio level) was driving the audio
right into clipping. I had to reduce it to 002 to be comfortably below
clipping level. The audio is fairly clean:

ab2tc.com/new_k3s_usb.png

There is still some junk around 3.9kHz (it's always there regardless of
whether there is a signal in the passband or not.)  The test signal is a
-73dBm signal from the XG3. The radio is in USB mode with passband
300-2700Hz.

So, Jim, I would recommend the KIO3B. The pin one problems should be gone
since you don't need the RS232 port and the line out anymore.

I agree that the new preamp helps a lot on 10m (and undoubtedly on 6m which
I don't use). I have the S-meter set for "absolute", but it does not yet
work with new preamp. Hopefully Elecraft will correct that soon.

I am a happy camper with my new K3S.

AB2TC - Knut



Jim Brown-10 wrote
> 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
> <snip>





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