[Elecraft] K3 RX Antenna & QSK

[dmb at lightstream.net]

Is there a significant benefit to running full QSK at speeds >= 30 WPM as
opposed to just running break-in w/ a delay of 0.04? I use the Pixel loop
here on 40 and 30 meters w/ my K3, and doing the latter saves a lot of
relay operations. Although you won't hear the band between keying
elements, you will definitely hear it between letters.

No sarcasm intended w/ my question; just trying to understand when and how
full QSK provides a benefit over break-in w/ minimal delay.

73, Dale
WA8SRA



> The Pixel can be connected to your amp key circuit. It turns off the
> power and grounds the antenna on transmit. It works fine with the K3 QSK
> at 30 wpm (haven't really tried it faster). The relay is a little noisy,
> but I wear phones and it doesn't bother me. I am using it about 6m from
> my vertical transmitting antenna with up to 1200 watts, so it is a good
> idea to use this feature.
>
> On 1 Feb 2015 06:52, James Bennett wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> Have a K3/P3/KPA500/KAT500 and have been working 160 meters more the
>> past year or so than in the previous 49 years. Only need three more
>> states for WAS. Got a lot of noise here at this QTH, and have limited
>> antenna space. Using an Inverted L up about 40 feet with a K2AV FCP
>> under it.
>>
>> I'm looking at perhaps getting a magnetic loop receiving antenna, and
>> have looked at the Wellbrook ALA 1530 and the Pixel RF Pro 1B.
>>
>> But my question is on the T/R switching of the K3. As I operate 99%
>> CW, I depend on QSK operation. If I connect either of those receive
>> only antenna to the RX Ant, does the K3 switch between Ant1 and the
>> RX Ant fast enough to protect the K3?
>>
>> Thanks, Jim
>>
>> Jim Bennett / W6JHB Folsom, CA
>
> --
> 73,
> Vic, 4X6GP/K2VCO
> Rehovot, Israel
> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/