[Elecraft] KSYN3A

[Edward R Cole]

I am copying a reply I made on the 600m e-mail reflector as I think 
it may answer some questions how the K3 is used down below 500-KHz:
--------------------------------
To: Jim Miller <jtmiller47 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [600MRG] [Elecraft] Upgraded K3 synthesizer module now 
available: The KSYN3A

Jim,

The K3 operates all modes in TEST: 
CW/SSB/AM/FM/DATA/RTTY/packet/psk-msk, etc.  I can run psk-31, JT65, 
WSPR using DATA-A.  Any soundcard sw runs normally with the K3.  TEST 
mode essentially is placing the K3 into transverter mode with 
inputs/outputs available at the transverter connectors or Rx ANT.  It 
uses the general coverage filter to operate outside normal ham bands.

Not sure what you mean by external mixing.

You just PRESS-HOLD the MODE down button to get into TEST and operate 
the K3 normally.  It just lowers in power to mw and routes thru the 
transverter interface module KXV3.  Look on page 75 at the K3 block 
diagram at the upper right corner which shows the KXV3.  Right below 
is shows the BP filters and the 10w PA/Driver and final are bypassed 
to the KXV3.  That is all the TEST mode does.

The new SYNTH board allows operation lower in frequency.  The gen 
coverage BP filter KBPF3 nominally covers 500-KHz to 30 
MHz.  Performance drops off above 30 though the radio will tune to 32 
MHz in the transverter mode.  I assume there is no change in the 
KBPF3 so it will also drop off below 500-KHz but apparently not 
significantly until below 450-KHz.

This is a BIG WIN for Elecraft to enter the 600m Ham Band when it 
gets approved.  They can already sell to countries that have created 
the 600m ham band.

And I have no motivation to build a transverter for 600m, now.  The 
prototype pc boards would run costs up to at least $400 for the 
initial transverter.  Instead I get two new synth boards and install 
them in less than 30-min.  The bonus is the lowered phase noise for 
weak-signal work.

Those Elecraft guys are pretty crafty-smart.

73, Ed

At 08:47 AM 2/13/2015, Jim Miller wrote:
>What modes are available if using Test? Does Test at least provide 
>CW keyed out?
>
>Seems like sound card modes like JT65 or WSPR would still require 
>external mixing before the amp.
>
>73
>
>Jim ab3cv


73, Ed - KL7UW
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