[Elecraft] Bad Assumptions

[Phil Anderson]

I've been reading the mail on this thread. Quite enjoyable and 
interesting. It's nice to see what everyone is doing with their K3 or KX3...
Here's my bit:

1. Bought K3 kit w ATU and 100 watt Amp in November. Ten hour build and 
works great - no computer control then.
2. Wanted to try diversity so then bought second receiver and expanded 
the AUX port - a bit of work but went fine.
3. Read about advanced contesting methods in the ARRL Contest Journal so 
ordered the P3 and high-speed interface I/O option ....WOW...Now I'm not 
wasting time spinning the dial to find what's on the band.....I just see 
it all and can click on spectrum display and the P3 sends that freq to 
the rig auto....Now in casual operating, I'm logging 3 times the short 
QSOs that I was before... little dial spinning!
4. Then got tired of all that logging by hand on a computer across the 
room - my desk - and downloaded a copy of N1MM+ for contest logging and 
capturing of FREQ, MODE, and other details that now go into my radio 
bench log automatically. In addition, I chose one of the contest logs 
and use it for general logging too (gathering enough detail) per above. 
After a few days with that "general log" I dump an ADIF file into my 
N3FJP general log on the other old desk computer for upload to LOTW and 
eQSL. When time, I'll move the LOTW stuff over to my computer on the 
radio bench.
5. One $-saving idea for that second computer. I had an older Dell 
OPTIPLEX 330 I wasn't using. I totally cleaned the hard drive, loaded 
Windows SYS 7 to it and AVEST security too. Now attached via cable to my 
house router for web stuff. Sound card meet requirements so keep it. 
System seven used most of the 2 GB RAM so added two new sticks @ $49 
each at Best Buy, for a total of 4 GB of RAM and runs fast with just 
those few apps. Using the USB to serial port cable (came with K3) to 
connect to the P3 of the rig, that feeds though to the K3 for that 
portion of the computer control I want.
6. Can still use the basic terminal program that came with K3...for 
casual RTTY, etc.
7. We're just a couple of months away from spring here in Kansas, so now 
looking at adding a two-beverage (for four directions) antenna in back 
yard for work on 30 and 40 meters. Sure, I'll try it on 20 too. SteppIR 
is my main transmit antenna at this time. May add a beam Stepper on roof 
mount this summer. WHAT FUN!
73, Phil in Kansas, W0XI.







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