[Elecraft] K3: Upgrade or replace

[Bill Frantz]

5) The KAT3A includes a relay which bypasses the tuner when 
using a matched antenna. I have no idea how much extra power 
will get to the antenna due to the relay, but it seems hard to 
imagine it will be very many dB. Regardless, I'm glad that when 
I ordered the KAT3, they shipped a KAT3A. I tend to operate QRP 
in contests.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/10/15 at 12:26 PM, lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) wrote:

>I agree with Jim - for the same reasons.
>
>After updating the synthesizer(s) and replacing the KVX3/KXV3A
>with the KXV3B, if one updates the KBPF3 "general coverage"
>bandpass filter board(s) and adds the regulator bypass capacitors,
>there are only four remaining "performance" upgrades between an
>updated K3 and a K3S - all of which are minor:
>
>1) [Modified AF output chain]*.
>2) 5/10/15 dB stepping on the *main receiver* attenuator (this
>does not affect the KRX3 which remains at 0/10dB)
>3) improved isolation on the main RF board due to a change from
>two to four layer construction.  The difference is probably not
>measurable on the air.
>4) a change in RF output devices in the KPA3 - difference TBD.

* Wayne offered corrections to Joe's statement. I believe my 
replacement is correct.

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