[Elecraft] K3, KX3, and FD

[Dauer, Edward]

I used the K3-KPA500 on 10-15-20 during the day and the KX3-KXPA100 on 40
overnight, and so had a good chance to compare them, albeit subjectively
and on different bands at different times.  Both setups performed
flawlessly, and the K3¹s new synths were impeccable at QRQ. While the K3
is clearly capable of more sophisticated signal manipulation than the KX3,
as a practical matter the receivers in the two were equally useful for the
FD runs (I operated 100% CW).  I could have used the KX3 receiver the
whole time and likely would not have accomplished any less.  Amazing, what
that little brick can do.  The PX3, however, is not the equal of the P3,
at least not for my operating style.  When the fixed tune becomes
available (I have not uploaded the beta version of the F/W) maybe that
will change, but without it the PX3 just isn¹t as powerful a tool for me
as the P3 is.

As for conditions, from my operating position (at elevation 8,600 feet
just west of the Continental Divide in Colorado) conditions were
remarkably good for this part of the cycle and this season.  At about 1:30
local (19:30 Z) Sunday, however, the MUF seemed to drop like a rock.  Ten
meters went dead in a matter of minutes, except for  the NS path to LU/PY.
 15 followed it and then within 30 minutes or so 20 became very quiet, and
stayed that way until the contest period ended.  Did anyone else observe
the same?  The change in a short time was notable.

Ted, KN1CBR


>
>Message: 21
>Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2015 16:22:59 -0400
>From: Blair Bates <blairbates at gmail.com>
>To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and KSYN3A in FD
>Message-ID:
>	<CANgBGxwaG20ME4syFjtbWgEx=ORtinjRaReVvZyPnmMUck=60Q at mail.gmail.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
>Had the opportunity to operate two, different K3 transceivers, both with
>the new KSYN3A boards, during FD.
>
>A few CW observations:
>1.  The only way I became aware of a station moving close to me was when
>my
>"rate" dropped.  A glance at the P3, or opening up the receiver bandwidth,
>always revealed that somebody loud had moved in really close.  Since not
>everyone has K3 . . . my rate fell in what was QRM for other receivers.
>
>2.  The bands seemed really "big".  I was always able to quickly find a
>run
>frequency when moving from another band or mode.
>
>3.  In spite of rainstorms for about 23 hours of FD, the bands seemed
>quiet
>and lightning crackles were quite subdued.
>
>I'm sure that these observations are routine for experienced K3 users.
>For somebody who is still trying to decide, or is still feeding the piggy
>bank, the K3 has one H3LL of a receiver--especially when equipped with the
>KSYN3A board.
>
>73, K3YD