[Elecraft] [K3] My K3 needs pimping

[Fred Jensen]

Well Don, your question was a SubRx *or* a Panadaptor [P3?].  In the 
interest of balance ...

I have a moderately vanilla K3 #642, KPA500, KAT500, and P3.  I have the 
stock SSB filter and a 500 Hz CW filter.  I do not have a SubRx.  There 
may be some confusion lurking on the list.  I have no problem whatsoever 
running split.  I receive on VFO A which I put on the DX and leave 
alone.  I transmit on VFO B, which I tune around in the pile-up using 
the "Little Knob."  I decide where to park VFO B by looking at the P3 
waterfall.  I may occasionally want to listen to my tx QRG, I do that 
with one button.

The confusion?  You need a SubRx to do some things ... diversity 
reception is one example.  You do *not* need a SubRx to chase DX split, 
operate in contests, or a variety of other operating habits.  I don't 
know how having one would have any effect on how I operate.

Initially, I bought the P3 as a toy ... last panadaptor I had was a WW2 
rack-mounted monster with a 3" round screen perhaps 40 years ago.  My 
wife has a needlepoint hobby, we have an Equal Hobby Allowance policy, 
and needlepoint is about as expensive as ham radio.  My stuff is higher 
priced, but she buys a LOT more of her stuff.

I have found a myriad of uses for the P3 since then, and now when 
operating, that's what I look at, not the radio.  It is sooo very 
different to "see" the band rather than hear only the tiny segment where 
I'm tuned.  Unless you have one of the distinct needs for the SubRx, and 
it is an either/or decision, my recommendation is the P3.

I did buy the DVK for my K3 -- I have never used more than 2 memories 
and then only in ARRL SS SSB for my CQ and my exchange following the 
number.  If I ever come up with another reason that works for me, I'll 
let you know, but for now, it is unused.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 3/9/2015 1:05 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
> Don,
>
> The answer is: Yes.
>
> Why?
>
> The answer is: Well, of course.
>
> 73,
>
> Gary
> KA1J
>
>> Okay, folks. Please advise me on a worthy cause - my K3. I'm a
> casual DXer and I don't contest. My main modes are SSB and soundcard
> digital. I'm fully stocked with roofing filters, and I have the
> KPA500 and KAT500. Should my next purchase be a subreceiver or a
> panadapter, and why? 73 Don NA6Z K3 #5495