[Elecraft] K3 - New Synthesizers and Diversity Mode

[Don Wilhelm]

John,

Yes, the new KSYN3A boards are not only "approved" by Elecraft, they are 
designed and sold by Elecraft and included in every new K3 since the 
announcement.  The KSYN3AUPG kit is priced at $189.95.  If you have the 
KRX3 in your K3, you will need 2 of them.

Installation is a matter of removing the top cover and removing 2 screws 
from each synthesizer board, then lift the board out and unplug the 
cables.  Install the cables on each new board and plug it in - fasten 
two screws.

Some have had trouble dropping the lockwashers that are behind the old 
synth boards when removing the screws.  My method is to almost remove 
the screws, then tilt the top of the board to the rear and push the 
lockwashers up against the back of the board.  Finish removing the 
screws and the lockwashers will stay on the screw threads.

Not a difficult task at all.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/4/2015 10:47 AM, John Molenda wrote:
> Hi Folks I am hearing about this new ksyn3a's synthesizer boards late 
> in the game can some one tell me are these boards approved by elecraft 
> ? How much are they ? how difficult are they to install . Thanks to 
> all who try to help this lost one !  JOhn kb2huk
>
> On 5/4/2015 9:33 AM, Jim Sheldon wrote:
>> When I first got my K3 a few years ago (#5027) I tried diversity, but 
>> never really had much luck with it due to the lack of a halfway 
>> decent antenna to put on the 2nd receiver.  With the new synthesizers 
>> installed and after doing the experimental VLF sensitivity 
>> modification, I used my QRP portable antenna (PAR EndFedZ) to listen 
>> down there.
>>
>> This morning I was listening to a QSO between K1JD and JA1NUT on 40 
>> meters.  JD was running S9+ with QSB down to around S3 and JA1NUT was 
>> about S7 down to S1 or so.  Accidentally turned Diversity on and WOW 
>> what a difference that made - Shin (JA1NUT) was totally readable with 
>> diversity mode on.  Had to get used to the stereo effect of having 
>> the signal pass between the speakers as the strength changed and one 
>> RX took over from the other but boy, it's much quieter than it used 
>> to be and the "whoosh" when tuning is completely gone.  Really like 
>> the improved version of diversity and that alone is worth the cost of 
>> the two syn boards in my opinion.
>>
>> Someone mentioned "birdies" with the new KSYN3A's but I haven't found 
>> any in mine.  He mentioned a much earlier serial number and I suspect 
>> that's the difference.  Mine is #5027 and I've had it for a few years 
>> now.  I AM running the latest firmware and have kept that current 
>> even through the Beta versions.
>>
>> Jim - W0EB
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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