[Elecraft] K3S vs. K3

[Edward R Cole]

Salvo,

I attempted to make a contrasting list and those improvements that 
one can make to the K3 to bring it up to K3S performance in my e-mail 
titled: "K3S vs K3 - upgradability" (repeated, below):

1. Ultra-low noise synth.  Boards obtainable for upgrading the K3 - 
I'll do this (for both Rx).
2. Second Preamp - I have a 6m preamp so not sure I will get the 
external PR6-10 - but maybe.
3. Multiple Atten Levels - not necessary for me.
4. USB/RS232 ports - I will not upgrade this.  I am not fond of RJ45 
connectors and current RS232 is fine.
   Internal soundcard probably will not suit my use - I like having 
the direct audio lines in/out.
5. KAT3 - not installed - no plan to do it now - I would like a two 
antenna selectable system - but not end of world.
6. Redesigned speaker amp - probably not - cost factor of replacing 
two DSP boards.
7. Fast T/R - I only do 15wpm - understand this is part of the synth upgrade.
8. Extended RX with modified KBPF3A - I understood a kit was 
available for to DIY - I will get a kit
9. Enhanced Look/Feel - maybe the soft touch VFO knob - not an 
important thing for me.

The improved SYNTH provides improved receiver noise and improvements 
in fast CW speeds.  This enabled extended use below 490-KHz to 
include the 630m and 2200m bands.  Receiver reception is limited to 
above 250-Hz by the current KPBF3 so minor mods to it and the RF 
boards extends this to 100-Hz.

The FAQ indicates addition of USB I/F and an internal soundcard.  Not 
known if this eliminates the audio line-in/out.

Improved receiver audio was done with a new version of the DSP 
board/improved speaker amp.

I think this is the best one can discern without schematics and 
detailed feedback from questions to Elecraft (They are still at Dayton).

For me this is not enough motivation to buy the K3S; I will 
incorporate the mods into my K3 that I determine 
desirable/cost-effective that fit my use.  I like that they are 
mostly available for upgrading the K3. The "promise" of a SDR is 
non-obsolescence over time.  But reality is eventually a total 
re-design will be possible and a new radio will emerge.

K3S is a improved package of the K3 and not a K4 (whatever that would be).

73, Ed - KL7UW

-------------------------
From: iw1ayd - Salvatore Irato <iw1ayd at gmail.com>
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3S vs. K3
Message-ID: <555710E4.5030109 at googlemail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed

Hi all.
Does anybody out there had made a comparison and contextualized paper in
between the two?
Not a short list of commercial point of views?

A deep table, going down to the technical and non technical aspects of
the circuitry and the related operations features.
That is a deep table with discussion about almost all the changes. A
loyal view of what's going on.

Too early? So we are reading just FAQ and surface only considerations.

It is in the make?
There is already one for each product? (as to make an apple to apple
comparison)

    Thank in advance for any pointer to useful, not commercial, documents.

            73 de iw1ayd Salvo

PS at least the 50 MHz section will be in favor of the K3S with no
retrofitting I think.




73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
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