[Elecraft] K3 to K3S Upgrade Questions for Elecraft

[Wayne Burdick]

David and Dianne on Comcast <dhhdeh at comcast.net> wrote:

> I have several questions for you as I consider the K3S upgrade decision in the near term.
> 
> My early K3 (Feb 2008) has an early sub-receiver installed.  I may be interested in purchasing a K3S but would like to use my current sub-receiver in the new K3S to keep the cost down. I believe you indicated earlier that it is compatible and is possible to do. So....
> 
> 1. Will my original sub-receiver's DSP board also work in the K3S?

Yes.


> Will a new sub-receiver DSP board work with an original sub-receiver in the K3S?

Yes.


> Any other considerations or suggestions?

No. The DSP board we're changing is the one for the main receiver/transmitter. That's the one that has the new AF circuitry on it. 


> 2. Can you summarize the changes from the early KPA3's to the more recent KP3A?

The KPA3A uses different output devices that are more readily available. Otherwise specs are the same.  


> 3. Has the K3 mixer board and its circuit on the K3 RF board undergone any changes from the early K3's to the K3S?

The K3 RF board has had a few minor updates, all covered by existing mod kits. The K3S adds an attenuator section (to provide 5/10/15 dB settings) and a completely revised layout using 4 layers to reduce noise pickup and improve port-to-port isolation.

73,
Wayne
N6KR