[Elecraft] K3s pre-purchase question

Sat Feb 13 13:05:53 EST 2016

Tom, we've all been there. I recently went through the same process you are
and it's very typical. 
Your questions start with >>> and the answers follow.

>>>I'll be taking my General class exam soon and moving on to HF.
CONTRATULATIONS!!!

>>>I've built many Heath kits in the day, so the Elecraft kits are striking
my interest.
Excellent choice!!

>>>I'm trying to configure a K3s kit and would sure like some help from you
experienced hams. 
Download the newest version of the assembly manual and read/understand the
process BEFORE starting. 
Definitely do a full inventory/count prior to starting.

>>>The up-front price is a lot for me so I'm trying to understand the
necessities? With an upgrade path every 6 months or so.
My opinion: Unless you're a hardcore contester the DSP does a WONDERFUL job
of filtering. I chose to grade the stock 2.7khz to 2.8Khz and add the 400Hz
filter. It's my view now (and the advice I was given prior to my purchase)
that you won't go wrong just going with the stock 2.7Khz filter (comes with)
and use the radio to determine if you want anything else. I've turned off
the 400hz filter to test and found the DSP is much more powerful than
anything I've seen or used. The 400hz filter helps when the band is
crowded/loud/noisy.

>>>First, would I be disappointed with starting out with the 10-watt
version? I imagine I'll be doing more listening in the beginning. But if
100-watts is important up front I'll get it.
10watts is fine. Put a lot of cash into low loss feedline and good antennas.
If you can do a yagi you'll be amazed what an antenna with gain will do. If
you CAN afford it then 100w is the standard. 
Understand what I'm trying to say. If you have high loss coax run into a
non-resonant antenna then 1000W won't be of any value because you can't
HEAR.
Focus on hearing, If you can hear them then all things being equal you can
work them, especially on CW. 
If you plan to use SSB mostly then definitely do the 100w.

>>>How about filter options? I'm guessing the standard filter will be ok to
start out with?
Already answered

>>>I may add the 2-meter option since my current radio needs replacing. If I
do is the K144XV Reference Lock Board necessary for 2-meter operation?
My opinion is KISS, keep it simply simple. If you want 2m then decide what
modes you want. Since you're upgrading to General I'm guessing you already
have some 2m gear. My view is to keep 2m separate unless you plan to do more
expensive things like moonbounce..etc.. 
For Sat work there are better options at this time.
Just my opinion.

>>>How about the KBPF3A General Coverage Receiver Filter?
I'm not sure what this is for. I listen AM stations now and don't have that
add on that I'm aware of.

>>>My antenna is a Cobra UltraLite Junior:  80-10 Meters 73 feet, installed
in my attic. I also have an Astron VS35m Power Supply, Heil PR-781 mic,
MFJ-993B Auto Tuner.
Get low loss feedline and ensure you have good station grounds. 

>>>Please recommend what options I should get with the K3s kit.
Personally: Kit + 100w + ATU to start. Later add crystals if you think you
need them, if you catch the contesting bug the DVR is nice, I purchased it
but haven't even used it to date. 

Remember if you can't hear it then you can't work it anyway. TX power has
limited value.. better to be the elephant with big ears than an
alligator...all mouth no ears... :)

73 ..

Jerry Moore
CDXA, INDEXA, SKCC, Fists
AE4PB, K3S - S.N. 010324
http://www.qrz.com/db/AE4PB
An Amateur is - Considerate, Loyal, Progressive, Friendly, Balanced, and
Patriotic.

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tom
Brohl
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2016 12:29 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3s pre-purchase question

Hello Elecraft subscribers,

            I've been a ham for quite some time as a Technician class using
2-meter. I'm retired now with more time for my hobbies.

I'll be taking my General class exam soon and moving on to HF.

I've built many Heath kits in the day, so the Elecraft kits are striking my
interest.

I'm trying to configure a K3s kit and would sure like some help from you
experienced hams. 

The up-front price is a lot for me so I'm trying to understand the
necessities? With an upgrade path every 6 months or so.

First, would I be disappointed with starting out with the 10-watt version? I
imagine I'll be doing more listening in the beginning. But if 100-watts is
important up front I'll get it.

How about filter options? I'm guessing the standard filter will be ok to
start out with?

I may add the 2-meter option since my current radio needs replacing. If I do
is the K144XV Reference Lock Board necessary for 2-meter operation?

How about the KBPF3A General Coverage Receiver Filter?

My antenna is a Cobra UltraLite Junior:  80-10 Meters 73 feet, installed in
my attic. I also have an Astron VS35m Power Supply, Heil PR-781 mic,
MFJ-993B Auto Tuner.

Please recommend what options I should get with the K3s kit.

Thanks for your help!

-Tom

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