[Elecraft] Another KX3 vs K3S Query...

Thu Jul 14 08:01:18 EDT 2016

Hi Joel,

For pain point #1: I set up two macros accessible via the same PF key on
the KX3.  The last couple of macro commands setup a toggle on each macro
line.  Makes switching between SSB and Digital very easy/fast with the
press of one button.  I offer the two macros for your consideration.
Adjust as you like.

KX3 commands to setup for SSB operation:
SWH29;MD2;BW0300;GT004;MG045;AG010;ML000;PC010;MN110;SWT19;SWH18;MN255;

KX3 commands to setup for Digital operation:
GT002;MG013;AG007;ML007;MD6;DT0;RG250;PA0;PC005;MN096;MP001;MN255;BW9999;SWH29;

For pain points 2 and 3, I too am suffering from these noise spikes.
Thanks for your experience and applied knowledge.  Helps me understand the
situation better.  I noticed these are more prominent when operating the
KX3/PX3 on a shared battery source via powerpoles.  When I operate the
KX3/PX3 with their individual wall warts when in the shack, I don't see the
centre frequency noise.  This is a recent revelation.  I too had to run the
RX shift at 8KHz this past FD and couldn't use narrowing techniques to
focus in on a particular PSK signal.  The noise peak was so strong it bled
300-500hz into the PSK bandpass.  I suppose I could have removed the PX3
from the equation as I really don't need it for PSK.  I had it more for
RTTY.

regards,
Brian
VE3IBW

On Thu, Jul 14, 2016 at 7:32 AM, Joel Black <joel.b.black at gmail.com> wrote:

> Let me add a little to the fray then.
>
> Up to recently, I had both the K3/P3 combo *and* a KX3. I sold the K3/P3
> and added a PX3 to the KX3. I am looking to add the KXPA100 sooner or later.
>
> My K3 had a lot of options:
>
> 100 W amp
> 2nd receiver
> BPF on the 1st receiver
> 500 Hz CW filters in both receivers
> 2.7 kHz SSB filter in both receivers
> TCXO
> Tuner
>
> Maybe other options, I cannot remember now.
>
> Why did I sell the K3/P3? Well, my lifestyle changed. I work a regular
> 8-hour job sitting behind a desk. It dawned on me a couple of months ago,
> when I get home, I sit behind a desk. I took up mountain biking (and
> eventually running and swimming) to get out of the house more often. I
> pared down my operation to just the KX3 and added the PX3 because I like
> being able to see what I’m working - I’m spoiled.
>
> Downsides to what I did? Yep:
>
> 1. Cannot easily switch between voice and data modes on the KX3.
> 2. Noise spikes all over the PX3 that drive my OCD haywire. This is a
> product more of how the PX3 receives spectrum from the KX3 and not the PX3
> itself. I never saw all that noise on my P3 because it took the IF from the
> K3. The PX3 takes the I and Q. Now I get to try and get all the noise out
> of the shack *or* learn to live with it.
> 3. I have to run the RX SHFT at 8.0 kHz for every band so the KXFL3 is
> useless to me.
>
> I am working on a 3 or 4PDT switch for the voice to data issue. I will use
> a macro on the PX3 to swap between the modes as I did on the K3. I haven’t
> really started working on the noise issue. Not sure how to address #3 as I
> just noticed it within the past day or two.
>
> That said, I’m glad I made the swap. It is way more in line with my
> operating habits. I am not a contester although I will enter one every now
> and again. My greatest enjoyment comes from chasing SOTA summits and
> working SKCC contacts and the JT modes. The KX3/PX3 combo works great for
> all of those. I’m adding the KXPA100 just for any nets. I’m not in a huge
> hurry, just looking for a good deal.
>
> So, take that or leave it. It’s just my personal experience based on *my*
> operating habits.
>
> 73,
> Joel - W4JBB
>
> > On Jul 14, 2016, at 06:17, MaverickNH <cbjesseeNH at comcast.net> wrote:
> >
> > Summarizing some great offline feedback I'm getting, I can see a few
> options
> > emerging:
> >
> > 1. Get a loaded K3S/P3
> > 2. Get a loaded KX3/PX3/KXPA100 system
> > 3. Get a loaded/used K3/P3, which "beats" a KX3 system used for a base,
> at
> > about the cost of a KX3 system
> > 4. Get a "limited" K3S/P3 system, which is similar in most ways to a KX3
> > system and can be expanded later
> >
> > For the limited K3S option, I think I would do without a SubRX and filter
> > set, no 2M, no new speakers, and come in at $5600. So not about saving
> money
> > as much as delaying spend.
> >
> > The used K3/P3 option is attractive, but I miss out on the "Next
> Generation"
> > hardware and add some risk for used equipment. Past the 1 year warranty,
> I'm
> > only trusting the owner that "as is" is fully functional.
> >
> > The loaded KX3 system can be had used for ~$4000, so not to be dismissed.
> > Expansion options are limited, but a KX3 system may exceed my
> > needs/capabilities for several years. Who know what will be on the
> market in
> > 2020?
> >
> > Funds don't free up until 1AUG so I've got time for musing and more
> > feedback.
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Another-KX3-vs-K3S-Query-tp7620068p7620125.html
> > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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