[Elecraft] Another KX3 vs K3S Query...

Thu Jul 14 09:22:04 EDT 2016

I've been monitoring this list for similar threads now for a bit now as my
situation is close to Maverick's.  I love my K2, but after having played
with some online sets via WebSDR.org and learning some basics on using a
panadapter has only piqued my interest to getting a newer set.  Data modes
are a new area for me to explore; something that's definitely doable with
the K2, but it takes a bit more effort to get it set up and working.
Beyond that, show me one guy (or gal) among us that has ever said no to the
possibility of a new radio.  ;)

The KX3 setup is appealing to me as I can keep the set near my bed where I
can listen later in the evening and yet keep it portable if I want to take
it with me.  The downsides of it are that it offers limited upgradeability
over time (I still haven't added all the options to my K2 that I built
years back) and what with no ticket, SWL and listening in on some nets are
my main interest.  By the time I end up getting a (new or old) KX3 along
with its panadapter and installing most of the add-ons, I will be
approaching the cost of a base model K3S.  And while I am by no means an
audiophile, I am curious as to how the KX3's bandwidth (~ 4kHz from what
I've read) on the broadcast bands compare to the K3S with the general
coverage module.

Either way, what with less than ten weeks before bambino number two arrives
for the xyl and I, it has been decreed by the missus that I had best make
this count as it will likely be the last large purchase for a bit.
Purchasing a used K3 and upgrading its components are a definite route as
Maverick mentions, but I agree that it imposes a bit of a limit in that I
won't have the "latest and greatest", if only to take advantage of any
improvements on design and/or layout of components.

73
Reuben

On Thu, Jul 14, 2016 at 7:01 AM, Brian Waterworth <
brian.waterworth at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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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