[Elecraft] KX-3

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> If I could get rid of the pauses, I could use the K3s built-in USB
> sound card. The KX3 doesn't have one, so I'd need an external audio
> interface or sound card if I wanted total voice automation with that
> rig.

Unfortunately, since the KX3 (and KX2) lack dedicated Line In/Ln Out
jacks, interfacing headphones and a mic at the same time as a sound
card for DVK and/or RTTY/PSK is nearly impossible.  That significantly
limits the suitability of the KX3 (and KX2) as a serious contest rig
even if one discounts the 20 dB *higher* transmit phase noise of the
KX3 (comparison of composite noise test data of K3/100 [Feb 2009 >
1 KHz.] vs. KX3 [Dec 2012]) or nearly double the keying bandwidth at
60 WPM of the KX3 vs. K3 (same two product reviews).

The K3 is cleaner at 1 KW than the barefoot KX3.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 5/31/2016 11:58 AM, Mike Dodd wrote:
> On 5/31/2016 11:40 AM, Mike Kasrich wrote:
>> Has anyone put together a KX-3 kit. Is any more or less involved that
>> putting together a K-3?
>
> I assembled both. The K3 is more involved than the KX3, but both were
> straightforward. The instructions and parts lists are top-notch for both
> rigs.
>
>> Anyone use a KX-3 in a contest and interfaced
>> with N1MM+? Any quirks/tips?
>
> Yes to both. Both play very well with N1MM+. I haven't noticed any
> quirks. On SSB contests with non-variable exchanges (i.e., no serial
> number), I recorded messages in the KX3's two DVR memories. This allowed
> me to operate in one mode (e.g., S&P or run), but I needed more DVR
> memories to record messages for the opposite mode. The K3s has more DVR
> memories, so I expect to be able to use four of them.
>
> I did NOT record .wav files and play them through the rig for total
> voice automation. I don't like the typical pause between spoken letters
> and numerals. W....1....A....W   FIVE NINE  NUMBER....THREE....SEVEN....TWO
>
> If I could get rid of the pauses, I could use the K3s built-in USB sound
> card. The KX3 doesn't have one, so I'd need an external audio interface
> or sound card if I wanted total voice automation with that rig.
>
> My KX3 currently is in storage, and is not for sale.
>
> Hope this helps.
>