[Elecraft] K3 for SWL?

[John]

Hi Edward,

I had a thought, for a short time, that this would be a perfect use for a K3/0... Until I realised that it doesn't actually even have the option for running a receiver and is literally just a remote head.

Perhaps Elecraft might consider a receiver-only board for the K3/0 which would turn it into a reasonable SWL rig? I'm not sure of the feasibility of this idea, of course, but it's something that came to mind and might be useful for folk who wish to listen only, or run a receiver which can also be used to control a remote K3/100 or similar...

Not sure how much backing there would be though...

73, and a firm left handshake,
John (XLX)

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dauer, Edward
Sent: 02 February 2017 04:27
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 for SWL?

I would like to hear from anyone who uses a K3 or K3S extensively for general coverage HF / short-wave listening.

I am looking for a table-top receiver with general coverage strictly for bedroom listening, as the station downstairs already includes a K3/100 system, a KX3 system, two K2s, and a K1.  This seems to be a neglected part of the radio market.  What is available seems pretty slim and, frankly, tinny.  The Sangean ATS-909X has the best reviews but still looks like something I would have taken to the beach rather than sat in front of while transfixed with the global reach of radio.  The new ICOM IC-R8600 looks good, with a range up to 3 gigs, but it’s not available yet and the price is likely to be in the multi-kilobuck range when it is released.

So, being a loyal member of the Elecraft community, I thought about a K3S with just the basic 10 watt TX that this particular radio would never use, no sub-RX, the general coverage bandpass filter and the other accessories that would extend its range down to LF, an AM roofing filter and naught else.

Then I thought about the ongoing commentary about the K3’s audio . . . .   because . . .

I confess that what I am trying to recreate is the warm sound of a 10-tube supperhet in a large walnut cabinet with a cloth speaker grille and an amber back-lighted circular dial driven by dial cord and ganged capacitors while listening to a Radio Moscow announcer crow about Sputnik.  Or so I now fantasize about my early radio experiences in the 1950s.

I will spend some quality time with my own K3 trying this idea out, but thought I would also ask for counsel from the group.  Is there something out there I haven’t seen yet?  Is it reasonable to think about using a K3S in just this way?

Thanks for whatever thoughts anyone can offer . . .

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to john at eeek.org.uk