[Elecraft] KX3 & CQ-160

[Richard Sharp, KQ4KX]

Just thought I'd drop a note on my experience using my KX3/PX3 setup for the
CQ-160 contest this past weekend.

 

I operated this contest last year using a 100W radio but decided to try QRP
this year.  I'm fortunate to be able to use an insulated AM broadcast tower
(220' w/120 ground radials) and had a very nice experience last year (2016).
So, thought I'd try QRP with my KX3 this year (2017).  My setup is a small
table in front of the AM tower's ATU connected to the tower side of a blank
J-Plug inserted into the jack (electrically disconnects the AM tuning unit
from the tower - and yes, the AM station was QRT during this time) using the
dual banana adapter on the KX3 with short leads going to ATU ground and the
tower side J-plug terminal.  The KXAT3 had no problem tuning the antenna
(tower) for 160m.

 

First off, the KX3's receiver was fabulous - this is the first time I've
used my KX3 during such crowded conditions and also with such a good antenna
where signals were strong.  It handled the conditions very well.  I found
operating with the RF gain at -30 made listening more comfortable.  However,
the KX3's receiver did not seem to have any problems prior to me reducing
the RX gain.  The PX3 was certainly nice to be able to "see" the band.
Unfortunately, being QRP I wasn't able to make nearly the Q's that I did
last year due to some stations just not being able to pull me out (many were
saying they had high noise or QRM).   I'm sure CW and/or the digital modes
would've been a bit more effective with this setup.  It seemed having the
stereo effect enabled on the KX3 resulted in a lot less ear fatigue using
earbuds.  I was able to make many contacts for the limited time (4 hrs.)
that I was operating.

 

Since I don't recall seeing much discussion using the KX3 on 160m with an
efficient antenna I thought I'd share my experience.  So, for those that
might be into the broadcast engineering circles and have access to an AM
tower (or other type of efficient 160m antenna) I'd certainly recommend
using a KX3 with such an antenna.

 

73,

Richard

KQ4KX