[Elecraft] Just bought a K3/10. What upgrades should I get?

[Alan. G4GNX]

Whilst I agree with your comments Don, I would say that perhaps a more 
important task would be to check the serial number, then go through all of 
the modifications that have been made and perform any that may matter to 
you. Many of the parts for mods are free from Elecraft (well done Elecraft) 
so it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Also, by delving inside your rig, you will learn a lot about "how it ticks".

73,

Alan. G4GNX

-----Original Message----- 
From: Don Wilhelm
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2017 3:09 AM
To: abullington at comcast.net ; elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Just bought a K3/10. What upgrades should I get?

Andy,

Congratulations on your purchase.

As far as options go, first look at your antenna - if you have all
resonant antennas, you do not need the tuner, but if you use a tuner,
get the KAT3A - or if you plan on the KPA500 later, get the KAT500 instead.

Next consider your operating desires.  If you will be doing SWLING, get
the KBPF3.  If you want coverage down to 100kHz, you will need both the
KBPF3 and the new synthesizer.  There is also a capacitor that should be
added when upgrading to the new synthesizer for coverage down to 100kHz.

If you do DXing, where you are operating split often, get the
subreceiver.  If you order the subRX, a new synthesizer comes with it,
so you will need to upgrade the synthesizer in your K3.

Doing voice operation, especially contests?  You may want the DVR option.

As far as filters go, operate with the filters you have until you can
decide if additional roofing filters are wanted.  Remember that these
are roofing filters and not the final filters - the DSP in the K3
provides the final filtering, and its bandwidth has nothing to do with
the roofing filters.
If you have the subRX and want to do much diversity receive, you should
match the filters in the SubRX and the mainRX for best results.

Remember that you do not have to add everything at once.  Operate it for
a while to decide if you want the capability afforded by the added options.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/28/2017 8:20 PM, abullington at comcast.net wrote:
> Years ago I built a nice K2/100 which I still have and love but I saw a 
> K3/10 for sale this morning on QRZ and bought it. It should get here 
> Tuesday. It’s serial number is 3521 and the seller said it had been back 
> to Elecraft in the last couple years for updates. not sure what that means 
> exactly. It has the 400 hz cw filter and an SSB filter but that’s all I’m 
> sure of. I’m 95% CW here and not a hard core contester. There seem to be 
> all sorts of little tweaks and major upgrades and stuff that needs other 
> things installed to work etc. My head is spinning from reading the 
> options. I am certainly getting the 100 watt module and I guess I should 
> get the new synth module if it doesn’t have it. Any advice? This will be 
> by far the best and most modern radio I have owned. Thanks in advance.
>