[Elecraft] K3 Upgrade Path to Satellite Work.

[Barry Baines]

Jeff:

> On Jul 28, 2017, at 4:04 PM, W7BRS Jeff Wandling <dew7brs at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Years ago, I used to own a IC-910h.
> 
> For some stupid reason I sold it when I got distracted by something else
> that was important.  That was about 10 years ago.  Lesson learned.
> 
> I have always kept my K3 though.  I have done a bit of DX'ing with it for a
> long while.
> 
> Now, I want to re-enter the Satellite work again, and I need a full duplex
> Transceiver that can also work 2m/440.
> 
> Is there an upgrade path from a *SN #2100* era K3 to one that can do
> 
> a) Full Duplex (I assume this means getting the K3-SUB) and
> b) Tx on 2m for uplink and Rx 440 on down,  or  Tx 2m on uplink and Rx 10m
> down.
> 
> In other words, as long as I can do all of this:
> 
> 1.  K3SUB can Rx 2m/440 and the main Tx 2m/440
> 2.  K3SUB can Rx HF and main Tx 2m/440
> 
> 
> I don’t expect to need to Tx 2m/440 more than 10W ever.

There is a built-in all mode Two Meter module for the K3 that you could install (K144XV).  

For 70CM, the only option for use with a K3 that I’m aware of are transverters.  Elecraft offers transverters for various bands (See:  http://www.elecraft.com/XV/XV.htm <http://www.elecraft.com/XV/XV.htm>) or look at product offerings from Down East Microwave.  

See:  http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/category-s/1836.htm <http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/category-s/1836.htm>


> 
> Then, we're good.
> 
> I'm lost on the elecraft page of parts/kits.  My how things have changed
> there.
> 
> By the way I didn't see it, but is there a 1.2Ghz  KIT ?  Not required, but
> would be nice.


Elecraft doesn’t offer a 1.2 GHz capability but Down East Microwave does.   However, until Fox-1C and Fox-1D are launched, there aren’t any L-Band uplink capable amateur satellites currently in service.  Fox-1C is manifested to fly on a SpaceX Falcon-9 SSO-A launch from Vandenberg AFB in early 2018   Fox-1D is currently expected to fly on a PSLV launch from the launch complex at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India in late 2017.  


> 
> Any kind soul, please help me out with an upgrade path of which kits I need
> to get to do the full-duplex Satellite work that I used to enjoy.  (I'm all
> set on the antennas and such, just need the upgrades to the RIG).
> 

Hope this helps,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
(Currently in Columbia, SC)


> Thanks so much.
> 73
> W7BRS