[Elecraft] K3S - Help me decide on which options to purchase

[Wes Stewart]

Since you've had a K3 before, you should have some insight as to how if 
fulfilled your needs.

The radios are very similar, I have both and for the most part don't see a world 
of difference, other than the old one is more reliable.  The K3S preamp is 
better if you care about the higher bands.

I am mainly interested in chasing DX.  Because I have a KPA500 and KAT500, I 
don't have a tuner in either radio, although obviously, the old K3 predates the 
external amp/tuner.  Also, I don't have a second receiver.  You can work DX, 
even with wide splits without one.  I do it all the time.

I would recommend the 2.8 kHz filter just because the symmetry is better and 
this affects TX opposite sideband rejection.  I have a 400 Hz and a 250 Hz 
filter, only because I was given the latter. The 400 is fine for CW and optimum 
if you venture into RTTY.

If you're only interested in a couple of bands you should be able to have 
matched antennas and won't need a tuner.

If you want general coverage RX or are interested in the VLF stuff get the 
filter.  But really, installing one later is a matter of removing a few screws 
from the top cover and plugging it in.  The same is true of crystal filters 
except you have to remove two covers.  Don't be afraid of this stuff.  You have 
a ham license remember?

Wes  N7WS

On 5/11/2018 12:49 PM, Michael Gillen via Elecraft wrote:
> Hi guys,
>
> I’m looking to purchase a K3S in the near future and I would like y’alls input on which options to include. I had a K3 before however due to financial issues I had to sell it. Now I want to get back into radio again and I want to get a K3S.
>
> I mostly get on the OMISS Nets on 40m however I want to also learn how to Dx on 20m (and other bands?) soon. And I want to eventually start CW after I teach myself how to CW. Those are my near term goals (next two years). One consideration is that whatever I include when I order the K3S will be installed and calibrated by Elecraft at the factory. If I added options later I would have down time and cost of shipping and cost of the work as well (I don’t really want to do it myself even though I did build my first K3).
>
> I am likely going to include the 2.7 filter.
>
> Other possible options are:
>
> Other filters
> General Rx
> Second Rx
> ???
>
>
> Thanks,
> Michael
> KK6RWK