[Elecraft] K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions

[Bill Frantz]

Frank -

The K3 is a top quality radio as is. The "must have" improvement 
is the new synthesizer, the KSYN3A Synthesizer Upgrade. It will 
improve your ability to hear the pileup while chasing DX. The 
improvement is noticeable in normal operation. It also improves 
CW operation, but my CW isn't good enough to play in those leagues.

I have also installed the KIO3B -- the internal sound card and 
USB <--> RS232, which reduces the number of cables in the shack 
and eliminates the external sound card for digital modes. I also 
have the KXV3B RX Ant., 2nd Pre-Amp which gives more gain in the 
pre-amp. I'm waiting for the sunspots to come back to the the 
maximum use from it, although I did get good value during a 6M 
opening New Years Eve.

I am happy with the upgrades I have.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 5/18/18 at 10:21 PM, k6fw1 at verizon.net (Frank) wrote:

>I have a K3 with dual receivers that I purchased 5 years ago at 
>Dayton.  It is the best radio I have ever owned hands down.  
>My main use for the radio is chasing DX.
>
>I have read all the marketing materials about the improvements 
>the K3S has over the K3.  On paper and in the lab the radio is 
>an upgrade.  But in day to day operations at a home station 
>can an operator tell the difference between the two radios?
>
>Those who have upgraded what is your opinion?
>
>Would you upgrade the K3 with new parts or buy a K3S and transfer modules?
>
>I am leaning toward NOT upgrading the radio as the K3 seems to work great.  Am I missing something?
>
>Thanks for taking time to reply.
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