[Elecraft] K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions

Sat May 19 05:49:30 EDT 2018

Hello Frank,

As of recently I have both a K3 (without upgrades) and a K3S. The improvements which stick out for me are the improved CW timing of the new synthesizer at speeds above 32WPM or so, the easiness and ruggedness of the new internal soundcard when setting up digital modes, the selectable attenuation levels between 0 and 15db per band and, yes, the soft-touch VFO A grip. I have not seen the need to use preamp 2 but this may be because of my noisy environment causing S-meter action even on a dead 10m band. Others love it for weak-signal work.

While the new attenuator is not available as an upgrade most other things are. It boils down to your personal needs. If you have been happy with the rig as it is then there is little reason to upgrade. Personally I had given up on the K3 early on because of the CW timing issues which are explained in great detail by N6TV (see links). Now, the K3S is my preferred CW rig.

http://lists.f5mzn.org/pipermail/support/2013-November/083384.html
http://mldxcc.org/n6tv-k3.pdf

You may consider selling your K3 as it is (maybe saving the roofing filters) and get a used K3S depending on prices on the second-hand market.

73,

Stefan DL1IAO, SA3CWW/SM9A

--
Stefan v. Baltz
DL1IAO at contesting.com
http://www.dl1iao.com

> Am 19.05.2018 um 07:21 schrieb Frank <k6fw1 at verizon.net>:
> 
> 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.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Frank
> 
> K6FW
> 
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