Elecraft

[KB9UWU]

I would say you will need the 1.8Khz filter for SSB contesting, but that's JMO.

I don't think anyone NEEDS a narrow filter for SSB contesting. But, I agree that it's all personal opinion/preference. In SSB contests I never go below 2.5k, but that's just me!

[KJ3N]

In SSB contests I never go below 2.5k, but that's just me!

I've cranked the K3 down to 1.4k on occasion.

[N0AZZ]

Last night there were 2 strong EU stations on 20m both a 59+ or better the were on 14.236 and 14.237 I have my K3 and my FTDX-5000MP on an 1/2 input button on my Yaesu VL-1000 amp. So switching between them can be done in a split second easy to check both radios. With my 5000 I was unable to completly remove the 2 stations from one another with the K3 use a stock 2.7 5 pole filter I worked the first one not hearing the other at all period then moved to the second and did the same. I was somewhat suprised the 5000 had a little better signal on them but lacked the brick wall filtering of the K3. It is a great experence compering these two radios together for the good and bad of each after all these are the # 1 and 2 radios on all the charts there are compairing all radios made.

I can't speak highly enough of the P-3 with the new SVGA setup also that really is an improvement to the unit. Now if they would just come out with a legal limit amp it would be great.

[N0NB]

Very interesting, Fred. Thanks.

I've not gotten the SVGA option for the P3 as it seems of dubious value to me in its current form (I already have a second monitor above the radio), or I just haven't read of a capability it provides that I need. The brain trust at Elecraft will probably figure out something for it to do that dictates I "need" one!

[AC0H]

Very interesting, Fred. Thanks.

I've not gotten the SVGA option for the P3 as it seems of dubious value to me in its current form (I already have a second monitor above the radio), or I just haven't read of a capability it provides that I need. The brain trust at Elecraft will probably figure out something for it to do that dictates I "need" one!

Other than a bigger screen for these old eyes I tend to agree but the firmware God's at Elecraft just released the first beta for running the K3 digi-modes (PSK-31 and RTTY) from the P3 via the USB keyboard port on the SVGA board.

[KG6MZS]

As someone who believes in a lot of the virtues of a free market, I am not a "buy American at all costs" kind of guy.

However, I've got to say I am proud of the guys at Elecraft for creating a truly superior product, IMO. Great example of what intelligent people at a responsive company can accomplish.

[N8XE]

I am an Elecraft user/builder and I love what they have produced. I have built 2 K2s (currently building my 3rd) and a KX1. I also own a K1. The radios are really that good. I like the building process and always feel a little letdown when I finish.

My dream station is the K3/P3/KPA500 but that won't happen for a long time. So I will use the smaller radios until then.

Jason N8XE

[WA3UCR]

My dream station is the K3/P3/KPA500 but that won't happen for a long time.

Me too. Actually, I am very close to pulling the trigger on the K3/100. I have built both the K2 with just about all the options and a K1. Guess I'll have to sell the K2 to keep some type of domestic peace around here when I order the K3.

You K3 guys that operate a lot of CW - what filters do you have? I like to chase CW DX and once in awhile do some CW DX contesting. As I read the stuff on the Elecraft website and reflector - it seems the optional roofing filters are not really required for casual operating, but would be helpful in a contest or pileup situation. What is your experience? I operate about 90% CW, 10% SSB.
Thanks es 73
Bill

[KC0W]

You K3 guys that operate a lot of CW - what filters do you have? I like to chase CW DX and once in awhile do some CW DX contesting. As I read the stuff on the Elecraft website and reflector - it seems the optional roofing filters are not really required for casual operating, but would be helpful in a contest or pileup situation. What is your experience? I operate about 90% CW, 10% SSB.

In my K3 I have both the 250 Hz, 8-pole & the 400 Hz, 8-pole filters.

The vast majority of the time they are set on 70 - 80 Hz. Unfortunately I have to "open 'em up" on occasion because of others not knowing/not caring to zero beat. (I just had to throw that barb in there)

Although there is no "ringing" to speak of when one goes on excursions into the 50 Hz & lower level (narrowest setting is 0.05 Hz) I find the attenuation a bit too much. There is a menu in the K3 to compensate for this though. It's interesting/fun to find a big signal & "close the walls" in on him down to 0.05 Hz. At this width I have to make sure I don't accidentally breath on the VFO or else he will go bye bye quickly.

The filters are roughly $130 each. If your spending money on a K3 already what's another $260 for good CW filtering is how I look at it.



Dit Dit,


Tom (the Mac plagiarizer) KCØW

[WB2WIK]

Me too. Actually, I am very close to pulling the trigger on the K3/100. I have built both the K2 with just about all the options and a K1. Guess I'll have to sell the K2 to keep some type of domestic peace around here when I order the K3.

You K3 guys that operate a lot of CW - what filters do you have? I like to chase CW DX and once in awhile do some CW DX contesting. As I read the stuff on the Elecraft website and reflector - it seems the optional roofing filters are not really required for casual operating, but would be helpful in a contest or pileup situation. What is your experience? I operate about 90% CW, 10% SSB.
Thanks es 73
Bill

I think you'd be thrilled with it for that, and may not have to add anything. But the filters can always be added later, if you feel you need them.

I operate a lot of CW and to me, a DX-60A with a stable VFO (I have a Hallicrafters HA-5 from the 60s and it's as stable as anything needs to be) and 75A-4 will make exactly as many contacts as a K3 under about 99% of all conditions, and that's gear dating to the 60s and 50s. But there are "those occasions" where something better helps.

I think the K3 is a fabulous CW rig. My earlier comments about it being "so-so" only applied to SSB operation, where unless they changed something recently, I believe are valid. When I had a K3 here for nearly a month, no matter how I adjusted the EQ (I tried every combination there is), it never sounded like my Ten Tec stuff. People could always tell the difference. So could I, just listening on a separate receiver.