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Just pulled the trigger on a new Elecraft K3

Moleculo

Ham Radio Nerd
Apr 14, 2002
9,194
1,674
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Yep, after months of research, deliberation, and saving, today I placed an order for a new Elecraft K3 kit. Here is what I purchased:

K3 100W Transceiver (Modular Kit) $1899.95
Antenna Tuner (Modular Kit) $299.95
General Coverage RX Module $139.95
2.1 kHz, 8 pole filter $125.95
2.8 for 2.7 kHz filter swap $109.95
400 Hz, 8 pole filter $125.95
6 kHz, 8 pole filter $125.95
FM b/w filter $125.95
TCXO (1ppm) $99.95
Hand Mic. for K2/K3. $59.9

Total price without shipping and tax - $3113.50 :eek: If this rig works out, the Icom 746 Pro will get sold to help offset the cost.

I've been talking to W6NIA (who is a member here) for months about this rig. He is one of the field testers for Elecraft, so has intimate knowledge of both the company and products. He even has one of their pre-release Panadapters that are just now shipping. Hopefully he'll chime in on the discussion of this rig.

When I get it, I'm going to do a photo build article for the site so everyone can see how this rig goes together (y)
 

Yep, after months of research, deliberation, and saving, today I placed an order for a new Elecraft K3 kit. Here is what I purchased:

K3 100W Transceiver (Modular Kit) $1899.95
Antenna Tuner (Modular Kit) $299.95
General Coverage RX Module $139.95
2.1 kHz, 8 pole filter $125.95
2.8 for 2.7 kHz filter swap $109.95
400 Hz, 8 pole filter $125.95
6 kHz, 8 pole filter $125.95
FM b/w filter $125.95
TCXO (1ppm) $99.95
Hand Mic. for K2/K3. $59.9

Total price without shipping and tax - $3113.50 :eek: If this rig works out, the Icom 746 Pro will get sold to help offset the cost.

I've been talking to W6NIA (who is a member here) for months about this rig. He is one of the field testers for Elecraft, so has intimate knowledge of both the company and products. He even has one of their pre-release Panadapters that are just now shipping. Hopefully he'll chime in on the discussion of this rig.

When I get it, I'm going to do a photo build article for the site so everyone can see how this rig goes together (y)

I'm a little puzzled by the 2.8 for 2.7 filter swap---would there really be a perceptible difference between the two? I know that when I went from a 2.5 to a 2.1 in my FT-847, I could hardly tell the difference. I figured that I should have gone with the 1.8 to really make a difference.
 
Funny; I figured you for a Flexradio guy Mole. The filter selection is -of course- digital and customizable/selective with the Flex. With the stove crystal, it holds .5ppm.

What was it that tipped you the other way?
 
Congrats on the purchase keep us updated on your likes/dislikes.
I Had a long talk at lunch over the weekend with a friend who works there and he helped me make up my mind after being on the fence with my short 3 transceiver list.
I will be picking mine up in 2 weeks and can't wait. ( I live about 10 mins away)
I'm a little puzzled by the 2.8 for 2.7 filter swap---would there really be a perceptible difference between the two? I know that when I went from a 2.5 to a 2.1 in my FT-847, I could hardly tell the difference. I figured that I should have gone with the 1.8 to really make a difference.
We are talking 5 pole (2.7) vs 8 pole (2.8) filters here.The 8 pole will out perform it on crowded bands with strong adjacent signals.
 
It must be nice to be rich and famous like you Mole. You get all the good stuff.:drool:

Hell, I'm not famous and am the farthest thing from rich! But if you want to help with either, I'm all ears. I've been saving for quite a while for a new rig...so it feels good to finally be able to order it.

I'm a little puzzled by the 2.8 for 2.7 filter swap---would there really be a perceptible difference between the two? I know that when I went from a 2.5 to a 2.1 in my FT-847, I could hardly tell the difference. I figured that I should have gone with the 1.8 to really make a difference.

According to the ARRL test report, the difference in Blocking Gain Compression between the 2.7kHz 5 pole filter and 2.8kHz 8 pole filter is fairly significant when the stations are within a few kHz of you. Here is the key data:

2.7 kHz Filter @ 2kHz above/below - 115/85 db at minimum detected signal
2.8 Khz Filter @ 2kHz above/below - 134/86 db at minimum detected signal
2.7 kHz Filter @ 1kHz above/below - 93/83 db at minimum detected signal
2.8 kHz Filter @ 1kHz above/below - 113/84 at minimum detected signal

IMD is also a bit better with the 8 pole filter. Remember, in the K3, these are true roofing filters and you can still adjust the filter width and shape additionally through DSP.

Funny; I figured you for a Flexradio guy Mole. The filter selection is -of course- digital and customizable/selective with the Flex. With the stove crystal, it holds .5ppm.

See above paragraph. By using both roofing and DSP filtering, you get the best of both worlds without degrading IMD and Blocking Dynamic range. Here's an interesting article that discusses Elecraft's approach: Roofing Filters.

Remember the Elecrafts are also Software Defined Radios...they just don't require a PC to run the radio at all times. They're similar to the TenTec in that as new features are introduced (or bugs fixed), you can apply the latest firmware. I also like that this radio will transmit with supply voltage all the way down to 10 volts. That's pretty neat for portable use. There are a few other factors that swayed me this way as well. I hope I'm still convinced after I've used it for a while!
 
Congrats on new fancy box there Mo. I've heard many good things about these SDR's. Do give us a complete rundown on how you like the thing after serveral weeks use and when you get a chance. Enjoy !!
 
Congratulations! I love my K3 and had it for about two years already. I never get tired of it and get great audio reports. Sounds like you have the same stuff. I think I did a little over kill. I have the sub receiver but hardly use it. This radio is great. A few days ago, I talked to Moscow on it. I could hardly hear the station because of all the noise but once I started playing with all the filters, I was able to pull him through the static. Elecraft has a message board where K3 users help each other.
Here is the link

[K3] forum & mailing list archive
 

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