[Elecraft] A confession
Gary, Take time out, study the manual learn to embrace the modern features and play, play and play some more to learn your way around. You have taken the tests, passed the exams etc so practice what has been preached. Get rid of the big rice box, keep the TS590s (best value on the ham market today) for back up or field day. Then just fall in love with your K3 - simples. Very 73 Chris M5LRO --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
H ... My K3 (S/N 0056) has never missed a beat, so to speak. Firmware updates have always gone smoothly. It sees heavy contest usage, FD, and sometimes travels in an RV with dirty 12V / solar / wind power, etc. Could you elaborate about what you meant to say? More stable firmware and displays and Hickups. bumps or whatever ... hard to be more vague than that!! (;-) You did your friend a disservice. 73 ! Ken - K0PP On Feb 10, 2014 7:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Mike, it seems that simply bypassing the beta versions would avoid such issues re F/W. But I don't get the displays comment. My criterion would be to have only mods which require no disassembly, soldering, etc. -- which can happen early on. I don't yet have one, but I reckon the K3 should be past that stage by now. 73, Phil On 2/10/14, 6:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. 73 Mike R __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Mike, I believe if you carefully examine the reports of hiccups, bumps, and whatever, you will find that many (if not most) of them are the result of computer setup with the various logging and rig control applications that users attempt to set up or use with the K3. Another area of frequent problem reports is connections to a digital interface of some sort. These are not K3 problems, but problems users have had setting up and using those applications and accessories and the computer problems which result. The K3 has wisely chosen to 'put its computers' (microprocessors) inside the K3. There are very few real problems with the K3 loaded with production level firmware. There is no dependency on a variety of computers coupled with a variety of operating systems. The Utility programs do need a computer to run, but are normally not needed for other than firmware loads and saving the configuration. The Utility programs do provide several user conveniences for things like loading CW memories more easily than doing it with the K3 alone - use of those added Utility features is optional and is the user's choice. The K3 hardware has been quite solid for a long time now. Yes, there are user questions that come up here frequently that are easily resolved through questions here on the reflector, and yes if you look at the problems that are revealed by those who load beta firmware, you may find some problem reports - but that is what beta firmware is all about, and only those who are willing to try it and report any problems should be using a beta version. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/10/2014 9:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Mike, It's occurred to me that I should ask ... Do you have / use an Elecraft radio? If so, have you had a firmware ... or display issue with it and did you ask for and / or receive help? I have the impression you're just echoing other poster's comments. On Feb 10, 2014 7:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
As someone coming back to the K3 family, the only hiccups I ever had with my K3s were operator error induced like trying to load new firmware through a virtual port. No issues whatsoever with displays or firmware unless you consider some minor degradation of CW decode functionality a few years ago in one of the later firmware upgrades but that was fixed shortly thereafter by the Elecraft team and I went back to the previous version anyway during that time between fixings. You won't get that kind of support from any other rig manufacturer. Keith AK6ZZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Feb 10, 2014, at 6:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
I've watched this thread now for several days and finally decided to comment. I have owned several very good rigs in the past and when I bought my first K3 I still owned a FTDX-5000MP and a FTDX-1000 Field well equipped in a SO2R setup using MicroHAM products. I had owned the 5000 for about 2 yrs. the 2nd one delivered in the US I bought the K3 (used) on a whim one day as I wanted to see what they were all about. The 5000 was and still is very close to the top of the pile for transceivers on any lists that count . The K3 I bought had been stripped down to sell all it had was the stock 2.7 5 pole filter and an IF out. The first thing I did was set it up on a A/B switch with the 5000 so all 5 of my antennas could be used by both and making them easy to compare. Long story short after 3 mo. I sold both the 5000 and the 1000 and bought a loaded K3 then had both in the SO2R. You ask why, was it a much better performer, no, ( and yes the second receiver is the best made though) was it the looks, no, none of these things. It was Elecraft the company period support, upgrades, parts for every radio they have ever produced even at times sending you a small part for free. Can you name me a single company that does all of those plus updates for their products always something new or requested thank God for SDR's and companies who really keep up with them and listen to the customer. Hell I could go on for a stupid amount of time and server space but most all reading know all of this already, preaching to the choir. Oh yes I do now own a few other Elecraft products as well, all because of one used radio. 73, Fred/N0AZZ K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 5210--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100 P3/SVGA--KAT500--W2 Amps Elecraft KPA500 HF/6m--Alpha's 9500 HF--87A HF--Mirage B-5030-G 300+w--(2) B-5016-G's 165w 2m -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Monday, February 10, 2014 9:37 AM To: mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A confession Mike, I believe if you carefully examine the reports of hiccups, bumps, and whatever, you will find that many (if not most) of them are the result of computer setup with the various logging and rig control applications that users attempt to set up or use with the K3. Another area of frequent problem reports is connections to a digital interface of some sort. These are not K3 problems, but problems users have had setting up and using those applications and accessories and the computer problems which result. The K3 has wisely chosen to 'put its computers' (microprocessors) inside the K3. There are very few real problems with the K3 loaded with production level firmware. There is no dependency on a variety of computers coupled with a variety of operating systems. The Utility programs do need a computer to run, but are normally not needed for other than firmware loads and saving the configuration. The Utility programs do provide several user conveniences for things like loading CW memories more easily than doing it with the K3 alone - use of those added Utility features is optional and is the user's choice. The K3 hardware has been quite solid for a long time now. Yes, there are user questions that come up here frequently that are easily resolved through questions here on the reflector, and yes if you look at the problems that are revealed by those who load beta firmware, you may find some problem reports - but that is what beta firmware is all about, and only those who are willing to try it and report any problems should be using a beta version. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/10/2014 9:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Hmmm ... Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. We are not however each entitled to our own facts. The latest K3 Firmware Production Release on the website is 4.67 with a release date of 16 April 2013 -- coming up on a year old. Beta software/firmware versions are versions-in-test. Developers have tested all the changes as best they can. The developer however, is at the less effective end of the testing spectrum, just as proofreading your own compositions usually results in misteaks slipping through. The current K3 Beta Firmware is 4.81, just released. Installing Beta firmware makes you part of the Test Team. You *will* find problems, along with all your comrades on the Beta Test Team. That's not the fault of the developers, it's just life. If you want stable, fully-tested firmware in your radio, don't join the Test Team. My K3 [#642] is running 4.58 which was the Production Release when I installed it, after a fairly lengthy beta test period. It has been completely stable, no hiccups, bumps, or whatever. I read all the release notes for K3 production firmware releases. So far, nothing beyond 4.58 has contained any changes/additions that affect my station configuration. When one comes along that does affect my configuration, I'll evaluate whether or not I need/want the features/capabilities of that release. I have chosen not to join the Elecraft Beta Test Team. Everyone can make the same choice ... or not. It is a choice that each of us get to make, and it, like practically every choice in life, carries consequences. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org . On 2/10/2014 6:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Ken, Yes,I have a Elecraft radio thank you very much. I misspoke about the display but I have had some issues, not as many as some. I have received help as well. I'm sure there is a tendency to confuse beta with non beta. That's pretty hard to do unless you keep a list. I like the radio, I'd just like it to be more rock solid. Apparently some or many think it already is. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. On Feb 10, 2014, at 10:11 AM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com wrote: Mike, It's occurred to me that I should ask ... Do you have / use an Elecraft radio? If so, have you had a firmware ... or display issue with it and did you ask for and / or receive help? I have the impression you're just echoing other poster's comments. On Feb 10, 2014 7:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Hi Mike ! What would make it more rock solid in your view? What about the radio and / or production firmware isn't? 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP On Mon, Feb 10, 2014 at 11:20 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: Ken, Yes,I have a Elecraft radio thank you very much. I misspoke about the display but I have had some issues, not as many as some. I have received help as well. I'm sure there is a tendency to confuse beta with non beta. That's pretty hard to do unless you keep a list. I like the radio, I'd just like it to be more rock solid. Apparently some or many think it already is. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. On Feb 10, 2014, at 10:11 AM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com wrote: Mike, It's occurred to me that I should ask ... Do you have / use an Elecraft radio? If so, have you had a firmware ... or display issue with it and did you ask for and / or receive help? I have the impression you're just echoing other poster's comments. On Feb 10, 2014 7:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Gary.. I sure wish I had a K3/P3 here. I have a TS-590 still with the plastic on the front if you want another..(hint hint..lol) Scott W0SGM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887p7584000.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
The LPA board protection for one. This occurs usually when using some amps. The tell tale is reduced output and TX Gain calibration unsuccessfull. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. On Feb 10, 2014, at 12:27 PM, Rose elecraftcov...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Mike ! What would make it more rock solid in your view? What about the radio and / or production firmware isn't? 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP On Mon, Feb 10, 2014 at 11:20 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: Ken, Yes,I have a Elecraft radio thank you very much. I misspoke about the display but I have had some issues, not as many as some. I have received help as well. I'm sure there is a tendency to confuse beta with non beta. That's pretty hard to do unless you keep a list. I like the radio, I'd just like it to be more rock solid. Apparently some or many think it already is. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. On Feb 10, 2014, at 10:11 AM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com wrote: Mike, It's occurred to me that I should ask ... Do you have / use an Elecraft radio? If so, have you had a firmware ... or display issue with it and did you ask for and / or receive help? I have the impression you're just echoing other poster's comments. On Feb 10, 2014 7:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] A confession
I think Chris summarizes the issue pretty good. Gary, it kind sounds like you have not taken the time necessary to really get familiar with your K3 (excuse me if this is incorrect). I found it took me about three weeks of playing and reading the manual until I became fairly comfortable with using the features (only some, not all) of the K3. The Fred Caty manual had not been written so this was a little more difficult on some topics and features, but I figured them out with a little time tinkering and reading. This list is a great resource of knowledge, too! The K3 does require more time to become versed in its abilities and that can try one's patience if just wanting to plug n play. I bought my K3/10 as a kit so had that process before even turning it on. So take it out of the box and connect an antenna, with hopefully Fred's manual at hand, just step thru the pages of the manual and try some of the stuff he writes. Great way to get more familiar with the radio. You might want to skip some chapters if not particular to your interests. Give the radio some time and do compare it on the air with the TS-590. I haven't had my hands on the TS-590 but I suspect you will develop an appreciation for the K3. When I chose the K3 it was after several years of studying the literature and comments. I came from having a TS-180 in 1980, TenTec 505 Argonaut, TS-50, FT-840 (liked that one), and FT-847 (great VHF/UHF but disappointing on HF). I also acquired the FT-817 when it came out. Being active in eme on VHF+, I needed a good CW radio and a transverter friendly radio and that brought me to the K3/10. The fact that is a SDR means I do not have to shell out more money every 2-3 years for the latest advances in radio technology (so far this has been true). I sold my FT-847 to raise cash for a 222 and 432 transverter and finally sold the FT-817 in favor of the KX3. With addition of the 2M module the KX3 will have pretty much replaced what I used with the FT-817. To purchase my K3 I had to promise my wife that this would be the last big ham purchase in my life as we entered retirement (and reduced income). Yeah, I lied, but she understands (thankfully). But I can say the K3 is fulfilling that promise since buying it four years ago. Elecraft is unique in providing equipment support and upgrades (via firmware). And upgrading is purely voluntary on your part, so you do not have to if not interested. Finally, there is a lot of new stuff going on in ham radio if you look, so if the same old stuff' has gotten boring, take a look at some of the digital modes, soundcard programs, come up to VHF/mw or down to MW and LF. Try building some stuff - can be fun! Get out of the house and go portable/mobile. You get the idea. Gary, come back in a few weeks and tells how it goes! 73, Ed - KL7UW 600m to 3cm - From: Chris Pickett chrispick...@blueyonder.co.uk To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] A confession Message-ID: 007EA2BDBDB947DFB83C34C81959B1E5@chrisshack Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Gary, Take time out, study the manual learn to embrace the modern features and play, play and play some more to learn your way around. You have taken the tests, passed the exams etc so practice what has been preached. Get rid of the big rice box, keep the TS590s (best value on the ham market today) for back up or field day. Then just fall in love with your K3 - simples. Very 73 Chris M5LRO 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Kits made by KL7UW Dubus Mag business: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
And as I said in a private message to him... Fred's book is a godsend to those that just got an Elecraft K3 or KX3... KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them! From: Edward R Cole kl...@acsalaska.net To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, February 10, 2014 2:03 PM Subject: [Elecraft] A confession I think Chris summarizes the issue pretty good. Gary, it kind sounds like you have not taken the time necessary to really get familiar with your K3 (excuse me if this is incorrect). I found it took me about three weeks of playing and reading the manual until I became fairly comfortable with using the features (only some, not all) of the K3. The Fred Caty manual had not been written so this was a little more difficult on some topics and features, but I figured them out with a little time tinkering and reading. This list is a great resource of knowledge, too! The K3 does require more time to become versed in its abilities and that can try one's patience if just wanting to plug n play. I bought my K3/10 as a kit so had that process before even turning it on. So take it out of the box and connect an antenna, with hopefully Fred's manual at hand, just step thru the pages of the manual and try some of the stuff he writes. Great way to get more familiar with the radio. You might want to skip some chapters if not particular to your interests. Give the radio some time and do compare it on the air with the TS-590. I haven't had my hands on the TS-590 but I suspect you will develop an appreciation for the K3. When I chose the K3 it was after several years of studying the literature and comments. I came from having a TS-180 in 1980, TenTec 505 Argonaut, TS-50, FT-840 (liked that one), and FT-847 (great VHF/UHF but disappointing on HF). I also acquired the FT-817 when it came out. Being active in eme on VHF+, I needed a good CW radio and a transverter friendly radio and that brought me to the K3/10. The fact that is a SDR means I do not have to shell out more money every 2-3 years for the latest advances in radio technology (so far this has been true). I sold my FT-847 to raise cash for a 222 and 432 transverter and finally sold the FT-817 in favor of the KX3. With addition of the 2M module the KX3 will have pretty much replaced what I used with the FT-817. To purchase my K3 I had to promise my wife that this would be the last big ham purchase in my life as we entered retirement (and reduced income). Yeah, I lied, but she understands (thankfully). But I can say the K3 is fulfilling that promise since buying it four years ago. Elecraft is unique in providing equipment support and upgrades (via firmware). And upgrading is purely voluntary on your part, so you do not have to if not interested. Finally, there is a lot of new stuff going on in ham radio if you look, so if the same old stuff' has gotten boring, take a look at some of the digital modes, soundcard programs, come up to VHF/mw or down to MW and LF. Try building some stuff - can be fun! Get out of the house and go portable/mobile. You get the idea. Gary, come back in a few weeks and tells how it goes! 73, Ed - KL7UW 600m to 3cm - From: Chris Pickett chrispick...@blueyonder.co.uk To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] A confession Message-ID: 007EA2BDBDB947DFB83C34C81959B1E5@chrisshack Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Gary, Take time out, study the manual learn to embrace the modern features and play, play and play some more to learn your way around. You have taken the tests, passed the exams etc so practice what has been preached. Get rid of the big rice box, keep the TS590s (best value on the ham market today) for back up or field day. Then just fall in love with your K3 - simples. Very 73 Chris M5LRO 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Kits made by KL7UW Dubus Mag business: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
If someone is not intimately familiar with the K3's behavior, and prepared to look for and document bugs, I don't understand why they would install BETA firmware. I've had limited operational time with my K3/P3 and therefore would be uncertain if behavior was a bug or cockpit error. My interest is occasional contesting and 6m. Running beta firmware is not consistent with my activities. I updated once about a year after the radio was put into service, and will do again because there's a feature in the latest vers that I want. It's unclear from postings whether the issues are related to beta firmware releases or not. If they are, then you got what you signed up for! 73, Josh W6XU On 2/10/2014 6:01 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
You still haven't explained what you feel isn't rock solid about the radio ... Dave AB7E On 2/10/2014 11:20 AM, mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com wrote: Ken, Yes,I have a Elecraft radio thank you very much. I misspoke about the display but I have had some issues, not as many as some. I have received help as well. I'm sure there is a tendency to confuse beta with non beta. That's pretty hard to do unless you keep a list. I like the radio, I'd just like it to be more rock solid. Apparently some or many think it already is. 73 Mike R __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Friends, Surely you can understand that there are going to be hiccups with Beta firmware.I seldom use Beta Firmware because I want to avoid hiccups. Then even with the final version of the update there are people using the products in so many different iterations that there may well be items they wish were different.Perhaps these too are hiccups.I think you would find the same thing with the TT Orion II which I presently own.Perhaps the major difference being that Elecraft continues to develop the K3 while I think the Orion II is passing from production. I am so grateful for the development policy of Elecraft. If I thought the K3 was shortly to be bypassed by a newer rig then I would not have encouraged a good French Ham friend to purchase one.It greatly pleases me to see that the K2 is approaching 7k something with its number and that the K3 has passed 8K for serial number. I also use the KX1 and KX3. The KX1 is not so much an SDR though it too has been updated - nice wee rig.I must admit that what Wayne said is true the KX3 is not much larger. Perhaps twice the volume but all bands and modes with a speaker - it does it all.I managed FT5ZM this morning on 12M CW running 5 W using this great rig. This on the third call. So with respect Elecraft let the wind blow through your hair and continue along the path you have pioneered. You are blowing them all to the side. No obsolescence, oh I like your approach. For me the reason to own a K3 is almost as much the company as the radio. You guys have a great philosophy and approach to engineering. One man's opinion and others have theirs.I learn from all of you. Enjoy your radios and keep up the commentary. 73 Doug EI2CN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of mikerodgerske5...@yahoo.com Sent: 10 February 2014 14:01 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A confession The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays. I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever. I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers. 73 Mike R RIP- Mr 500. STP's Andy Granatelli from racing fans everywhere. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Hello Gary, I've used some radio's the last 34 years... Once all parameters are set to personal convience, you never have to dig the menu's again. The most important controls which are nescessary are there, and easy accessible. (I was running one of these wonderfull FT1000-MK5 radios during the PACC contest, oh man, these controls, the overview, the size...I hate that) Don't worry about software. Don't update the firmware if you are happy with an older version (Don't fix it if it ain't broken). Think out of the box, and get this K3 out of it as well. Play the radio, and you are going to love and even prefer this K3, I'm sure. 73's, Evert PA2KW Thanks for any comments either directly or here. I'm looking for perspective on the Elecraft products versus others some have used. 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887p7583893.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
I have been an op for well over 50 years and have used most everything out there at one time or another. What you are currently using boils down to only a few topics: 1. Does it perform as you desire (do the job for you)? 2. Does its operation (complex or simple) please you? 3. Specific to you - does the rig offer a reasonable cost to performance ratio? Rig choice is personal to each of us and certainly should not be based solely upon the remarks/advice of others. Bill W2BLC K-Line (??) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Gary, I wish I had the money to have your problem of having a K3 sitting in a box and what to do with it :-) Like someone else mentioned, I'll be happy to take it off your hands and test it out for you to make sure Elecraft sent it back in tip top shape. Hihi 73, Steve KS6PD On Sunday, February 9, 2014, Bill W2BLC w2...@nycap.rr.com wrote: I have been an op for well over 50 years and have used most everything out there at one time or another. What you are currently using boils down to only a few topics: 1. Does it perform as you desire (do the job for you)? 2. Does its operation (complex or simple) please you? 3. Specific to you - does the rig offer a reasonable cost to performance ratio? Rig choice is personal to each of us and certainly should not be based solely upon the remarks/advice of others. Bill W2BLC K-Line (??) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
The K3 will work fine if you never update the firmware. You should also not need to access the menu in normal operation. I am a person who likes to twiddle things -- you may not be. But it isn't necessary. The K3 will provide much better performance than the transceivers that you mention below in situations where there are strong signals close to a desired signal. If you don't do an A/B comparison you might not notice this -- or, it may not be important for the kind of operating you do. It also has a feature which the other transceivers do not have, which is the ability to do true double-diversity reception. Again, this might not be important to you. Finally, it is true that the K3's human interface is a little different than what you may be familiar with. This is not an important consideration, since you will quickly get used to whatever radio you use. On 2/8/2014 11:48 PM, Gary NL7Y wrote: Thanks to all, including Wayne N6KR, for commenting on their experience and suggestions for continued use of the K3/P3. Despite my experience and ability to read the OM, I had some issues with the audio output connections and 2nd VFO control. It was recommended to me to return the rig for a rebirth because I hadn't used the Utility program and saved the original factory configuration before a hard reset. Its consequences wasn't a deal breaker, and Elecraft treated me very well as always getting the radio back operating properly. My conundrum is how the K3 (and work in progress P3 with SVGA-keyboard enabled software) will exceed the performance of my TS-590, MK-V Field, or unmentioned IC-765. I'm not a troll as some have suggested (my skin is tougher than yours), but a rather basic person given to operating rather than idly fussing with electronics. I've owned and/or operated many radios over the last 20 some years and am very familiar with my second K3/P3. The question remains for me to answer: will they both still be in a box a month from now? And if so, why not? Thanks for any comments either directly or here. I'm looking for perspective on the Elecraft products versus others some have used. 73, Gary NL7Y -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] A confession
It seems to me we have reached maturity in the hobby, or is it near saturation ? Your choices today are among several fine brands of transceivers, and the developments to come will be in the form of integration with chip technology being applied in many ways. Hence one can work that rare DX station simply by entering the call on QRZ and with a few simple rolls of the mouse ~ the TRX is set ~ Antenna is turned ~ then a button is pushed for the exchange ~ and the log entry is made. thrill to some and boring to others Each of us has to find our level of satisfaction - - - Cheers, Jan K1ND __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Think about your problem this way: When Yaesu wanted to upgrade the FT1000MP, they brought out the more expensive and poorer-performing Mark-V Field (sorry if I offend, but the difference in RX performance between the two has been long noted). When they decided to grade the Mark V Field, the came out with the more expensive and poorer-performing FT2000. When they needed to upgrade the FT2000, they came out with the better-performing and MUCH more expensive FT5000. See a pattern here? When Elecraft wants to update the K3, they either release a free firmware update which adds features or fixes bugs; or they release a reasonably-priced replacement board or option board that can be installed by the end user. This is a company philosophy that is diametrically different than Yaesu or Icom. (I don't mention Kenwood because at this point, they don't really even count as a major amateur manufacturer anymore, unless you're buying an HT. [Again, sorry if I offend, but it took them 20 years to replace the TS950SDX, and the TS990 is inferior in every way to that rig, except for button population.]) Elecraft doesn't force you to buy an new, better (more expensive) rig when they upgrade the features or performance of the K3. And they've already said that whatever K4 feature/improvements there are on the horizon will be backwards compatible with the K3. So, if you don't like be bothered with updating your firmware, sell your K3/P3 and buy another Yaesu. And when they upgrade that rig, you can buy another Yaesu, and on and on... Nobody here can tell you why you should take your K3 out of the box. If you don't need what it has to offer in performance, then you should sell it. K3s aren't perfect and they aren't for everyone, and Elecraft's continual improvement style of product development isn't for everyone. It took me a long time to get used to the fact that my radio could always get better if I wanted it to, without me having to buy a new rig. Some people want the product to be finished when they buy it and would rather just go through the product cycle, and buy a better/more expensive product when it comes out in a year or two, like they've been trained to do. I go to Dayton almost every year, and I used to love seeing the various new HF rigs on display by the Big 2 and I would begin saving my pennies so I could buy the next cool rig. I don't do that now. I am honestly not at all interested in changing to something else from the K3. I still look at the other offerings, but they just don't interest me. Not because I'm a kool-aid drinking lemming, as one of my friends labeled Elecraft owners (he now has a K3/KPA500), but because the K3 suits my needs by being excellent, expandable and improvable. I don't need to buy the next big rig any more, I already have it. 73, Scott, N9AA On 2/9/14 2:48 AM, Gary NL7Y wrote: My conundrum is how the K3 (and work in progress P3 with SVGA-keyboard enabled software) will exceed the performance of my TS-590, MK-V Field, or unmentioned IC-765. I'm not a troll as some have suggested (my skin is tougher than yours), but a rather basic person given to operating rather than idly fussing with electronics. I've owned and/or operated many radios over the last 20 some years and am very familiar with my second K3/P3. The question remains for me to answer: will they both still be in a box a month from now? And if so, why not? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
I get you Gary. I've been a ham for almost 30 years and have gone though a few radios. For me the K3/P3 is the best radio I've ever had and the most fun since I first got started. But being a SDR, it is the most touchy. I didn't have it a couple of days when I got lost with the software. Not making a software back up I had to have Elecraft send me a copy. I've also had to use this forum a few times to correct operator problems. The Elecraft K3/P3 has all the controls I want, is easy to use (for the most used functions), and hears great. It is definitely smarter then me, but I can live with that. John N4LJS On Feb 8, 2014, at 22:51, Gary NL7Y pea...@gci.net wrote: I'm Gary and I'm a ham radio operator. This winter I bought my second K3/P3 to replace a mediocre new TS-990. After some self generated issues with the speaker output, the sub-receiver VFO, and hard reset, I sent the K3 back to Elecraft for regeneration. It was fixed in a timely manner and returned. Thank you Elecraft. In the meantime I reverted to my trusty two...a Kenwood TS-590 and Yaesu MK-V Field. Both work well, are simple to use and maintain, and have their place in my shack. Recently FT5ZM was monitored and worked with the 590...good S5 copy on both but the key was hooked to the 590, so it got the nod. Next to VK0IR, that's a long haul via Grey Line from Interior KL7. Now the confession. The K3 still sits in its unopened box, next to the P3/SVGA in its. I keep asking myself, will I ever remove and use them again? I'm not a SDR or computer enthusiast, and the reason I got rid of the first K3/P3 was having to deal with the occasional O/S bumps, frequent updates, and relatively complex user interface for both. Being a slave to a piece of equipment no longer interests me. I'm still working on a solution. Anyone else go through this to their satisfaction? 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
THIS GAY IS AN IDIOT, DON'T YOU SEE THIS? John Kendra jkendr...@gmail.com schrieb am 19:35 Sonntag, 9.Februar 2014: I get you Gary. I've been a ham for almost 30 years and have gone though a few radios. For me the K3/P3 is the best radio I've ever had and the most fun since I first got started. But being a SDR, it is the most touchy. I didn't have it a couple of days when I got lost with the software. Not making a software back up I had to have Elecraft send me a copy. I've also had to use this forum a few times to correct operator problems. The Elecraft K3/P3 has all the controls I want, is easy to use (for the most used functions), and hears great. It is definitely smarter then me, but I can live with that. John N4LJS On Feb 8, 2014, at 22:51, Gary NL7Y pea...@gci.net wrote: I'm Gary and I'm a ham radio operator. This winter I bought my second K3/P3 to replace a mediocre new TS-990. After some self generated issues with the speaker output, the sub-receiver VFO, and hard reset, I sent the K3 back to Elecraft for regeneration. It was fixed in a timely manner and returned. Thank you Elecraft. In the meantime I reverted to my trusty two...a Kenwood TS-590 and Yaesu MK-V Field. Both work well, are simple to use and maintain, and have their place in my shack. Recently FT5ZM was monitored and worked with the 590...good S5 copy on both but the key was hooked to the 590, so it got the nod. Next to VK0IR, that's a long haul via Grey Line from Interior KL7. Now the confession. The K3 still sits in its unopened box, next to the P3/SVGA in its. I keep asking myself, will I ever remove and use them again? I'm not a SDR or computer enthusiast, and the reason I got rid of the first K3/P3 was having to deal with the occasional O/S bumps, frequent updates, and relatively complex user interface for both. Being a slave to a piece of equipment no longer interests me. I'm still working on a solution. Anyone else go through this to their satisfaction? 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Name-calling WILL NOT be tolerated on Elecraft reflectors. If someone says something you disagree with, discuss it, but don't insult them. The most recent example was completely uncalled for. The original poster was expressing his completely justified concerns, in a polite way. We all need to respect this. 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
You want product obsolesance.?...How about the Icom's progression of new improved starting with the IC-756, followed by the IC-756PRO, IC-756PRO II, IC-756PRO III , and finally (?) the IC-7600. I'll admit, they suckered ME into ithad 'em all. Got a K3/P3/VGA now. 73, Charlie k3ICH - Original Message - From: Scott Manthe scott.man...@gmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2014 1:32 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A confession Think about your problem this way: When Yaesu wanted to upgrade the FT1000MP, they brought out the more expensive and poorer-performing Mark-V Field (sorry if I offend, but the difference in RX performance between the two has been long noted). When they decided to grade the Mark V Field, the came out with the more expensive and poorer-performing FT2000. When they needed to upgrade the FT2000, they came out with the better-performing and MUCH more expensive FT5000. See a pattern here? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
And They Walk Among Us! 73, Fred/N0AZZ Monett, MO. -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wayne Burdick Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2014 2:01 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A confession Name-calling WILL NOT be tolerated on Elecraft reflectors. If someone says something you disagree with, discuss it, but don't insult them. The most recent example was completely uncalled for. The original poster was expressing his completely justified concerns, in a polite way. We all need to respect this. 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
I have had my K3 for about four years. The unit can be intimidating at first to a new user. The menu system is massive and at times scary. The microphone gain and compression have to be set correctly if you want to get through a pileup. There are a few other operating tricks that help improve performance that can be picked up on this reflector. In my experience the menus almost never need to be touched. Everything needed for effective operation is at your fingertips on the front panel controls. Operation has become simple and intuitive for me. As far as firm upgrades are concerned, those are extraordinarily easy and straightforward if you stay away from beta versions. The software update program is clear, straightforward and automatic, just tell it to update the radio and let it alone until it is done. This is a wonderful, effective and well-designed piece of equipment. You already have it, get it out and enjoy it. -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Walter Underwood Sent: Saturday, February 8, 2014 11:05 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A confession Here' s a solution. Send the K3 and P3 to me, and if I every completely figure them out, I'll send them back and explain it all. :-) wunder K6WRU On Feb 8, 2014, at 7:51 PM, Gary NL7Y pea...@gci.net wrote: I'm Gary and I'm a ham radio operator. This winter I bought my second K3/P3 to replace a mediocre new TS-990. After some self generated issues with the speaker output, the sub-receiver VFO, and hard reset, I sent the K3 back to Elecraft for regeneration. It was fixed in a timely manner and returned. Thank you Elecraft. In the meantime I reverted to my trusty two...a Kenwood TS-590 and Yaesu MK-V Field. Both work well, are simple to use and maintain, and have their place in my shack. Recently FT5ZM was monitored and worked with the 590...good S5 copy on both but the key was hooked to the 590, so it got the nod. Next to VK0IR, that's a long haul via Grey Line from Interior KL7. Now the confession. The K3 still sits in its unopened box, next to the P3/SVGA in its. I keep asking myself, will I ever remove and use them again? I'm not a SDR or computer enthusiast, and the reason I got rid of the first K3/P3 was having to deal with the occasional O/S bumps, frequent updates, and relatively complex user interface for both. Being a slave to a piece of equipment no longer interests me. I'm still working on a solution. Anyone else go through this to their satisfaction? 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Walter Underwood wun...@wunderwood.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Charlie, You must admit it's been fun along the way :-). I have Icoms Yeasus etc scattered around here everywhere, about 10 of them and they have all given me pleasure at some time or another and still do. I got an SG2020 when they came out...thought it was the best thing since sliced bread! It's died more times than I have had hot dinners...but I still have it and does currently work! And then I drank the Elecraft Kool Aid...the taste was mysterious, but I grew to like it very much. I look forward to new software releases all the time now..when I load them up I get that new radio feeling every time..yet I still have the same hardware :-) Never look to the past, always look to the future and your next Elecraft purchase! 73, Jack VK4JRC Club.www.cqara.org.au Member WIA SARL ARRL GQRP #14392 QRPARCI #15068 VKQRP.#833 On 10 Feb 2014, at 6:40 am, Charlie T, K3ICH pin...@erols.com wrote: You want product obsolesance.?...How about the Icom's progression of new improved starting with the IC-756, followed by the IC-756PRO, IC-756PRO II, IC-756PRO III , and finally (?) the IC-7600. I'll admit, they suckered ME into ithad 'em all. Got a K3/P3/VGA now. 73, Charlie k3ICH - Original Message - From: Scott Manthe scott.man...@gmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2014 1:32 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A confession Think about your problem this way: When Yaesu wanted to upgrade the FT1000MP, they brought out the more expensive and poorer-performing Mark-V Field (sorry if I offend, but the difference in RX performance between the two has been long noted). When they decided to grade the Mark V Field, the came out with the more expensive and poorer-performing FT2000. When they needed to upgrade the FT2000, they came out with the better-performing and MUCH more expensive FT5000. See a pattern here? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
I think I get Gary, too, on some points. I almost gave up ham radio 8-10 years ago. The operating had become routine and boring. DXing was indistinguishable from post card or stamp collecting to me. What changed it was a club member bringing a bunch of QRP rigs he had built to a meeting. Among them were a Rockmite and a K1. Next day I ordered one of each. Since that day, I have been as immersed in ham radio as any time in the last 57 years I've been licensed. I've since added two K2's and a KX1. I have no qualms about opening the cases of any of them and heating up the soldering iron to try something, though most of my ham activities involve sitting at the bench systematically working through the homebrewer's bible, EMRFD, and learning to program PICs in Forth (tired of C...if I stop for lunch I need to be retrained). But I could never generate the same interest in the KX3 or K3. I've come close to buying a KX3 based on the absolutely superb specs and incredible reviews, but something's missing for me. I said the same about the first luxury Japanese cars when I worked in that industry; superb engineering and build quality, but they have no soul. The KX3/K3 kit builds are mostly mechanical not electronic. And who really knows what's going on inside that box beyond the block diagram which is all that is provided. I don't mean this to be critical. I don't know what hidden things are going on inside this computer I'm typing on either. SDR, with its hidden computer circuits, is where RF and ham radio is going. It's a very natural progression for Elecraft as one of the leaders in ham radio. Nobody could last long in this high tech age sticking with thru-hole QRP kits. But there are people like Gary, and like me, who don't see the same radio magic in SDR that others see. I work on everything from boatanchors (Viking Ranger on the bench right now) to homebrew original design SMT and PIC projects, so I'm not some old f**t longing for the good ole days. (OK, maybe old f**t, but not the longing part) I love the new technologies, but I just can't get behind a rig that really isn't meant to be opened up and tinkered with. Hats off to the Elecraft team for producing such technological wonders, but also hats off to them for keeping more classic rigs like the K1 and K2 in their product line. Eric KE6US On 2/9/2014 10:41 AM, John Kendra wrote: I get you Gary. I've been a ham for almost 30 years and have gone though a few radios. For me the K3/P3 is the best radio I've ever had and the most fun since I first got started. But being a SDR, it is the most touchy. I didn't have it a couple of days when I got lost with the software. Not making a software back up I had to have Elecraft send me a copy. I've also had to use this forum a few times to correct operator problems. The Elecraft K3/P3 has all the controls I want, is easy to use (for the most used functions), and hears great. It is definitely smarter then me, but I can live with that. John N4LJS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
I agree, Eric. My thought on a solution is for him to sell his second K3/P3; it's not a religion, after all. I see this the reason I got rid of the first K3/P3 was having to deal with the occasional O/S bumps, frequent updates, and relatively complex user interface for both. Being a slave to a piece of equipment no longer interests me. as very telling. For me that's one of the reasons I'd pay a premium to own a K3. OTOH, he could just ignore the updates, unless one is critical in some sense (e.g., to meet FCC spectral purity requirements). I've not done all the updates to my K2/100 and don't plan to. And the K3 cannot be evolving all that much now, some five or so years after it first appeared. Many other rigs *never* evolve; I see that as a downside, perhaps he do not. We all come at this hobby a bit differently. There was a time when I averaged 5,000 CW QSOs for three years running -- that was close to 60 years ago and I was obsessed. For about ten years (1993-2003) I mostly build qrp gear and operating in spurts. So likely others change in their focus over time. I get the impression that Gary is more focused on operating just now -- and his TS-590S is a fine rig. But I rather enjoy doing the firmware updates (even with my K2 which I have to disassemble) and the fact that Wayne and Eric strive to keep every product at the cutting edge. 73, Phil w7ox On 2/9/14, 1:13 PM, EricJ wrote: I think I get Gary, too, on some points. I almost gave up ham radio 8-10 years ago. The operating had become routine and boring. DXing was indistinguishable from post card or stamp collecting to me. What changed it was a club member bringing a bunch of QRP rigs he had built to a meeting. Among them were a Rockmite and a K1. Next day I ordered one of each. Since that day, I have been as immersed in ham radio as any time in the last 57 years I've been licensed. I've since added two K2's and a KX1. I have no qualms about opening the cases of any of them and heating up the soldering iron to try something, though most of my ham activities involve sitting at the bench systematically working through the homebrewer's bible, EMRFD, and learning to program PICs in Forth (tired of C...if I stop for lunch I need to be retrained). But I could never generate the same interest in the KX3 or K3. I've come close to buying a KX3 based on the absolutely superb specs and incredible reviews, but something's missing for me. I said the same about the first luxury Japanese cars when I worked in that industry; superb engineering and build quality, but they have no soul. The KX3/K3 kit builds are mostly mechanical not electronic. And who really knows what's going on inside that box beyond the block diagram which is all that is provided. I don't mean this to be critical. I don't know what hidden things are going on inside this computer I'm typing on either. SDR, with its hidden computer circuits, is where RF and ham radio is going. It's a very natural progression for Elecraft as one of the leaders in ham radio. Nobody could last long in this high tech age sticking with thru-hole QRP kits. But there are people like Gary, and like me, who don't see the same radio magic in SDR that others see. I work on everything from boatanchors (Viking Ranger on the bench right now) to homebrew original design SMT and PIC projects, so I'm not some old f**t longing for the good ole days. (OK, maybe old f**t, but not the longing part) I love the new technologies, but I just can't get behind a rig that really isn't meant to be opened up and tinkered with. Hats off to the Elecraft team for producing such technological wonders, but also hats off to them for keeping more classic rigs like the K1 and K2 in their product line. Eric KE6US __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
I don't get where it is being said that the K3 keeps turning into a new receiver every time a firmware release happens. There hasn't been any MAJOR improvements in the K3 for about 2 years. Sure minor upgrades have been made. Even one that only 1 person ask for And now the KAT500 has been downgraded to less than what it was when released. The slow response time for reading frequency changes has dropped the tuner down a class or 2. And being without it for weeks while waiting for an upgrade was hard to take. I personally think Elecraft has been sloppy with firmware releases. Too many betas released to soon with too many bugs. That never happened 2-3 years ago. I say use whatever rig works for YOU! Enjoying your radio is the most important thing. Whatever radio that may be. Keith -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887p7583937.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Heck, Charlie, Icom did the same with the IC-706 (the XYL has one of the originals). They didn't even change the model number, only the suffix, and it's on the third incarnation. 73 de Jim - AD6CW Happy with my K3 and KX3 On 2/9/2014 12:40 PM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote: You want product obsolesance.?...How about the Icom's progression of new improved starting with the IC-756, followed by the IC-756PRO, IC-756PRO II, IC-756PRO III , and finally (?) the IC-7600. I'll admit, they suckered ME into ithad 'em all. Got a K3/P3/VGA now. 73, Charlie k3ICH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
On 2/9/2014 3:08 PM, Jim Lowman wrote: Icom did the same with the IC-706 (the XYL has one of the originals). They didn't even change the model number, only the suffix, and it's on the third incarnation. And it's a nasty trash generator. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
I want to thank all that replied to my OP for their perspectives. In fairness to the ham's experimental spirit I plan to return my K3/P3 to the bench and relearn the O/S. It appears the Utility program's features are essential, and I need to download and become familiar with that product. I own and have read Fred KE7X's work as well. I now clearly see the point of Elecraft's business model vs others. I too went through the I-Y-K model evolutionary odyssey, and don't wish to repeat those events. Thanks for the sound advice from where experience counts, 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887p7583940.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Glad that the XYL claims it, although she isn't active at the time. 73 de Jim - AD6CW On 2/9/2014 4:11 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On 2/9/2014 3:08 PM, Jim Lowman wrote: Icom did the same with the IC-706 (the XYL has one of the originals). They didn't even change the model number, only the suffix, and it's on the third incarnation. And it's a nasty trash generator. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
On 2/9/2014 4:14 PM, Gary NL7Y wrote: It appears the Utility program's features are essential, and I need to download and become familiar with that product. While it's good to learn to use it, the radio will work forever without it. The Utility program has three primary functions. 1) It will automatically go to the Elecraft website, download the latest versions of firmware, check what's in your radio, and allow you to update the rig if it needs it. 2) It makes it easier to load CW memories and some settings. 3) It allows you to save all of the settings in the radio so if something breaks, you can restore your setup. The P3 Utility has the additional functions that allow you to save displays that you see on the screen. As others have noted, these firmware updates expand the capabilities and tweak the way things work. If you never did an update, things would still work just fine, but you wouldn't have the new features. Each product has its own Uitility -- the K3, the P3, the KPA500, and the KAT500 -- and they all work the same. VERY easy to use. I typically open up each one of them every 6 months to a year to see if there's anything new. I have two complete stations, and it takes 30-45 minutes to do everything. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Keith - Beta testing by definition means it may not be ready for prime time. That it's named a beta release is not an indication of sloppiness. In fact, I believe Elecraft has already done extensive unit testing, and user testing by a selected focused group. I look forward to each improvement, hoping someday to get my suggestion incorporated. I'd much rather spend a few minutes to get the latest model radio, than a few thousand dollars to do the same. I have only a K3 and P3, so can't comment about other products. I have always loaded the betas when they come out, and have never had a problem. I also don't do a formal test protocol (since I retired, I don't have to any more). 73, Mike NF4L On Feb 9, 2014, at 4:55 PM, XE3/K5ENS nela...@yahoo.com wrote: I don't get where it is being said that the K3 keeps turning into a new receiver every time a firmware release happens. There hasn't been any MAJOR improvements in the K3 for about 2 years. Sure minor upgrades have been made. Even one that only 1 person ask for And now the KAT500 has been downgraded to less than what it was when released. The slow response time for reading frequency changes has dropped the tuner down a class or 2. And being without it for weeks while waiting for an upgrade was hard to take. I personally think Elecraft has been sloppy with firmware releases. Too many betas released to soon with too many bugs. That never happened 2-3 years ago. I say use whatever rig works for YOU! Enjoying your radio is the most important thing. Whatever radio that may be. Keith -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887p7583937.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Eric, I think in your message copied below you come closest to expressing and understanding the anxiety in Gary's mail. I am a loyal, frequent, multi-mode user of my K3, but there is more to the hobby for many of us than the latest software upgrades, software/hardware interface issues and bugs that form the content of the majority of posts on this reflector. Complete station automation through software and integrated hardware is not a goal for many, including me, in the hobby. Although I do admit that I am anxiously waiting for the K3/0 mini so I can remote from my home QTH to my shack 100 miles away. For me there is the joy putting my mind and hands to work finding the bad guy(or guys) among the resistors, capacitors, inductors, Rube Goldberg mechanisms and tubes of my 75A4 (a crystal set compared to the K3) and KW-1 (not KWS-1). With a complete schematic spread out in front of me, using logic and measurements the precise function of every one of those hundreds of discrete components is clear. The process of understanding, maintenance and repair is far different from finding a software bug or resolving an interface issue and equally as rewarding, I think. And one more, not so subtle point: K3 + Drake L4B (1200W; $400 with a month's work at the bench) + Johnson KW Matchbox (no, it doesn't suddenly re-tune on its own; got to put hands on it, but getting it to stop arcing over was a challenge; $100) yields an amplifier + tuner cost per watt of $0.42. You can make that calculation with other amplifier/tuner combinations that have a set of headaches that you can't fix yourself. Perhaps now Gary's plaint and my, and others like me, more extreme deviation from 2014 orthodoxy are more understandable. There is fun for each of us in this hobby! 73, Buzz W3EMD Message: 26 Date: Sun, 9 Feb 2014 13:13:28 -0800 From: EricJ eric_c...@hotmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A confession Message-ID: blu0-smtp366155560253c298c845db68e...@phx.gbl Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed I think I get Gary, too, on some points. I almost gave up ham radio 8-10 years ago. The operating had become routine and boring. DXing was indistinguishable from post card or stamp collecting to me. What changed it was a club member bringing a bunch of QRP rigs he had built to a meeting. Among them were a Rockmite and a K1. Next day I ordered one of each. Since that day, I have been as immersed in ham radio as any time in the last 57 years I've been licensed. I've since added two K2's and a KX1. I have no qualms about opening the cases of any of them and heating up the soldering iron to try something, though most of my ham activities involve sitting at the bench systematically working through the homebrewer's bible, EMRFD, and learning to program PICs in Forth (tired of C...if I stop for lunch I need to be retrained). But I could never generate the same interest in the KX3 or K3. I've come close to buying a KX3 based on the absolutely superb specs and incredible reviews, but something's missing for me. I said the same about the first luxury Japanese cars when I worked in that industry; superb engineering and build quality, but they have no soul. The KX3/K3 kit builds are mostly mechanical not electronic. And who really knows what's going on inside that box beyond the block diagram which is all that is provided. I don't mean this to be critical. I don't know what hidden things are going on inside this computer I'm typing on either. SDR, with its hidden computer circuits, is where RF and ham radio is going. It's a very natural progression for Elecraft as one of the leaders in ham radio. Nobody could last long in this high tech age sticking with thru-hole QRP kits. But there are people like Gary, and like me, who don't see the same radio magic in SDR that others see. I work on everything from boatanchors (Viking Ranger on the bench right now) to homebrew original design SMT and PIC projects, so I'm not some old f**t longing for the good ole days. (OK, maybe old f**t, but not the longing part) I love the new technologies, but I just can't get behind a rig that really isn't meant to be opened up and tinkered with. Hats off to the Elecraft team for producing such technological wonders, but also hats off to them for keeping more classic rigs like the K1 and K2 in their product line. Eric KE6US __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] A confession
I'm Gary and I'm a ham radio operator. This winter I bought my second K3/P3 to replace a mediocre new TS-990. After some self generated issues with the speaker output, the sub-receiver VFO, and hard reset, I sent the K3 back to Elecraft for regeneration. It was fixed in a timely manner and returned. Thank you Elecraft. In the meantime I reverted to my trusty two...a Kenwood TS-590 and Yaesu MK-V Field. Both work well, are simple to use and maintain, and have their place in my shack. Recently FT5ZM was monitored and worked with the 590...good S5 copy on both but the key was hooked to the 590, so it got the nod. Next to VK0IR, that's a long haul via Grey Line from Interior KL7. Now the confession. The K3 still sits in its unopened box, next to the P3/SVGA in its. I keep asking myself, will I ever remove and use them again? I'm not a SDR or computer enthusiast, and the reason I got rid of the first K3/P3 was having to deal with the occasional O/S bumps, frequent updates, and relatively complex user interface for both. Being a slave to a piece of equipment no longer interests me. I'm still working on a solution. Anyone else go through this to their satisfaction? 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Gary, It is difficult to determine what you are trying to accomplish with your post. I cannot decide if it is intended to be humorous or you are attempting to solicit response by trolling. In either case, to make it more realistic, I suggest you state that you replaced a TS-590 and a Yaesu MK-V Field with the K3/P3 rather than replacing a TS-990 with a K3/P3 as your first sentence indicates. 73, Bob K6UJ On Feb 8, 2014, at 7:51 PM, Gary NL7Y wrote: I'm Gary and I'm a ham radio operator. This winter I bought my second K3/P3 to replace a mediocre new TS-990. After some self generated issues with the speaker output, the sub-receiver VFO, and hard reset, I sent the K3 back to Elecraft for regeneration. It was fixed in a timely manner and returned. Thank you Elecraft. In the meantime I reverted to my trusty two...a Kenwood TS-590 and Yaesu MK-V Field. Both work well, are simple to use and maintain, and have their place in my shack. Recently FT5ZM was monitored and worked with the 590...good S5 copy on both but the key was hooked to the 590, so it got the nod. Next to VK0IR, that's a long haul via Grey Line from Interior KL7. Now the confession. The K3 still sits in its unopened box, next to the P3/SVGA in its. I keep asking myself, will I ever remove and use them again? I'm not a SDR or computer enthusiast, and the reason I got rid of the first K3/P3 was having to deal with the occasional O/S bumps, frequent updates, and relatively complex user interface for both. Being a slave to a piece of equipment no longer interests me. I'm still working on a solution. Anyone else go through this to their satisfaction? 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
From everything I know the TS-590 is an excellent rig, especially for the money, and fit for virtually any competent station. But here's what I gather from your post: a. You really didn't know how to use your K3 without breaking it. b. You prefer a rig that can't be improved with updates because it's simpler that way c. An essentially set-and-forget- menu system confuses you If there was any other point to your post, please clarify. Dave AB7E On 2/8/2014 8:51 PM, Gary NL7Y wrote: I'm Gary and I'm a ham radio operator. This winter I bought my second K3/P3 to replace a mediocre new TS-990. After some self generated issues with the speaker output, the sub-receiver VFO, and hard reset, I sent the K3 back to Elecraft for regeneration. It was fixed in a timely manner and returned. Thank you Elecraft. In the meantime I reverted to my trusty two...a Kenwood TS-590 and Yaesu MK-V Field. Both work well, are simple to use and maintain, and have their place in my shack. Recently FT5ZM was monitored and worked with the 590...good S5 copy on both but the key was hooked to the 590, so it got the nod. Next to VK0IR, that's a long haul via Grey Line from Interior KL7. Now the confession. The K3 still sits in its unopened box, next to the P3/SVGA in its. I keep asking myself, will I ever remove and use them again? I'm not a SDR or computer enthusiast, and the reason I got rid of the first K3/P3 was having to deal with the occasional O/S bumps, frequent updates, and relatively complex user interface for both. Being a slave to a piece of equipment no longer interests me. I'm still working on a solution. Anyone else go through this to their satisfaction? 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Here' s a solution. Send the K3 and P3 to me, and if I every completely figure them out, I'll send them back and explain it all. :-) wunder K6WRU On Feb 8, 2014, at 7:51 PM, Gary NL7Y pea...@gci.net wrote: I'm Gary and I'm a ham radio operator. This winter I bought my second K3/P3 to replace a mediocre new TS-990. After some self generated issues with the speaker output, the sub-receiver VFO, and hard reset, I sent the K3 back to Elecraft for regeneration. It was fixed in a timely manner and returned. Thank you Elecraft. In the meantime I reverted to my trusty two...a Kenwood TS-590 and Yaesu MK-V Field. Both work well, are simple to use and maintain, and have their place in my shack. Recently FT5ZM was monitored and worked with the 590...good S5 copy on both but the key was hooked to the 590, so it got the nod. Next to VK0IR, that's a long haul via Grey Line from Interior KL7. Now the confession. The K3 still sits in its unopened box, next to the P3/SVGA in its. I keep asking myself, will I ever remove and use them again? I'm not a SDR or computer enthusiast, and the reason I got rid of the first K3/P3 was having to deal with the occasional O/S bumps, frequent updates, and relatively complex user interface for both. Being a slave to a piece of equipment no longer interests me. I'm still working on a solution. Anyone else go through this to their satisfaction? 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Walter Underwood wun...@wunderwood.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A confession
Thanks to all, including Wayne N6KR, for commenting on their experience and suggestions for continued use of the K3/P3. Despite my experience and ability to read the OM, I had some issues with the audio output connections and 2nd VFO control. It was recommended to me to return the rig for a rebirth because I hadn't used the Utility program and saved the original factory configuration before a hard reset. Its consequences wasn't a deal breaker, and Elecraft treated me very well as always getting the radio back operating properly. My conundrum is how the K3 (and work in progress P3 with SVGA-keyboard enabled software) will exceed the performance of my TS-590, MK-V Field, or unmentioned IC-765. I'm not a troll as some have suggested (my skin is tougher than yours), but a rather basic person given to operating rather than idly fussing with electronics. I've owned and/or operated many radios over the last 20 some years and am very familiar with my second K3/P3. The question remains for me to answer: will they both still be in a box a month from now? And if so, why not? Thanks for any comments either directly or here. I'm looking for perspective on the Elecraft products versus others some have used. 73, Gary NL7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-confession-tp7583887p7583893.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
