VK7JB wrote: > > My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra > investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the > 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? > > About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode > operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more > proficient in CW. >
1. Definitely not the KTCX03-1. This is a waste of money for a casual operator and is unnecessary for HF operation (but possibly needed for some VHF uses). If your shack is kept at a relatively constant temperature and you allow a reasonable warmup time, your properly calibrated VFO will typically be within 1 Hz at HF even with the standard TCXO. 2. You will need a CW filter if you ever expect to have S9+25 signals within ~3 kHz of your CW or digital frequency. If you don't have one, your AGC will "pump" when strong signals are near. For casual operation, you might consider the $90 5-pole 500 Hz filter instead of the $131 8-pole 400 Hz. 3. For casual operation the 2.8<>2.7 filter swap is unnecessary (I don't have this in either of my K3s). 4. I don't have a KAT3 in my shack K3 since I'm always driving a tuned input linear and my antennas are resonant anyway. However my K3 configured for portable/expedition use does have the KAT3. At $300 (kit) or $330 (assembled), it's worthwhile to think carefully about whether you really need an ATU. The beauty of the K3's modular configuration is that you're not forced to pay for options that you may seldom if ever use (e.g. AM, FM, general coverage in my case). However, unless money is no object, careful consideration before you place your order can save you a lot of money. Some people say the K3 is a $4-5k rig, but it need not cost that much if carefully configured. For example my shack K3 cost about $3k (even with KRX3) and my portable unit cost about $2.4k (including KAT3). 73, Bill P.S. I would strongly suggest you build the kit version. You'll not only save $300 but you'll learn a lot in the process and will not be afraid to do hardware updates, make repairs or add modules later. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5892027.html Sent from the [K3] 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:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
