I know what you mean. I too have been a ham since the mid 1970's and NEVER worked any contests. This past summer I decided it was time to upgrade to a 21st century rig and decided on a K3/100 with just the standard 2.7 filter, which was recommended for my very casual operating, along with a new vertical antenna. Then, while browsing the software section of Elecraft's site, I found N3FJP's contesting sofware just in time for the Texas QSO party. I decided to see how many counties I could work, and the software, linked to the K3, made for super easy logging and dupe checking. Now, I'm hooked on contesting! After working another state party, I decided the 2.7 filter was not cutting it so got the 8 pole 1.8. Then after working some of the RTTY contest this month, decided the manual tuner I had was not working for quick QSY, so installed the ATU this past weekend. Of course, had to have the Yamaha cm-500 headset as well. I am still amazed at some of the stations I have pulled out of pile-ups with the K3. Since I don't really like using VOX, I will be adding a foot switch this week so will be ready to work some of the upcoming state qso parties this weekend. I am also counting the days until the CQ WPX next month. Amazing how a good radio can really change your perspective on operating. I've never been a DX chaser either but snaged some new ones this past weekend so can add DX chasing to my list of things I have missed out on while hamming. The only down side..... it's getting expensive. The second receiver is looking pretty good and the new KPA500 coming out is on my possible list as well. Will probably need a tower, beam antenna, second K3........
Thanks Elecraft for such a fantastic radio. Larry KE5MO -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-ARRL-DX-test-tp6046869p6049590.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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
