Geoffrey, Welcome to the Elecraft reflector, and congratulations on your choice of the K3.
Be assured that the K3 is already a software defined radio. The fact that it's function and operation can be modified by downloading the firmware files makes that true. Yes, the K3 firmware is not open source, so you must be constrained by the firmware designers at Elecraft to provide the functions that you desire. There is a list of functions that are to be added, and the priorities of that list changes from time to time. As an example, the K3 External Reference was rather low on that list until discussions on this reflector indicated more interest than had previously determined, so that was moved to a higher priority and is now in the final stages of testing. The fact that the K3 contains its own internal computational engine does not diminish the fact that it is a self contained SDR. If your definition of an SDR requires an external computer (a definition I see as flawed), then with the addition of the K3 IF output available as part of the KIO3 option will allow you to use the Elecraft P3, or the LP-Pan with either TRX Manager or PowerSDR-IF software (or software of your own making). PowerSDR-IF may contain just as many bugs as the Flex PowerSDR software on which it is based, but that is different than the K3 software (firmware). Be assured that the K3 firmware is field tested before it is released to beta status, and if the beta does not show significant problems, it is moved to release status. I do not see a similar paced procedure for PowerSDR. Yes, I personally use the K3 IF output and send it to a Softrock 6.2 receiver which also operates with TRX-Manager or PowerSDR-IF just like LP-Pan. It is the less expensive alternative to the Elecraft P3, but the capabilities are more limited - I cannot quickly change the span to view just one signal like the P3 does with ease. Despite those limitations, it is sufficient for my wants and needs (YMMV). I do not use the audio out of PowerSDR, but prefer to operate the K3 as usual with its own audio output and use the external computer SDR only as a panadapter. Your choices may be different - different stokes for different folks, but with the K3, all that is possible. Other comments on your questions - Support -- Elecraft support is separate from this email reflector. Yes, many support-like questions can be answered on this reflector, but it is not "official" -- we are a collection of users (many of whom are quite knowledgeable) who try to help one another. Official Elecraft support is available at [email protected]. The Elecraft "enthusiasts forum" is right here on this reflector. Review the archives and I believe you will find a lot of enthusiasm for Elecraft products right here - no need to set up other discussion forums. Eric and Wayne encourage criticism along with enthusiasm, and they do monitor this reflector, so you have the two company principles regularly contributing to the discussions too. There have been several attempts to set up alternative Elecraft discussion forums, but as far as I know, all have died for lack of participation. This Elecraft reflector is the main place for discussion of anything Elecraft related, be that the KX1, K1, K2, K3, the XV series transverters or the mini-modules. 73, Don W3FPR On 3/27/2011 12:01 AM, ROBERT WOLF MD wrote: > Hello All, > > I'm very new to the mailing list here. I'm in the process of returning my Flex > 5000A so that I can purchase a K3. I was unhappy with how unfinished the Flex > felt and how buggy the software was. It's unfortunate because I'm a college > student who is studying Information Sciences. I really wanted to experience > the > power of the software defined radio. Anyway, so I've convinced myself through > reading quite a bit of material on the K3 that I can make the K3 into an SDR > (with a few restrictions) with a LP-Pan and the modified PowerSDR software. > > Anyway, to the main question. It looks like a lot of stuff goes through the > mailing list here when it comes to support questions etc. > > I noticed that there isn't an Elecraft enthusiast forum. There seems to be > some > Elecraft oriented discussion on the QRZ forums. I was wondering if anyone had > set up their own Elecraft discussion forums. > > I also wanted to add that I have some relatively free server resources and I > would be happy to start up a non-official Elecraft discussion forum if > interest > is shown. > > So, if some interest is shown, I would love to host a forum for everyone. > > Thanks! > > > 73, > > Geoffrey Wolf > AB3LS > http://www.ab3ls.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 > ______________________________________________________________ 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
