I used the K3-KPA500 on 10-15-20 during the day and the KX3-KXPA100 on 40 overnight, and so had a good chance to compare them, albeit subjectively and on different bands at different times. Both setups performed flawlessly, and the K3¹s new synths were impeccable at QRQ. While the K3 is clearly capable of more sophisticated signal manipulation than the KX3, as a practical matter the receivers in the two were equally useful for the FD runs (I operated 100% CW). I could have used the KX3 receiver the whole time and likely would not have accomplished any less. Amazing, what that little brick can do. The PX3, however, is not the equal of the P3, at least not for my operating style. When the fixed tune becomes available (I have not uploaded the beta version of the F/W) maybe that will change, but without it the PX3 just isn¹t as powerful a tool for me as the P3 is.
As for conditions, from my operating position (at elevation 8,600 feet just west of the Continental Divide in Colorado) conditions were remarkably good for this part of the cycle and this season. At about 1:30 local (19:30 Z) Sunday, however, the MUF seemed to drop like a rock. Ten meters went dead in a matter of minutes, except for the NS path to LU/PY. 15 followed it and then within 30 minutes or so 20 became very quiet, and stayed that way until the contest period ended. Did anyone else observe the same? The change in a short time was notable. Ted, KN1CBR > >Message: 21 >Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2015 16:22:59 -0400 >From: Blair Bates <[email protected]> >To: [email protected] >Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and KSYN3A in FD >Message-ID: > <CANgBGxwaG20ME4syFjtbWgEx=ORtinjRaReVvZyPnmMUck=6...@mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >Had the opportunity to operate two, different K3 transceivers, both with >the new KSYN3A boards, during FD. > >A few CW observations: >1. The only way I became aware of a station moving close to me was when >my >"rate" dropped. A glance at the P3, or opening up the receiver bandwidth, >always revealed that somebody loud had moved in really close. Since not >everyone has K3 . . . my rate fell in what was QRM for other receivers. > >2. The bands seemed really "big". I was always able to quickly find a >run >frequency when moving from another band or mode. > >3. In spite of rainstorms for about 23 hours of FD, the bands seemed >quiet >and lightning crackles were quite subdued. > >I'm sure that these observations are routine for experienced K3 users. >For somebody who is still trying to decide, or is still feeding the piggy >bank, the K3 has one H3LL of a receiver--especially when equipped with the >KSYN3A board. > >73, K3YD ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected]
