K3 Beta Tester AB7R Early Review

From Zerobeat

There is certainly allot to like about the K3. I've had my share of big rigs such as the Omni VI+, Orion, FT-1000D, MP, IC-775DSP, 756 Pro II and III, TS-870, Flex SDR-1000 and others. For the type of operating I enjoy, mostly DXing, contesting, CW, and digital modes, the K3 really fills the bill for me above any of the other rigs. The reasons for this are many...but I will try to hit on the main ones for me:

1. The RX performance is excellent due to its down converstion receiver that uses roofing filters to eliminate strong signals effecting the DSP and AGC. The DSP filters are a snap to use and very effective in handling strong (20-40 over 9) nearby signals when used with the roofing filters. The receiver is VERY quiet....sometimes I think I have my dummy load connected until I tune to a signal. The audio is crisp and clean and can be tailored using the 8-band RX equalizer.

2. There's 2 noise blankers that actually work. I have some horses and use electric fencing. The DSP and the IF blankers are individually adjustable so you can eliminate the offending noise with as little distortion to the actual signal as possible. I can actually get rid of the fence popping without being able to tell any difference to the quality of the signal I am copying.

3. GREAT RTTY and digital mode radio. I do not need to turn on my computer to have a RTTY QSO. The K3 will decode AND encode and allow you to send FSK with your CW key. At first decoding was a bit difficult but as the firmware evolved during testing it became much easier to tune using the built-in tuning aid. I sometimes ran the audio to a soundcard and the K3 decoded some sigs that were too weak for the sound card program to decode. Most of the time on reasonably strong signals the decoding was equal. Another feature I like is being able to adjust the pitch of the mark and space tones for more comfortable listening.

3. On SSB I get excellent audio reports using a PR40 mic connected to the rear panel. But you should be able to make your audio sound how you want it with just about any mic. There's a hi/lo gain setting for each mic input (front and rear) as well as switchable bias. There's also a TX EQ that you can adjust on the fly.

4. Being a softward defined radio there's allot that can be done with the K3. And yes, that means a menu system. But you really cannot get lost in them. Basically just two, a MAIN menu for commonly items you're likely to use more often, and a CONFIG menu. Items are alphabetical and if you tap the display button, you will see a help screen on the VFO B display along with the default value. And for items you want quick access to, you can program menu items to 10 available programable function keys. This is great as I can set some up for CW items and some for digital modes.

I can keep going on and on but I think in addition to the items I mentioned what I really like is the ease of use. As I said, its a software defined radio in a box with buttons and knobs that are logically situated and a great interface on the back that keeps the front of the radio clutter free (if you want). If a good reason presents itself to change something, its usually possible by changing the firmware and downloading an update via the internet. Its an easy process. Does that mean that everyone is going to get every little feature they want. No. That's just not reasonable. But...a good example is the AGC controls. Wayne at Elecraft simplified the AGC parameters for best performance. This meant taking out a few AGC menu items. However, there was enough interest on the reflector with justifications that these controls were put back into the menu.

So...is the K3 my perfect HF rig? I would say its as close as its likely to get for now...at least for may, and quite possibly for you. Personally I would have liked it to be a bit larger. But I understand the design concept of performance in a radio that is easily taken to remote contesting locations or DXpeditions. So size and weight were one of the design considerations. Yet it is large enough to provide front panel controls that are needed for daily operating, along with some controls you can set up for yourself. I like it so much that I ordered a second one for what I think will be the ultimate radio pair for SO2R contesting. But I did not need to order the second radio quite as well-equipped with accessories as my primary radio. I got it dressed with just what I need in my second radio. And thats another point worth mentioning. You can configure the radio with just the accessories you want, so you do not pay for what you will not use. My second is ordered with just the KPA3 100W amp, tuner, transverter interface and the DVR. I will get the variable roofing filters when they become available.

While I am a K3 beta tester, I am not an employee of Elecraft. I just really like the performance and features of this new radio. I'm also looking forward to the planned accessories, such as the panadapter. Its no wonder the K3 is such an excellent DX and contesting radio. Elecraft has had the expertise of noted operators such as Ed, W0YK; Tree, N6TR; Bob, W9KNI and others. Their input has really been instrumental in makeing this radio the best there is.

73, Greg - AB7R