Elecraft KX3 the Magic Radio

Software Defined, User Assembled, an Adventure

The KX3 shown here in position when used as my base station rig.  

Just as the SDR design has changed the way the rig works, the new compact form factor has changed the way the operating position looks.  This ain't your Grandpa's Collins S line any more.  The little rig is attached to the following station components a Sennheiser E845 mic on a boom with Behringer 502 mixer (also used for Echolink and Skype, and computer recording), PTT switch installed in a wooden Easter egg, Vibroplex Bug, 100 Watt RM Italy amplifier, Station Computer (home built and under the desk running XP) and 30 Amp Astron power supply.

I chose to build (assemble), save $100, and have fun.  I have built just about everything Elecraft has except the K3 kits, and they are all absolutely first class.  Since all the boards are pre-built and tested, all that is left is assembly and a little alignment.  It took me about 3 hours, not counting the time spent on my hands and knees looking for a spacer and screw.  There are several videos on YouTube showing construction.  Of course, it's software defined, and in constant flux.  After just one month of building the rig, it have had its firmware updated 3 times.  With an innovative and successful company behind it, it should continue to advance and improve.  

To try to describe all the features and quality if this radio is beyond the scope of this webpage, but I will hit a few high spots.  CW and digital auto spot takes control of the VFO and automatically tunes the signal to the middle of your pass band.  It boasts the following: spatial stereo, a temperature mapped oscillator, current, PA temp, OSC temp, supply and battery voltage read outs, RX signal strength in dBV, and of course a built in 2 tone test. I would not have it any other way.  The crystal and DSP filtering work so well that the rig is at the top of the Sherwood Engineering receiver test specs, yep, unless you have a Hilberling PT 8000A, the KX3 is better than what you're using. See for yourself at   http://www.sherweng.com/table.html

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