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 ELECRAFT K³ #5776

Since September 05.2011 I’m a proud owner of a Elecraft K³. I imported it direct from Elecraft factory Aptos/CA/U.S.A. With UPS it was here into 4 days. My K³ has following options:

  • K3/100-F-100 W Transceiver, Assembled
  • KAT3-F-Internal ATU with 2nd Ant. Jack
  • KTXC03-1-TCXO  (0.5 ppm typ) High Stability Ref. Osc.
  • KXV3A-IF Out and Xverter Interface
  • KFL3A-2.8_2.7-2.8 kHz 8-pole
  • KFL3A-2.1K_ 2.1 kHz, 8-pole
  • KFL3B-FM_13 kHz FM
  • KBPF3-General Coverage RX Bandpass Module
  • KDVR3-Digital Voice Recorder

Here are some pictures from the arrival

WARNING(with a smile): do not try to operate the K³ without reading the manual first. Start at page 1 and work trough the manual. Pushing knobs without reading first will not help you to understand that great transceiver functions.

ME2HT-PRO 2m High performance  transverter
For 144MHz I use a HA1YA transverter. That transverter has a ZF of 28MHz for 144MHz output. With max.0.20mW drive I have 60watts transverter output which is enough to drive any power amplifier. First test was made with great success; pure clean signal. In JT65 mode the signal is very stable. Find out more about that great transverter at the HA1YA homepage.

 

As second radio and for contest use I have the famous IC-275H. For further information about that radio please refer to my IC-275 section.

 

 MOS-FET Power amplifier “ARCHIMED” sold by I0JXX and manufactured by ITALAB

This power amplifier is original build for commercial radio stations for 24h steady transmitting. The case is a 19″ rack and very  stout. With about 15w power input you can get easy 1000W power output. The build in switching power supply has enough current for more. I tested it with 20w to a steady Pout of 1.2KW. It has a build in protection for antenna mismatch and a protection for too high Pin. The meter shows Pout and and is switch able to SWR reading. I use this PA now since 3 years in any possible operation mode like SSB/EME(JT65)/24h of hard contesting and meteorscatter(FSK441) without any problem. Unfortunately this kind is not build any more. I got in 2011 a used one for my club college and he is quit happy with it doing the job great like mine. You can download the original brochure here: Link
Below some views from inside the PA.

 

 

 

 

Preamps: I use several preamps for different uses.
The SSB electronics SP-2000 – gain ~18dB/noise ~08dB/MGF1302
The SHF electronics MVV-144VOX – gain ~20dB/noise 06-0.8dB/BF981

The HA8ET EXTRA-2 (REV6)LNA – gain ~ 21dB/noise 0.4dB/ATF-53189. This is a great LNA made by HA8ET special design for contesting and EME uses. I made a switching box for high power with special NARDA relays(103dB isolation)  good for 1.5KW. Please visit the HA8ET website for more and detailed informations about that LNA.

Sequencer: I use several sequencers. A very good example is the FA Station Manager by DH8BQA sold by FA (Funkamateur Magazine). If you need more information just visit the great web of Olli – DH8BQA for detailed informations. The FA Station Manager is a sequencer and a voice keyer and it does have more unique functions for cw operators. For my Elecraft K³ I have a special sequencer using TX inhibit designed by DH8BQA as well.

Logbook: for logging my QSO’s I use Ham Office (only in German language available)