Elecraft KX3 Preview
Just heard about this little puppy. Need to save my spare pennies…
KX3 STANDARD FEATURES
- 160-6 meter ham bands; general coverage from 1.6-30 MHz (optional broadcast-band filter module covers 0.5-1.6 KHz)
- All modes: SSB, CW, Data (four sub-modes), AM FM
- Ultra-compact size: 3.4″H x 7.4″W x 1.7″D; 18 oz. (less options)
- Rear tilt feet fold up for transport
- Custom high-contrast LCD with alphanumeric text display
- Current drain as low as 150 mA in receive mode
- High-performance 32-bit floating-point DSP
- Built-in PSK/TTY decode/encode allows data mode operation without a PC; transmit in data modes using CW keyer paddle
- Low-noise synthesizer with 1-Hz tuning resolution
- Firmware updateable via provided application software
- Quadrature down-sampling mixer compatible with PC-based SDR (software-defined-radio) applications
- Receiver I/Q outputs for use with PC soundcard
- Narrow roofing filter option with four bandwidths (500Hz, 1500Hz, 2700Hz, 3800Hz) for excellent dynamic range
- Switchable preamp (2 levels) and attenuator (2 levels)
- 8-band receive audio equalizer
- Dual watch over ±10kHz range; uses applicable roofing filter
- Easy-to-use PassBand Tuning (PBT) for shift/width/hi-cut/lo-cut; roofing filters automatically track DSP filter settings
- Automatic and manual notch filtering; adjustable noise reduction and noise blanking; binaural audio effects for enhanced receive
- Center-tuning indicator for CW and data modes
- Built-in speaker; stereo jack for headphones/external speakers
TRANSMITTER
- Adjustable output, 0.1 to 10W+ (100W+ with KXPA100 amp)
- Rugged, SWR and temperature-protected final amplifier stage
- Optional MH3 microphone with PT and UP/DOWN functions
- Optional attached keyer paddle with spacing adjustment
- Switchable PA output impedance for efficient 5-W or 10-W use
- Fast, silent, PIN-diode T-R switching – no relays
- DSP speech processing for excellent “punch”
- 8 band equalizer tailors passband to your voice and microphone
OTHER FEATURES
- Built in digital voice recorder (DVR) with two message buffers
- Internal CW keyer with 8-50 WPM range
- Six CW/DATA message memories
- 100 general-purpose memories store VFO A/B, modes, etc.
- Accessory/RS-232 port for computer control using supplied cable
- Full remote-control command set works with most amateur radio software applications (emulates Elecraft K3)
- One-click firmware upgrades via the web (with free PC software)
- Optional mobile bracket compatible with RAM-mounts
- Tutorial-style manual ideal for new hams
OPTIONS and ACCESSORIES
- KXFLE Roofing Filter Module (500/1500/2700/3800 Hz)
- KXAT3 Internal, Wide-Range 20-W Automatic Antenna Tuner
- KXAM3 Broadcast Band Filter Module (0.5-1.6 MHz)
- KXBT3 Internal 8-AA Cell Battery Pack with NiMH Charger (Batteries not supplied; nonrechanrgeable batteries can also be used)
- KXPD3 Precision Keyer Paddle
- KXMM3 Mobile Mount Bracket
- MH3 Hand Microphone with UP/DN Controls
- KUSB RS232 to USB Adapter
- KXPA100 High-Performance 160-6 meter, 100-W Amplifier; usable with most 5 to 10 W transceivers KXAT100 Wide-Range 100-W ATU with Dual Anenna Jacks (attaches to KXPA100 module)