Tag Archives: Elecraft KX3

Announcements, News

KX3 Companion App for Android

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KX3-companion-001

Neil, comments on (my other blog) the SWLing Post:

“An app specifically made for the Elecraft KX3 is KX3Companion (www.kx3companion.com). There are free and paid versions on Google Play (does not work on Kindle Fire).

The same author has created KX3 KeyApp to give a virtual set of keys for KX3 users. It comes with two predefined templates (CW, and default) with KX3 macros setup for use.

Finally, he created QRSS Beacon – A fully featured QRSS (Slow CW) Beacon on Android. You can select a DIT duration from 1 to 60 seconds and choose one of the 3 supported modes: QRSS, FSK/CW and DFCW. This works on any radio, connect the audio out of your Android device to the audio in of your radio and an enable VOX.

Also, HamLog is available on iOS & Android (there’s even a MAC version).”

Many thanks for sharing this, Neil!  I will add the KX3 Companion apps to our comprehensive list of ham/shortwave radio apps.

Kits, QRP

A KX3 Build

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Elecraft KX3
Elecraft KX3 by WD8RIF

I recently built an Elecraft KX3 kit and took photographs of the process as I went along. Your host of QRPer.com, K4SWL, thought others would benefit from seeing how simple the process of building a KX3 really is. My thoughts and the photos of the process can be seen here on my website:

http://home.frognet.net/~mcfadden/wd8rif/kx3.htm

Portable, QRP, QRP Radios, Reviews

A review of the Elecraft KX3 on The SWLing Post

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IMG_6686Many of you know that I’m not only into QRP, but I’m an avid shortwave radio listener, as well.

If you’re an SWLer, too, you might might consider venturing over to my shortwave radio blog, The SWLing Post, where I just published a review of the Elecraft KX3. Unlike other reviews of the KX3, this was originally written for the May 2013 issue of Monitoring Times Magazine and focuses on the KX3 as a shortwave radio receiver.

Click here to read the full review.

Announcements, News, Product Announcements

Elecraft taking orders for the KXPA100; a portable 100 watt amplifier with built-in ATU

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(Source: Elecraft)

KXPA100FrontJune 17, 2013

Now accepting orders for the Elecraft KXPA100 100 W Amplifier

We have received FCC certification and are putting on the finishing touches and performing our field test on the KXPA100. We’re now taking orders for deliveries planned to start in the next 60 days (mid to late August).

You will find a direct link for ordering the KXPA100 below, at the bottom of this email. (This order form is not yet visible on our regular web page.)

KXPA100 features include:

  • 100 W output on 160-6 m with 5 W input typical
  • 13.8 VDC powered; 20 A typical current drain
  • 7 lbs with KXAT100 installed. 10 x 5.125 x 4.25″
  • Compact unit ideal for both desktop and mobile use
  • Solid-state diode T/R switching — fast, silent T/R and QSK
  • Large convection-cooled heat sink for reliable and quiet operation
  • Modern design with rugged MOSFET output stage
  • Internal wide-range automatic antenna tuner (KXAT100 ATU option)
  • Second antenna jack provided with KXAT100 ATU option; controlled by KX3’s ANT switch
  • Fast, bright LED bar graphs for power and status; KXAT100 ATU option adds SWR bar graph
  • Seamless integration with the Elecraft KX3 transceiver
  • Works well with any low-power transceiver, requiring only RF and PA KEY inputs
  • RF-based frequency counter automatically switches bands with any rig
  • Optional band-data input support the K3/10, KX3, Yaesu FT-817, Icom IC-703, and other rigs
  • Dual APP power connectors for additional friction-fit if needed (mobile); optional daisy-chaining of 13.8 V to power rig
  • Optional KXPACBL adapter connects KX3 to the KXPA100 with a single cable for keying, band data, and control
  • KXPA100’s PC port allows use of remote-control and logging applications with the KX3 without software configuration changes
  • KXAT100 internal ATU option matches 10:1 SWR (5:1 typical on 160 m and 6 m); uses Elecraft’s fast matching algorithm
  • KXAT100 ATU settings saved per band, per band segment, and per antenna for instant recall

KXPA100RearWe look forward to receiving your KXPA100 order and we hope it will accompany you on many adventures to come!

73,
Wayne, N6KR
Eric, WA6HHQ

KXPA100 On-Line Order Form
(Please use this web order form so that our phone sales team will not be overloaded.)
Orders will be processed in the order received.

www.elecraft.com/tmp/kxpa100.htm

For additional questions, you can also reach us at sales@elecraft.com

Announcements, News, Portable, QRP

Elecraft KX3 Tops Sherwood Engineering’s Receiver Test Data

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Wow–the Elecraft KX3 has some serious ears! Most impressive, Elecraft!

Announcements, Events, Portable

Elecraft at the Hamvention

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Elecraft KX3 at the Dayton Hamvention

The Elecraft booth has been teeming with people. Of course, large crowds around the KX3–perhaps almost as many as last year, when they first introduced this hand held QRP magic.  I know I want one.

Announcements, Morse Code, Portable, QRP Radios

Elecraft now accepting orders for the KX3

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The Elecraft KX3

It appears that Elecraft is now accepting orders for the KX3 QRP tranceiver that we first mentioned on QRPer.com during the 2011 Dayton Hamvention. Order are expected to be shipped in February 2012.

The kit version of the KX3 will be priced at $899.95 US, while the factory assembled and tested version will sell for $999.95 US.

Here are full details from an email via Elecraft’s Wayne (N6KR) and Eric (WA6HHQ):

Some of the [KX3] options can be ordered now, while others (including the internal 2-m module and 100-W external amplifier/ATU), will be available later this year.

The basic KX3 includes:

  • 10 watts output typical (13.8V) on 160-6 meters. (Up to 5W using internal batteries)
  • All modes (SSB, CW, Data, FM, AM)
  • Many features from the Elecraft K3, including the same full-size LCD
  • Advanced DSP features, including PSK31 and RTTY text display, noise reduction, auto-notch
  • Built-in 8-AA-cell battery holder
  • USB serial cable for firmware upgrades and for use with logging/contesting software

Available options include:

  • KXPD3 precision attached keyer paddle
  • KXFL3 dual-bandwidth roofing filter module for SSB/CW/Data modes
  • KXAT3 internal wide-range automatic antenna tuner
  • KXBC3 internal NiMH battery charger
  • MH3 hand mic with UP/DN VFO controls
  • RS232 control cable (optional replacement for supplied USB cable)

In addition, a custom-designed KX3 dust cover is available (please contact ElecraftCovers@gmail.com ).

Delivery of both the basic KX3 and options subject to availability. As always, we invite suggestions for new features, improvements and accessories.

For more information ontheKX3, including pictures, specifications and videos, see our KX3 Page: http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm

Announcements, Portable, QRP Radios, Websites

Official preliminary KX3 specs posted on Elecraft website

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The Elecraft KX3 (Photo source: Elecraft)

Click Here To Read Full Preliminary Specs of the Elecraft KX3

 

Announcements, Portable, QRP Radios

Video of Elecraft KX3

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Back from Dayton, I found this YouTube video of Wayne Burdick demonstrating the KX3 at Four Days In May (FDIM). As you can see, the form factor is perfect for field operations and I believe you would be hard-pressed to find more features on a rig this size.

(Video source: QRPARCI)

Announcements, Kits, Portable, QRP Radios

Photos and more details of the Elecraft KX3 from Dayton Hamvention

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Don Wilhelm (W3FPR), everyone's favorite Elecrafter, holds one of the three KX3 prototypes.

Wow.

I got a chance to play with one of the two KX3 protoypes Elecraft had on display at the Dayton Hamvention.

I mean, wow!

Don (W3FPR) gave me a  tour of this amazing rig. It’s small,  feature-packed and as ergonomic as all of the machines that come out of Aptos. It is slightly larger than the KX1 in every dimension. Still very easy to hold (as you can see in the photo to the right). Not pictured are the mini CW paddles (not based on the current KX1–much better) and a small attachable microphone. I’ll try to photo them tomorrow and post.

I spoke with Elecraft owner/founder Wayne Burdick (N6KR) at length as well.  He said that the KX3 has been in the works for years. It’s built on the ideas of Elecraft and many of its owners, he said they’ve simply been waiting for technology to catch-up with their vision.

I actually think this could be a major game changer in the ham radio world. Think about it…a portable transceiver with the receive capabilities of the world-class K3, all band, general coverage, firmware upgradable, with many options including a full-fledged automatic antenna tuner, 100 Watt amp and many optional modules.  Did I mention it’s ultra portable? Gosh!

Oh yeah, Wayne told me it will be sold for under $800.

I must have one.

More photos: