K3 update

I have been using the K3 for some time now and it is a wonderful radio. It still has some stuff that needs ironing out of course but I expected that. 40W from my K3 gives 400W from the Ranger 811 using the tune function but SSB probably only drives it to about half that, although I have found this to be a bit variable. I did find the TXGain function in the config menu though which allows you to compensate in SSB for up to 3dB either way which has helped somewhat. My FM filter should be here very soon and shortly after that the firmware is expected from Elecraft. This should give me the ability to use my Elecraft XV144 transverter to actually work the local repeater from my K3. That will be fun to try and I will report on my findings. We are also coming up to the Sporadic E season and I am seriously thinking about the second receiver option so I can monitor 6m while working the HF bands.

A year has passed!

Where did it go? This week sees the 1st anniversary of my retirement! I can hardly believe it. Linda and I have just about got used to the change. It is really odd as I worked from home during the last few years but of course when I was working my office was sacrosanct as I could have been on the phone trying to close a deal etc. Now of course I can be interrupted at any time, or at least Linda thinks so :D Looking back over the year the most surprising thing is that I have not missed work at all! I simply do not think about it. I really thought I would but no. A couple of colleagues keep in touch which is really great and listening to how things have gone since I left, I am really glad I left when I did.

Wow!

Well the rig only took 2 days to get from Aptos, CA to Morecambe! It arrived last Thursday Morning. I had the build finished by Friday morning and now I am starting to learn about it. What a terrific radio this is! I have linked it with Ham Radio Deluxe and started playing seriously with the data modes. The K3 has a built in data interface and it rocks!
Although the K3 is simple to use right out of the box, it is going to take some time to learn the finer points. I am enjoying the learning though and already working other K3's on the air in the UK.

On its way!!

Well finally, after all these months my K3 is on its way from Aptos CA :) I am really looking forward to receiving this radio. I have already moved the shack around to suit it and to have the linear available. I have also made up leads for audio and for the transverter interface so I can run my XV144 from the K3 as well. I spent some time on 80m yesterday and worked 2 K3 owners, M0CIC (Roy) and G3SJJ (Chris). Chris was a huge signal and loud! I have been enjoying using the K2/Ranger 811 combination on 80m for a few days and had some great audio reports using the Heil Goldline on its broadcast insert.

Wow, where did the time go!?

I cannot believe it was June when I last blogged. The time is just flying by. All those people who say 'I don't know how I found the time to go to work' after retiring are right!
Anyway, I am going to make a concerted effort to blog more often.

I am still baking and intend to do more with that in 2008. The table is finished and I will get a photo of that in here as soon as possible.

The Midland Hotel is also coming on a treat and looks fantastic when the sun makes the rendering sparkle :-)


Lastly for this entry, my K3 is not here as yet. Elecraft have been working their socks off but due to manufacturing delays and the sheer amount of K3's ordered, they are well behind. I expect to see mine toward the end of January with any luck. I have put one together for a friend of mine though, John GW0SYN. It was great to be able to have a play for a couple of days and I can tell you, if you are a radio amateur who likes HF, you *need* this radio! In fact I was just talking with John earlier today and he was running 6W into his amp from it. The K3 was pulling 2.4A at that! Imagine being able to run an HF radio of this quality with a 3A supply :-)
You can see his radio in the photo.

More soon I promise!

Ian

New toy ordered :-)

I have ordered an Elecraft K3 to complement my K2 lineup. It looks like a beauty of a rig. 160m through to 6m all mode and tons of features, never mind stunning performance. I can hardly wait for it to arrive.
The K3 is a kit but all the boards come ready built so it is pretty much a mechanical job fitting it all together. I will have to wait until September before it arrives though :-(

Getting there

Sheesh, this blog is becoming the saga of the patio table! Still, it is coming on and I hope to have the tiling finished tomorrow. There must be an easier way of doing this!