Elecraft K3 & K3s - 160 - 2 m, 100-W High Performance All-Mode Transceiver

[VE2PID Pierre]

... Pour ceux qui font une lecture fine des résultats de Sherwood Labs, noter que la nouvelle mouture (K3 + New Synthesizer 02/23/15) s'est fait attribuer une sensibilité réduite (0,8 et 0,5 μV) versus l'ancienne version (K3 2/15/08) à 0,33 et 0,19 μV.

Update .. Sherwood a maintenant 'corrigé' l'erreur. Les valeurs de sensibilité de la nouvelle mouture sont de 0,27 et 0,20 μV ... qui se comparent bien avec celles de la première version. Le noise floor est  encore plus bas (6 dB sous l'ancienne valeur et sans préamp...  )

Réf: Sherwood Engineering Inc.

À ce qu'on dit, Elecraft est surpris par la forte demande pour ce nouveau synthétiseur  ... le délais d'attente est actuellement d'un mois.

[VE2UGO Hugo]

Voici une publication intéressante concernant les filtres du K3 par Eric WA6HHQ et Wayne N6KR.

Elecraft K3 Crystal ‘Roofing’ Filters

* What “Roofing Filter” means to Elecraft

* K3 Filters and Dynamic Range

* Discussion

* My personal real-world operating -basic- filter recommendations? In a nutshell

[VE2UGO Hugo]

K3s 160 - 2 m, 100-W High Performance All-Mode Transceiver





Nouvelle version du légendaire K3 officiellement présenté. Le K3S

Le trait distinctif majeur est le ''s'' ajouté en façade et la plaque de l'affichage qui a changé un peu.

Le K3 n'est plus disponible et passe directement à la production en version ''S''. Il est disponible en commande dès maintenant. Le numéro de série commence à 10 000.

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm

Questions générales sur la version S du K3

New Features Benefits

* Ultra-low-noise synthesizer: Unequaled strong-signal receive performance; exceptional transmit signal purity.

* Second preamp (Preamp 2): Built-in equivalent of Elecraft’s PR6-10 low-noise amplifier (LNA) for weak-signal work on 12, 10, and 6 m. Preamp 2 is part of the KXV3B module (now included as a standard feature). The KXV3B also provides RX antenna in/out jacks, transverter in/out jacks, and a buffered IF output for use with our P3 panadapter.

* Multiple attenuation levels: Attenuation levels of 0, 5, 10, and 15 dB; selectable per-band.

* Dual computer ports (USB and RS232): In addition to the legacy RS232 port, the new USB port integrates computer remote control and line-level audio. This eliminates the need for a sound card or external converters and their associated cables. Supports windows, Linux and Apple platforms.

* KAT3A option now includes bypass relay: Lower loss on bands where matched antennas are used.

* Redesigned speaker amplifier: Stereo speaker outputs now have lower total harmonic distortion (THD) for reduced listening fatigue.

* Fast transmit/receive switching: High-accuracy CW transmit timing—even at high code speeds withSPLIT, RIT, and XIT in use.

* Extended coverage includes 630 and 2200 meter bands: When used with the KBPF3A option, receiver covers 630 m (472 kHz), and 2200 m (137 kHz), tuning as low as 100 kHz. Transmit output of 0.5-1.0 mW on 630 m (for use with an external amplifier).

* Enhanced look and feel: New LCD bezel; soft-touch VFO A knob with improved grip.

P3 Panadapter now with Transmit Monitoring

The P3’s bright, full-color LCD has both spectral and waterfall displays, and new optional TX metering and signal envelope monitoring. The P3 has a faster sweep rate and better sensitivity than most built-in panadapters. Tap to QSY to any signal.

The P3SVGA adapter adds wide screen display capability to the P3 (up to 1920x1080p). It also has a dedicated high speed FFT processor that performs a 2048 point FFT in parallel with the P3's existing processor, for a much higher frequency resolution per dot display on the larger screen. The P3SVGA adapter is a plug-in internal card to the P3 that can be easily added by the user.

The P3SVGA also includes a USB interface that can connect to a flash memory drive for screen dumps, and to many USB keyboards to allow direct digital mode operation via the K3 and P3 with P3SVGA, with TX/RX data display on the P3SVGA external screen.

P3 Panadapter Transmit Monitor option Frequently Asked Questions

[VE2UGO Hugo]

Beta K3 Firmware Revisions
MCU 5.26 / DSP 2.83 / FPF 1.22, 5-8-2015  (First Combined K3S/K3 Release)

NOTE: Beginning with revision 5.26, the K3S and K3 transceivers share the same firmware. Both use K3 Utility for firmware loading. However, some firmware features and changes apply only to the K3S and various updated internal modules, as described in the rev. 5.26 release notes below. For further details, refer to the K3S owner's manual.

See K3 Beta Firmware Instruction for information on obtaining beta releases.
Beta releases are not automatically recognized by the K3 Utility.

* USB COMPUTER PORT FOR COMBINED CONTROL and DIGITAL AUDIO (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed (standard with the K3S), the CONFIG:RS232 menu entry will have a "USB" setting. If this setting is used, then a single USB cable can be used between the K3S and a computer to provide remote control, digitized line-level audio in/out, and PTT/KEY (via equivalents to the "RTS" and "DTR" signals). All of these signals are usually recognized by computer applications that also support RS232. This eliminates the need for a sound card and associated analog line in/out cables, as well as any external converter units. Refer to the K3S owner's manual, pgs. 18-20, for details.

* NEW P3 PANADAPTER CABLE SUPPORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed, then the P3 Panadapter must be connected to the K3S at its RS232/P3 connector (RJ45). Two different special cables are available for this purpose, depending on whether a computer will be connected via USB or RS232 to the K3S and P3. Refer to the K3S owner's manual for details (pg. 18 and 19).

* LINE IN/OUT AUDIO USE WITH USB PORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a plug is inserted into the LINE IN jack on the K3S, this audio signal will override the digitized audio line-in data that is present in the USB cable. LINE OUT on the K3S, however, is always available even if the USB cable is being used for line-out.

* PREAMP 2 and CONFIG:PREAMP2 MENU ENTRY (KXV3B): This menu entry is only applicable if a KXV3B module is installed (supplied with the K3S). It also only applies if the current band is 12, 10, or 6 meters. If PREAMP2 is set to ON, then the PRE switch rotates through settings of OFF, PRE 1, and PRE 2 on the applicable band. PRE 2 turns on the low-noise preamp on the KXV3B module (+20 dB, with a typical NF of -144 dBm on 12/10/6 meters). When PRE 2 is selected, the PRE icon will flash slowly. Note: Do not use an external preamplifier (such as an Elecraft PR6 or PR6-10) when using the built-in low-noise preamp (PRE 2). This would result in excessive gain. .

* MULTIPLE ATTENUATOR SETTINGS and MAIN:ATTEN MENU ENTRY (K3S RF BOARD): On a K3S, the MAIN:ATTEN menu entry is used to select the per-band attenuation level for the ATTN switch (5/10/15 dB). A shortcut method of accessing this menu entry is to hold the ATTN switch for about 3 seconds. (On a K3, the parameter is fixed at 10 dB.)

* LOW-LOSS ATU BYPASS SETTING (KAT3A): The upgraded internal ATU option, the KAT3A, includes a very low-loss bypass path via an additional relay. The bypass relay is engaged when the ATU switch is used to turn the ATU icon OFF. This setting can be used with closely matched antennas. ("Bypass" mode on the earlier model KAT3 ATU uses a minimum-L/minimum-C network setting rather than a relay, result in a small dissipation loss that varies with frequency.)

* 100-500 KHZ SENSITIVITY IMPROVEMENT (KBPF3A): The KBPF3A is an upgrade from the KBPF3. The lowest-frequency filter in the KBPF3A has a cutoff at 100 kHz rather than 500 kHz. This improves typical sensitivity at 137 kHz (2200 meters) to about -120 dBm, and at 472 kHz (600 meters), about -130 dBm.

* UPDATED "PA" (PREAMP) REMOTE-CONTROL COMMAND (KXV3B): The PA command now supports a SET/RESPONSE value of "PA2" whenever preamp 2 is available. This applies on 12/10/6 meters with a KXV3B module installed and preamp 2 enabled (see CONFIG:PREAMP2 description, above).

[VE2UGO Hugo]

Il y a une semaine, G3OJV, publiait une vidéo sur le K3s.

Bon visionnement!

Vidéo Elecraft K3s par Peter Waters G3OJV

[VE2UGO Hugo]

Comparative testing of K3, KX3 and ICOM IC-910H on 2m

Comparative testing of K3 and KX3 on 2m using high performance antennas in a live situation. Tests carried out at Waters and Stanton demonstration facility in Hockley, Essex UK. We used an ICOM IC-910H owned by G0KSC that has been hotted up to a higher spec than the original. Presented by Peter Waters G3OJV.

Il semble utiliser le K3 et non le nouveau K3s pour fin de test sur le 2M. Je me demande si les améliorations de la version ''S'' vont affecter positivement les performances sur le 2M?

[VE2UGO Hugo]

K3 Beta Utility

K3 Beta Utility (Windows Version 1.15.6.7)  June 9, 2015

[VE2UGO Hugo]

MCU 5.29 / DSP 2.83 / FPF 1.22, 6-16-2015
Latest Production Release

IMPORTANT: MCU 4.67, or later, must be loaded with the new K3 Utility, Version 1.13.5.9 or later.
This release will automatically be recognized by K3 Utility.
See K3 Firmware Release Notes for a complete revision history.

Note: For KPAK3AUX cable use between the KPA500 and K3, K3 Version 4.36, or later, must be loaded.

Those loading rev. 5.10 (or later) for the first time must re-do the 50-Watt gain calibration step on all bands. Once this has been done, there is no need to do it when loading future firmware releases.

NOTE: Beginning with revision 5.26, the K3S and K3 transceivers share the same firmware. Both use K3 Utility for firmware loading. However, some firmware features and changes apply only to the K3S and various updated internal modules, as described in the rev. 5.26 release notes. For further details, refer to the K3S owner's manual.

* EXTERNAL ALC DEFAULT FIXED: External ALC (CONFIG:EXT ALC menu entry) was being set to ON at first-time power-up. It now correctly defaults to OFF. Any K3S first powered-up with rev. 5.26 should be checked for the correct setting (normally done at the factory). Set to OFF unless external ALC is in use.

* ADC REFERENCE DEFAULT FIXED: The A-to-D converter reference setting (CONFIG:ADC REF menu entry) was left uninitialized at first power-up, possibly with a value that could adversely affect the accuracy of power, SWR, and other readings. Any K3S first powered-up with rev. 5.26 should have ADC REF recalibrated (normally done at the factory).

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm

[VE2UGO Hugo]

Beta K3/K3S Firmware Revisions
MCU 5.33 / DSP 2.86 / FPF 1.23, 8-3-2015 

See K3/K3S Beta Firmware Instruction for information on obtaining beta releases.
Beta releases are not automatically recognized by the K3/K3S Utility.

* DIVERSITY WORKS WITH MISMATCHED MAIN/SUB RX FILTERS: Diversity mode in the K3S (or a K3 with the KSYN3A installed) now works with any combination of main/sub RX crystal filters. They can have different bandwidths or offsets, and it's not necessary to have an equal number of filters in each receiver. Note: Matched filters are optimal for diversity, but non-matched filters will still perform well.

* PTT/KEY USE WITH THE USB PORT IMPROVED: PC applications can activate PTT and KEY at the K3S via the USB port's RTS/DTR signals. However, initial setup of the rig's USB port by the PC may cause pulsed or continuous activation of the transmitter. This can happen if the computer is turned on after the K3S, or if the USB cable is not connected. There is now a "Safe" mode (the default) which disables PTT-KEY transmit until the K3S receives a command via USB, such as a read of the rig's VFO frequency. To turn on safe mode on/off, go into CONFIG:PTT-KEY and tap '1' to select "USB SAFE" or "UNSAFE". Exit the menu and turn the K3S off/on. Applications that use PTT-KEY via USB but never send commands may require "UNSAFE" mode. In this case, unwanted transmit can be avoided by turning the PC on before the K3S.

* CANCELLING UNEXPECTED PTT-KEY ACTIVATION: If an external source (usually a PC) activates PTT or KEY unexpectedly, you can cancel transmit by tapping the XMIT switch. This will show ERR KEY or ERR PTT on VFO B. Once the PTT or KEY source as been removed, transmit will be re-enabled. If the cause may be unneeded PTT-KEY activation via the USB port, go into the CONFIG:PTT-KEY menu entry and set the parameter to OFF-OFF.
For Application Developers (also see Programmer's Reference, rev. F2):

* PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT VIA "UP" and "DN" COMMANDS: UP and DN now apply to all settings adjusted using VFO A/B, including: NB, NR, manual notch, pitch, and text decode . (It also still applies to the menu.) It does NOT apply to special displays controlled by VFO B (use DB), or to settings controlled by the small encoders.

* OM (OPTION MODULE) COMMAND CHANGES: Three new single-letter fields have been added to the OM command: 'L' (low-noise amp/preamp2 available on present band), 'V' (KSYN3A installed, allowing the VFO to tune down to 100 kHz), and 'R' (K3S RF board in use; see impact on RA command, below). Note that 'L' (preamp 2) only applies on 12/10/6 meters. Preamp 2 is located on the new KXV3B module.

* RA (ATTENUATOR) COMMAND FORMAT CHANGE: If a K3S RF board is in use (determined using the OM command, above), the set/response format of the RA command uses dB values (RA00/05/10/15). The K3 format is still RA00/01. Note: 5 and 15 dB attenuator settings only apply to the main RX. The sub RX attenuator is 10 dB, even in the K3S. But if a K3S RF board is detected, the sub RX RA format is RA00/10.

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm

[VE2PID Pierre]

... ... Un copié/collé en provenance des forums Elecraft:

Ken Roberson via Elecraft Tue, 18 Aug 2015 07:46:10 -0700
Hello all, Good condx on 630 meters.
With the K3 and homebrew power amp running 5 watts ERP on 630 meters ( 475.710 khz ) And 60 ft vertical with top loading.
Last night ( 8/18/15 ) this station was decoded by two stations in Australia (VK2DDI - 13987 km )And ( VK2XGJ - 13962 km ).
630M is the new top band.
73 all K5DNL/WG2XXM

  

Pour les normes de puissance maximale autorisée au Canada sur 630 mètres: http://www.arrl.org/news/canadian-radio-amateurs-gain-new-472-479-khz-band

[VE2UGO Hugo]

K3 Utility (Windows Version 1.15.8.18)  August 18, 2015

Note: This K3 Utility version can be used to load K3 MCU versions 1.32 and above to your K3.
Download and run the file from the above link.
Use this utility to check for the latest releases of new features for your K3.
Requires either a RS-232 cable or KUSB Serial-USB Cable to download from your PC to the K3.

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/software/K3_Utility_Setup_1_15_8_18.exe

[VE2UGO Hugo]

Un nouveau haut-parleur vient d'arriver chez Elecraft pour la ligne K3/K3s

SP3 Matching Speaker 
High Performance Matching Speaker for the K3S & K3 designed by audio expert Dr. Bruce Edgar. Two rear inputs with front panel switch for selecting between different radio sources and a rear output jack for a adding a second speaker (stereo).   
    
 SP3  Matching External Speaker (main/sub audio)  SP3 picture   179.95
 SP3  Second Matching External Speaker (for stereo FX, seperate main/sub audio)   179.95



http://www.elecraft.com/K3/sp3_1a.jpg

Désolé pour le format des images!

[VE2PID Pierre]

SP3  ...
Le prix (élevé) annoncé: 179,95$ US ce qui en fait réagir plusieurs ...
Parions que les inconditionnels d'Elecraft vont quand même opter pour cet achat.
Détails:
- Haut-parleur ovale 4-Ω à grande bande passante audio.
- Deux prises d'entrée mono ou stéréo.
- Extension sortie mono permettant l'une des configurations suivantes:
  - Une radio, un haut-parleur.
  - Deux radios, un hp commutation avec le commutateur A/B.
  - Une radio, deux haut-parleurs (stéréo).
  - Deux haut-parleurs via A/B (stéréo).

Le tout offert assemblé (pas en kit). Il reste beaucoup d'espace dans le boîtier pour ajouter des accessoires comme des prises ou même un petit bloc d'alimentation.

[VA2JOT Jacques]

A ce prix-là ça doit être des enceintes définies par logiciel 

[VE2OLM]

oui oui des  Speakers Definised Radio   ou SDR   

bon suser elle etait trop facile