KX3 Transceiver

Reviewed by Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR

QST Technical Editor w1zr@arrl.org

The Elecraft KX3 is a nominal 10 W HF and 6 meter transceiver intended primarily for portable use. With its internal battery compartment and available miniature keyer paddles, it is ready to go from a campsite or picnic table with just the addition of an antenna (see Figure 1). Unlike many low power radios, in addition to CW, this transceiver can operate SSB, AM, FM and digital modes. As we will discuss, unlike many compact portables, it doesn’t give up much in terms of features or performance in comparison to full-size high-end radios…..

Internal options include wide-range ATU, battery charger, 2-meter module; built-in speaker
Advanced DSP provides dual watch, noise reduction, noise blanking, autonotch, stereo audio effects
Software-defined radio (SDR) architecture plus optional roofing filters for excellent dynamic range
Operates in data modes (PSK31/RTTY) with or without a PC; includes RX I/Q soundcard outputs

Ultra-Compact Home/Portable/Mobile Station The revolutionary Elecraft KX3 puts the world in the palm of your hand! Despite its small size, it covers all amateur bands from 160-6 meters, operates in all modes, and has DSP-based features usually found only on larger radios. The KX3’s unique form-factor allows you to operate from anywhere. Fold out the rear tilt-feet for use on a desktop or picnic table. For extreme portability, you can add the internal wide-range ATU, 8-AA cell battery pack with NiMH charger, and adjustable KXPD3 keyer paddle. With a whip antenna, you can even operate hand-held. In receive mode, current drain can be as low as 150 mA – about one-half to one-third that of competing all-band portables. Transmit efficiency is also excellent, further improving battery life.	Full-Featured, yet Easy to Use The KX3 features a large front panel with all controlsoptimized for convenient use. You won’t have to dig through menus to set the power level, adjust the keyer speed, or change filter settings. And the KX3 has the same full-size display as the Elecraft K3, so all operating information is available at a glance. The KX3’s tutorial-style manual explains how and whycontrols are used, so new hams will be experts in no time. Of course you’ll also have Elecraft’s legendary customer support, and free firmware upgrades via the internet. KXPA100 External 100-Watt Amplifier Our high-performance KXPA100 home/mobile amplifier seamlessly integrates with the KX3 as well as other popular 5- to 10-W transceivers. It has its own internal ATU option (KXAT100) with dual antenna jacks.

KX3 STANDARD FEATURES
160 – 6 meter ham bands; general coverage receive from 1.5 – 32.0 MHz (also covers 0.31 – 1.5 MHz with reduced sensitivity) 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 Internal 8 – AA battery holder	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
RECEIVER
Quadrature down-sampling mixer compatible with PC-based SDR (software defined radio) applications Receiver I/Q outputs for use with PC soundcard Dual roofing filter option for enhanced dynamic range. (500/1500 Hz analog filters; effective IF b/w of 1000/3000 Hz) Switchable preamp and attenuator 8-band receive audio equalizer	Dual watch over +/- 15 kHz range; uses applicable roofing filter Easy-to-use PassBand Tuning (PBT) for shift/width/hicut/locut; 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 10 W (8 W 12, 10 & 6 M) (100 W with KXPA100 amp) Rugged, SWR and temperature-protected final amplifier stage Optional MH3 microphone with PTT 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 RF 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 VFOs, modes, etc. Computer control via supplied USB cable or optional RS-232 cables	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) Tutorial-style manual ideal for new hams
OPTIONS and ACCESSORIES
KXFL3 Roofing Dual Bandwidth Filter for SSB/CW/DATA KXAT3 Internal, Wide-Range 20-W Automatic Antenna Tuner KXBC3 NiMH Charger (8 – AA NiMH batteries not supplied with KX3; non-rechargeables can also be used in KX3 internal battery holder) KX3-2M Internal 2-Meter Module	H3 Hand Microphone with UP/DN Controls KXPD3 Attached Precision Keyer Paddle KXPA100 High-Performance 160-6 meter, External 100-W Amplifier also usable with most 5 to 10 W transceivers KXAT100 Wide-Range 100-W ATU with Dual Antenna Jacks (attaches to KXPA100 module)

New QST QuickStats Poll Posted

August 04, 2015 in: News No comments

This month’s QuickStats poll has been posted! Check the QuickStats page and answer these questions . . . • Have you ever repaired your primary transceiver? • Have you ever built your own QRP transceiver? • Did you assemble your station comp... Read more