For those of you interested in a very small, light and totally portable HF (160-6m), all mode radio – the new Elecraft KX3 is now available for ordering, with deliveries expected to start in February. This is the “dream radio” that many of us drooled over at the Dayton Hamvention last May – and it looks to be a killer from all the videos demonstrating it’s capabilities over the last 6 months. Below is some information, for those interested. This radio would have been PERFECT for my current trip, since it would have given me all-band, all-mode operation in an emergency situation, using AA batteries, or an external 13.8vdc power source. At 10w PEP on SSB with a decent antenna, it’s plenty for regional EMCOM work, while still being a very competitive DX/QRP rig. The current anticipation is that it’s receiver performance will be within the top 5 of the Sherwood testing grid – a huge feat for such a small and inexpensive radio. Price for the base radio (no-solder kit) is $899. The microphone is $59.95, the built-in tuner is $149.95, the beautiful keyer is $129.95 and the battery charger for NiCd and NiMh is $59.95. As with all Elecraft “kits”, you can start small and add as your budget permits, or just buy the whole shebang and be done with it… LOL..!! The kits are totally modular, so you don’t have to save for the entire kit at once… you can actually get enjoyment from the first $899.95… then build the system up from there (just like a K1 or K2 or KX1 or even the top-of-the-line K3).
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Again, the unit can use Alkaline batteries (and probably would, in a real EMCOM event). The charger is smart in that it asks each time the batteries are replaced, whether rechargeable are being used (to disable the charger). Oh… and did I mention that the rig weights only 1.5 pounds..??!!
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There is also an option for a roofing filter kit for an additional $129.95, as well as a future 100w amp/tuner combo that should be released sometime in 2012 (price yet to be disclosed)
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No surprise to anybody, I have one of these units on order – and it will travel with me everywhere in my carry-on case (in place of my current KX1, which is CW only). The recent Philippine disaster has only served to reinforce to me that we need to always be prepared . The KX3, along with my Inmarsat phone appear to be the cat’s meow
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Superlative performance, full featured, small package, AA battery operation and LEGENDARY Elecraft service – WOW..!!!
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If you’re interested, go to http://elecraft.com/
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KX3 Transceiver (Preliminary)
- 160-6 meters, SSB/CW/DATA/AM/FM modes
- 10 W PEP (100 W with KXPA100 amp)
- Only 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg)
- Current drain as low as 150 mA
Click to Enlarge
- Internal wide-range antenna tuner (ATU) and battery options; built-in speaker
- Advanced DSP provides dual watch, noise reduction, noise blanking, auto-notch, stereo audio effects
- Software-defined radio (SDR) architecture plus roofing filters (KXFL3) 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, or add our rugged mobile mount bracket for vehicle use. 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 controls optimized 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 why controls 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 | |
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| RECEIVER | |
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| TRANSMITTER | |
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| OTHER FEATURES | |
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| OPTIONS and ACCESSORIES | |
| KXFL3 Roofing Filter Module (500/1500 Hz CW/Data, 3000 Hz SSB)
KXAT3 Internal, Wide-Range 20-W Automatic Antenna Tuner KXBT3 Internal 8-AA Cell Battery Pack with NiMH Charger (batteries not supplied; non-rechargeables can also be used)KXMM3 Mobile Mount Bracket (see below); for use with an appropriate RAM-mount™ or equivalent (not shown) |
MH3 Hand Microphone with UP/DN Controls
KXPD3 Precision Keyer Paddle KXPA100 High-Performance 160-6 meter, 100-W Ampflier (see below); usable with most 5 to 10 W transceiversKXAT100 Wide-Range 100-W ATU with Dual Antenna Jacks (attaches to KXPA100 module)
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#1 by Fadzil bin Ahmad on 2012/02/14 - 22:58
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I’m verry intrested with this rig.
#2 by mikelee on 2012/02/20 - 00:50
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it looks to be a killer – I’ve handled it perhaps a dozen times in the last year at Hamfests.
I’m looking forward to receiving mine in the next few weeks.
I also have one on order for my 86 year old Dad..
#3 by David Thomas on 2012/03/05 - 02:40
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Has anyone had a delivery yet? — mine has been on order since they first started to accept orders but when I phoned Elecraft direct from the UK recently they were unable even to indicate a delivery date. Perhaps they have component problems.
David
G4ogw
#4 by mikelee on 2012/03/06 - 09:22
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they’re now quoting mid-March for beginning of deliveries – the Preliminary User Manual is already posted on the website – it’s a very good read while we’re waiting for our production units. Looks like just another week or so, if you’re in the first batch of orders.
Cheers,
Mike