Builder Alert

Link / PDF

KX3 Kit Builder Alert #1: Battery holder attachment screws

Some builders have reported the 2-56 flat head screws used to attach the battery holders in the KX3 do not seat smoothly against the plastic holder. The heads protrude upward and may strike one or more batteries. This is because the builder used screws from the Hardware Spares parts bag which were too long.

See separate
builder alert

Operating Tip

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Connecting KX3 to your Computer and Backup / Restore your Settings

To assist you in keeping your rig up and running for the long haul, we have engineered some "Good Housekeeping" features to ensure your radio can talk to your computer, back up your configurations and update your firmware.

application note

Maximizing Battery Life

The Elecraft KX3 has been designed with mobile applications in mind and that means that maximizing battery life can be important. Built into the KX3 are a number of features and capabilities that can be enabled separately. In this way, your battery life can be improved by minimizing the KX3's receive and transmit current drain.

application note

Using a Straight Key 

The KX3's attached keyer paddle, the KXPD3, is very flexible. However, the KX3 can actually handle 2 keys connected at the same time. Further, you can independently set up CW KEY1 and CW KEY2 to operate in any combination of Iambic or Straight key arrangements as you wish. This gives you maximum flexibility whether you are operating at home or mobile.

application note

Using APF for Weak Signal CW

Both the K3 and KX3 have an APF control (audio peaking filter). APF can be extremely effective when you're trying to copy weak CW signals buried in the noise.

application note

Using APF with K3 and KX3

Elecraft's K3 radio has quite a few features to assist the avid DX and Contester to dig out weak signals across the entire HF bands. This Operating Note is intended to highlight one of these features, the Audio Peaking Filter, or the APF, as it is generally called. Primarily intended for the CW operator, this feature enhances the already excellent DSP filtering built into the K3 and KX3.

application note

Using Dual Watch on KX3

Often a DX station will say "up 2" (or just "up") in order to move callers away from his own frequency. This allows everyone to still hear the DX station at all times despite dozens of stations calling.

application note

Using Rich Audio Features of KX3

While it contains a built-in speaker, many operators are finding far more benefits with the rich set of audio processing features in the Elecraft KX3. These features are intended to provide additional tools for the DX and Contesting operator to complete contacts. In order to use these features, however, the operator will need to use of stereo speakers or headphones.

application note

How to Lock VFO on KX3

Locking the VFO can be useful when operating mobile or portable, or if you just want to stay parked on one frequency for a long time and don't want to accidentally change it. Additionally, you can lock the VFO when operating on some of the digital modes, such as PSK31, Olivia, or JT65 where you will sit on one frequency and work multiple stations.

application note

Application Note

Link / PDF

PER-BAND RXSBNUL with AUTOMATIC GAIN/PHASE NULLING

Allows receive opposite-sideband suppression to be optimized on any or all bands, relative to the normal level of suppression. Requires S9 to S9+30 signal source on each band to be adjusted. In addition to per-band FL1/2/3 nulling, separate per-band nulling can be done for the RX SHFT = 8.0 kHz menu setting.

See separate application note

KX3 VFO TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION

Requires approx. 50.0 MHz temperature-stable signal source (ideally, less than 2 Hz total drift over 30 minutes). Reduce error rates when using narrowband data modes such as JT65. See XG50 Manual  XG50 Order Page

See separate application note

KX3 Improving Internal Speaker Performance

If you have occasional loss of audio or crackling sounds coming from your KX3’s internal speaker, especially at high volume levels, you should check the speaker connector inside the KX3 to ensure it is plugged in correctly as shown below. The orientation of the connector is important.

See separate application note