®  News

Shipping Status    News Archives

Elecraft introduces the K3!    

(Links for Manuals, Software Downloader, Specs etc. are now at the bottom of this page.)

Elecraft K3 HF/6m, 100-W All-Mode Transceiver—Factory Assembled or Modular, No-Soldering Kit

Elecraft’s state-of-the-art K3 transceiver offers a unique combination of ultra-high performance and affordability.

Both 100-watt and 10-watt (upgradeable) models are available. Starting at under $2,000 for the 100-W assembled model (K3/100), the rig is comparable in both features and performance to transceivers listing at up to six times its price.

In a first for the industry, the K3’s identical main receiver and subreceiver each feature a high-dynamic-range, down-conversion analog architecture. This allows Elecraft to provide roofing filters with bandwidths as narrow as 200 Hz, while up-conversion designs have roofing filters typically 3,000 to 15,000 Hz in width. Unlike some competing down-conversion designs, the K3 also provides 6-meter coverage, as well as continuous tuning from 0.5 to 30 MHz. Each receiver has its own bus-switching mixer, narrow ham-band front-end filters, 32-bit I.F. DSP, low-noise synthesizer, and up to five crystal roofing filters.

Both fixed- and variable-bandwidth crystal filters are available. The variable filters are available in both data/CW and voice-mode bandwidths, and allow close tracking between crystal and DSP filtering — a feature not available on any other rig at any price.

The K3 is the only deluxe transceiver that is targeted at both home and field use. Weighing just 8 pounds and having dimensions of 4” x 10” x 10” HWD (10 x 25 x 25 cm), it’s well-suited to demanding DXpedition or Field Day operations. Its receive-mode current drain of less than 1 amp greatly facilitates battery or solar-powered mobile/RV/marine installations. But unlike smaller portable transceivers, the K3’s user interface is optimized for ease of use, and its feature set rivals units many times its size and weight.

The transceiver is offered both factory-assembled and as a modular, no-soldering kit. Either way, K3 owners can start with a basic version of the transceiver, at lower cost, then easily add modules later, such as the internal subreceiver, ATU, and 100-W stage. To ensure identical performance of both pre-built units and modular kits, modules are 100% assembled and tested at the factory. Builders learn the radio theory behind each of the modules during assembly, and acquire skills that will enable them to easily add future modules or upgrades.

Two 32-bit digital signal processors provide true software-defined features, along with expansion memory to handle future signal processing tasks and operating modes. The operator will have full control over any operating situation, with 8-band receive and transmit EQ, stereo speaker/soundcard outputs, binaural effects, and advanced noise reduction. Also included is built-in PSK31, CW, and TTY decode/encode, so the operator can enjoy the excitement of data communications with or without a computer. The rig’s rich I/O complement includes an isolated sound card interface, front/rear mic/phone jacks, dedicated serial I/O, and band data. An optional module provides transverter in/out and RX antenna in/out jacks. The latter allow the use of RX-only, in-line filters for extreme operating environments.

Available options include: built-in 100-W automatic antenna tuner with two antenna jacks (KAT3), subreceiver (KRX3), general-coverage filter module (KBPF3), 100-W stage (KPA3), RF I/O unit (KXV3), and digital voice recorder (KDVR3). Orders can be placed via our web page or directly by phone at 831-662-8345, FAX 831-662-0830. 

 73, Eric   WA6HHQ   and Wayne, N6KR

April 27, 2007 K3 Introduction at the Visalia, CA, International DX Convention

Greetings!

This afternoon at the DX Convention in Visalia, CA, we unveiled a new top-of-the-line transceiver -- the Elecraft K3. This is the culmination of three years of design, test, and refinement, and we believe the K3 will set a new standard for performance and value in its class. It has features and performance comparable to present radios ranging from $4000 to $12000.

(We'd like to thank the many surprised convention attendees. What they all said boils down to something like "Yes!")

Here's a quick summary of the K3's specs:

  - K3/100 and K3/10 models (the K3/10 can be upgraded very easily, internally, to a K3/100)

  - Basic K3 price ranges from $1399 to $1989 depending on whether you start with the 10-watt or 100-watt model, and whether you choose factory assembled or modular, no-soldering, kit (this is the subject of the next email).

  - Desktop/portable size:  4"H x 10"W x 10"D (10 x 25 x 25 cm) -- optimized for both home and travel use

  - All modes (SSB, CW, DATA, AM, FM, plus AM-sync receive, and built-in PSK31/TTY decoder)

  - High-dynamic range, down-conversion architecture, plus 32-bit I.F. DSP for software-defined capabilities (and lots of room for future expansion)

  - Optional subreceiver with *identical* performance to the main receiver, including a fully independent front end, its own set of roofing filters, its own DSP, and low-noise synthesizer; binaural or combined receiver audio.

  - Up to five crystal roofing filters *per receiver*, with bandwidths as narrow as 200 Hz

  - Narrow ham-band filtering, plus optional general-coverage receive filters (can be added to either or both receivers)

  - Internal 100-W ATU option with two antenna jacks

  - 100 W PA module includes two large fans, circuit breaker, full parameter monitoring

  - All signal sources phase-locked to common 49.380 MHz reference oscillator; 1 PPM TCXO option

  - Built-in PSK31, RTTY, and CW decoding and display allows use of digital modes with or *without* a computer; use CW keyer paddle or attached computer for casual, two-way data QSOs

  - Advanced noise reduction; auto- and manual notch. Noise blanker included (both I.F. hardware pulse blanker and DSP noise blanking)

  - Easy-to-use DSP shift/width and locut/hicut controls with automatic crystal filter selection based on selected passband width (in real-time -- no filter calculation delays)

  - Dedicated CW/voice message buttons; optional digital voice recorder

  - 100 general frequency memories with alphanumeric text labeling, plus 4 scratchpad memories per band

  - Full-custom, optimized, segmented LCD with two VFO displays, alphanumeric text, and dedicated filter passband graphic

  - Rich I/O set: stereo speaker outputs, fully isolated soundcard interface, dedicated RS-232 I/O (and optional USB adapter), receive antenna in/out jacks (for patching in RX filters, etc.), and both front- and rear-panel mic and headphone jacks

  - One-click PC firmware download program checks for updates automatically and quickly updates microcontroller and DSP firmware

-- yours truly) was the principle designer, and also got to do all the fun parts (packaging, firmware, and Owner's manual). And that's why he gets to answer your questions  :)

We'd like to express our thanks to our very patient 15-member Field Test focus group. Over a period of about a year, they endured a never-ending series of concept drawings, refinements, and feature discussions. They're a distinguished bunch! I'm sure you'll hear from some of them as the K3 is discussed at length.

Finally: thanks to all of you who have generously contributed ideas for a hypothetical K3 during our many on-line "fishing expeditions." You had wonderful input, and I hope we've created the radio you've always wanted.

Links:

 Elecraft Home Page

Elecraft ® is a registered trademark of Elecraft, Inc.

Prices and features subject to change without notice.