ELECRAFT K3 Owner'S Manual Download Page 7

Page: 7 / 78

Introduction

This comprehensive manual covers all the features
and capabilities of the Elecraft K3 transceiver. We
recommend that you begin with the

Quick-Start

Guide

(pg. 4). T he

Front Panel

(pg. 11) and

Rear

Panel

(pg. 17) sections are for general reference,

while

Basic O peration

(pg. 21) and

Advance d

O peration

(pg. 33) fill in the details.

Your K3, including any installed crystal filters

and option modules, should already be configured.
Anytime you add new filters or options, refer to

Configuration

(pg. 45).

K3 Features

The K3 offers a number of advanced features that
simplify operation and enhance versatility. These
are listed below. Refer to the indicated pages for
further details.

Receiver



Up to five crystal roofing filters with
bandwidths as narrow as 200 Hz (pg. 23)



High-performance, fully independent sub
receiver, also with up to five crystal filters,
allows true diversity receive with two
antennas (pg. 37)



Variable-bandwidth crystal filters that track
DSP filter settings



Narrow ham-band front-end filters, plus
wider band-pass filters for general-coverage
receive (pg. 44)

DSP



32-bit I.F. DSP for advanced signal
processing, including full stereo and other
binaural effects (pg. 35)



Passband tuning and programmable
DSP/crystal filter presets (pg. 14)



8-band transmit and receive EQ (graphic
equalization) (pg. 35)



Dual-passband effects for use in
contest/pileup conditions (pg. 30)



Versatile digital voice recorder (DVR) for
incoming/outgoing audio streams (pg. 29)

CW and Digital Modes



Built-in digital-mode demodulation with

ayed

K3’

LCD

(

CW,

RTT Y, PSK31) (pg. 33)



Internal CW-to-RTTY or CW-to-PSK31
text decode/encode for casual digital-mode
QSOs without a computer (pg. 34)



CW text can be decoded and displayed as
you send

–

great for improving CW skills

(pg. 33)



Automatic CW/data signal spotting and
manual fine-tuning display (pg. 30)

User Interface



Dual VFOs with independent modes,
bands, and filter settings (pg. 14)



100 memories with alphanumeric labels,
plus 4 quick-memories per band (pg. 16)



Dedicated message play controls for use in
CW, data, and voice modes (pg. 30)



Real-time clock/calendar with
programmable alarm times and automatic
power-on (pg. 36)



Utility displays show voltage, current drain,
RIT /XIT offset, front panel temperature,
PA heatsink temperature, etc. (pg. 36)



Instructions for menu entries available with
one switch tap

Connectivity



Enhanced, high-speed remote control
interface with many new commands and
direct DSP access



Firmware upgradeable via the Internet (pg.
44)



Isolated PC audio input and stereo outputs
(pg. 17)



Front and rear mic and headphone jacks



Full stereo audio drives two speakers



Optional RX antenna in/out, transverter
in/out, and buffered IF outputs (KXV3)

Summary of Contents for K3

Page 2: ...and ESSB 36 General Coverage Receive 36 VFO B Alternate Displays 36 Alarm and Auto Power On 36 Using the Sub Receiver 37 Receive Antenna In Out 38 Buffered I F Output 38 Using Transverters 38 Scanning 39 Main and Sub Receiver Antenna Routing 40 Basic K3 no KAT3 or KXV3 40 K3 with KXV3 RF I O Module 40 K3 with KAT3 ATU 41 K3 with KAT3 and KXV3 42 Remote Control of the K3 43 Options 44 Firmware Upgr...

Page 3: ... o u n t e r a n d b e m o r e e n j o y a b l e t o u s e t h a n a n y t r a n s c e i v e r y o u v e e v e r o w n e d In addition to t h i s m a n u a l y o u l l f i n d m u c h m o r e i n f o r ma t i o n o n t h e K 3 o n o u r w e b s i t e i n c l u d i n g operating tips answers to frequently asked questions and information on firmware upgrades 73 Wayne N6KR Eric WA6HHQ Key to Symbols ...

Page 4: ...on The first thing you need to know about the K3 is that most switches have two functions Tap press briefly to activatethe function labeled on a switch Hold to activatethe function labeled below the switch In the text tap functions are shown like this MEN U An example of a hold function is C ON FI G Additional typographical conventions are shown on the previous page Try tapping MEN U 8 This brings...

Page 5: ...to alternate between shift width and hicut locut Hold SHIFT LOCUT to NORM alize the bandwidth e g 400 Hz CW 2 8 kHz SSB Hold HICUT WIDTH to alternate between two filter setups I and II per mode Tap XF IL 13 to select crystal filters manually this also removes any passband shift Voice Modes 1 Hold METER 8 to see CM P ALC levels Whiletalking set MIC 25 for 4 7 bars of ALC and CMP for the desired com...

Page 6: ...LIT mode the Delta F LED f will turn on pg 13 Hold B SET 13 to adjust VFO B sub RX settings independently of VFO A pg 37 Tap SU B 20 to turn on the sub receiver pg 37 VFO B controls its frequency Hold SUB 20 to link the two VFOs VFO A is then the master This allows diversity receive with main and sub if two different antennas are used pg 37 Memories Messages and DVR To store a frequency memory tap...

Page 7: ...andtransmit and receive EQ graphic equalization pg 35 Dual passband effects for use in contest pileup conditions pg 30 Versatile digital voice recorder DVR for incoming outgoing audio streams pg 29 CW and Digital Modes Built in digital mode demodulation with t e x t d i s p l a y e d o n t h e K 3 s L C D C W RTTY PSK31 pg 33 Internal CW to RTTY or CW to PSK31 text decode encode for casual digital...

Page 8: ...ntrol of all radio functions Audio I O Line level isolated TX RX audio in t e r f a c e s t e r e o o u t p u t s f r o n t 1 4 a n d r e a r 1 8 stereo headphone jacks stereo speaker jack Low Level Transverter Interface 0 dBm typ BNC connectors KXV3 Option Buffered IF output BNC connector KXV3 Option see pg 38 for interface recommendations Other I O Key Keyer Computer Paddle PTT In and KEY Out Ba...

Page 9: ...available filters have very similar performance see www elecraft com for full list Receive specifications are guaranteed only within ham bands TRANSMITTER Output Power K3 100 0 1 W 100 W typ reduced power in AM mode K3 10 or K3 100 with PA bypassed 0 1 W 12 W HF 10 m 8W max on 6 m XVTR OUT KXV3 option 0 1 to 1 5 mW 10 to 1 8 dBm Duty Cycle CW and SSB modes 100 10 min 100W key down at 25 C ambient ...

Page 10: ... kits and fully assembled products For kits before requesting warranty service you should fully complete the assembly carefully following all instructions in the manual What is covered During the first year after date of purchase or if shipped from factory date product is shipped to customer Elecraft will replace defective or missing parts free of charge post paid We will also correct any malfunct...

Page 11: ... power output level LEDs above each knob show which function is active tappingthe knob alternates between them Pressing and holdingthese knobs 1 2 second or longer provides access to secondary functions Keypad pg 15 This group of switches is numbered for use during memory store recall and direct frequency entry but each switch also has normal tap and hold functions The upper row of switches are VF...

Page 12: ... bandwidth a n d p o s i t i o n o f t h e r e c e i v e r s I F p a s s b a n d See Filter PassbandControls pg 23 Filter Icons NTCH Notch filteringon N TCH pg 25 Manual notch MAN pg 25 I II Shows selected preset I I I pg 14 XFIL Crystal filter selection FL1 FL5 Mode Icons Basic modes LSB USB CW DATA AM or FM are selected by tapping either end Up Down of MOD E Alternate modes CW REV DATA REV AM S ...

Page 13: ...transmit Also see D EL AY pg 30 QSK Selects either full break in QSK icon on or semi break in keying if VOX is selected in CW mode Also see D EL AY pg 30 MOD E Tapthe left or right end of this switch to select the operating mode When DATA is selected the D AT A MD switch is used to specify DATA A AFSK A FSK D or PSK D pg 31 AL T In LSB mode switches to USB and vice versa Also selects alternate mod...

Page 14: ...CW mode and centers the passband Also see user defined normal settings NORM1 2 pg 24 I II Select preset I or II per mode Presets I and II each hold a continuously updated DSP crystal filter setup pg 24 Transmit Controls The primary functions of the transmit controls are SPEED Keyer speed in WPM 8 50 MI C Mic gain C MP Speech compression level PW R RF output power in watts pg 26 The present transmi...

Page 15: ...ws VFO B and the sub receiver if on to be set up directly pg 37 As long as BSET is displayed all VFO related controls and display elements applyto VFO B An alternative is to set up VFO A then A B Receiver Control Misc Lower Rows Receiver control functions normally apply to VFO A If BSET is in effect they apply to VFO B and the sub receiver if turned on PR E Preamp on off 6 m see PR6 pg 44 ATT Atte...

Page 16: ...e l First tap M V then select a memory 00 99 using VFO A Next rotate VFO B to select each label position in turn as indicated by the flashing cursor Use VFO A to change characters After editing tap M V again Labels can be edited at any time including when you initially store a memory using V M An asterisk at the beginning of a label designates a channel hopping memory pg 39 Digital Voice Audio Rec...

Page 17: ... in the K3 10 In the K3 100 the blank panel is replaced with the fan panel shown which includes a circuit breaker KIO3 pg 18 The KIO3 is an upgradeable digital and audio I O module providing computer and auxiliary control signals single or dual stereo speaker outputs line level in mono out stereo and supplemental headphone stereo and mic jacks KXV3 The KXV3 provides a variety of RF I O signals inc...

Page 18: ...tive Refer to application software documentationto determine if it can use RS232 signal lines for PTT or keying If a PC or other device asserts RTS or DTR while y o u r e i nt h ePTT KEY menu entry the K3 will enter TEST mode as a precaution ACC Accessory I O ACC connector pinouts are listed below ACC is not a VGA video connector The K3 does not provide video output Pin Description 1 FSK IN see FS...

Page 19: ...able signal pin 8 of J6 on the transverter However pin 7 can alternatively be configured as a transmit inhibit input line for use in multi transmitter stations See TX INH below In this case it is not available as a power on signal for E l e c r a f t t r a n s v e r t e r s I n s t e a d t h e K 3 s 1 2 VDC switched output line could be used For transverter keying you can use KEYOUT LP signal pin ...

Page 20: ... o mi n a l This i n p u t s h o u l d b e c o n n e c t e d t o y o u r c o mp u t e r s soundcard output The MI C gain control sets the line input level whenthe MAIN MIC SEL menu entry is set to LINE IN The LIN IN level should be set carefully to avoid transmit signal distortion due to s a t u r a t i o no f t h e K 3 s i n p u t a u d i ot r a n s f o r me r In addition sound card gain should b...

Page 21: ...ies appear in alphanumeric order In the few exceptions to this adjacent entries are still closely related MAIN Menu Tap MENU to access the main menu Tapping MEN U again exits the menu Use VFO B to scroll through the menu entries referringto the list on pg 51 for details Change the value or parameter of any menu entry using VFO A CONFIG Menu Hold C ONF I G hold function ofthe MENU switch to access ...

Page 22: ...er details on sub receiver antennas see pg 37 andpg 40 Using the VFOs VFO A is both the main receive andtransmit frequency except during SPLIT in which case VFO B controls the transmit frequency pg 36 VFO B also controls the sub receiver pg 37 Tap R ATE to select 10 50 Hz per step The faster rate can be changed using CONFIG VFO FST The number of counts or steps per VFO knobturn can be changed usin...

Page 23: ... t e r s a r e a v a i l a b l e t h a n k s t o t h e K 3 s low first I F intermediate frequency of 8 215 MHz See Appendix A for recommended crystal filter bandwidths for each mode To select a crystal filter manually tap XFI L The FL1 FL5 icons show the current selection This sets the DSP passbandto matchthe crystal filter and removes any passband shift or lowcut hicut The K3 will also select the...

Page 24: ...e passband is no longer normalized Custom Settings NORM1 and NORM2 In addition to the K3 s standard NORM values you can save two of your own setups in each mode then recall them usingthe N OR M function These setups are referredto as NORM1 and NORM2 To save a custom normalization setting set up the filter passband as desired for the current mode hold N OR M until you see SAV 3 seconds rotate the k...

Page 25: ... n t b e a c t i v a t e d b ys i g n a l s o u t s i d e t h e c r y s t a l filter passband It can be used with high duty cycle and complex waveform noise generated by computers switchingpower supplies light dimmers etc The I F noise blanker is in the 1st I F where it can use very narrow blanking widths It is most effective at blanking AC line noise lightning andother very broadband noise Often ...

Page 26: ... talk PTT can still be used even with VOX selected Set VOX gain and anti vox level using MAIN VOX GN and ANTIVOX In CW mode use VOX to select either VOX or PTT t r a n s mi t V O Xe n a b l e s u s e r a c t i v a t e d h i t the key transmit while PTT requires the use of PTT IN pg 17 or XMI T before CW can be sent When the VOX icon is on in CW mode you can use QSK to select full QSK icon on or se...

Page 27: ... p l i f i e r s A L Co u t p u t c o n t r o l upward until ALC action just begins or adjust the K 3 s A L Ct h r e s h o l d w i t h t h e EXT ALC menu e n t r y F i n a l l y r e d u c e t h e K 3 s d r i v e p o w e r j u s t slightly to provide some safety margin The goal is to have no amplifier ALC action during normal operation If you see an ALC indication at the K3 or t h e a m p l i f i e...

Page 28: ...e PTT or tap XMI T again You can either leave the K3 in TX TEST mode or go back to normaltransmit hold TEST as you follow the instructions inthe next section Mic Gain and Compression Settings To set up MIC gain and compression level Set the monitor level as described earlier Optionally select TX TEST mode pg 13 or set power to zero This will not affect your CM P ALC bar graph readings Set C MP to ...

Page 29: ...stop at the end if not terminated sooner Hold AF PL AY to start stop audio playback During playback the icon flashes This s e r v e s a s a r e mi n d e r t h a t y o u r e h e a r i n g r e c o r d e d ratherthan live audio AM Operation A 6 kHz AM or 13 kHz FM crystal filter is required on the RF board for AMtransmit and receive pg 46 When listening to AM signals you can hold AL T to select envel...

Page 30: ...selection CW PADL and keying weight CW WGHT SPOT and Auto Spot When calling another station you should try to match your frequencyto theirs To facilitate this the K3 provides both manual and automatic spotting for use with CW and DATA signals See Tuning Aids CWT and SPOT pg 34 CW Text Decode Display The K3 can decode transmitted and received CW signals displaying the text on VFO B pg 33 This f e a...

Page 31: ...wn on VFO B and can be changed by rotating the VFO B knob The following data modes are available DA TA A can be used for all Audio shift transmit modes including PSK31 MFSK AFSK etc The VFO displays the suppressed carrier frequency just as when SSB modes are u s e d f o r d a t a U S Bi s n o r ma l f o r D A T AA Compression is automatically set to 0 AFSK A also uses Audio shift transmit but is o...

Page 32: ...cations include maritime mobile and emergency co m mu n i c a t i o n s w h e r e t h e K 3 s l i g h t w e i g h t a n d excellent receive performance are advantageous General information regarding K3 set up for these modes appears below Frequency stability is important inthese modes A 1 PPM TCXO is available KTCXO3 1 C o n n e c t m o d e ma u d i oI Ot o t h e K 3 s L I N E OUT and LINE IN jack...

Page 33: ...W use CW 30 90 The K3 uses slow AGC during CW text decode overriding the selected AGC setting DATA Text Decode Setup To set up text decode for DATA modes Set MOD E to DATA Then hold D AT A MD and select either AFSK A FSK D or PSK D mode using VFO B Tap AF X to exit the data mode display For AFSK A or FSK D hold PI TC H and select the desired mark shift setting The lowest marktone selection 915 Hz ...

Page 34: ... modes and might leadto confusion Other prosigns can be used including KN SK and AR If you set VFO B for CW mode ratherthan DATA mode and use cross mode SPL I T pg 36 your CW will not be convertedto DATA Tuning Aids CWT and SPOT Tapping CW T turns the upper half of the S meter into a CW DATA tuning aid If no bar appears in the tuning area the threshold may be set too high hold TEXT D EC and select...

Page 35: ...h the state of D U AL PB andthe context width Hold D U AL PB again to returnto normal filtering Receive Audio Equalization EQ The K3 provides 8 bands of receive audio equalization via the MAIN RX EQ menu entry You can use receive equalization to compensate for the physical acoustics of your station the room headphones speakers etc or just totailorthe audio to your personal preference In the RX EQ ...

Page 36: ...Use ESSB only after carefully monitoring your signal General Coverage Receive The KBPF3 option module includes band pass filters that cover the areas between ham bands The K3 will switch between its narrow ham band filters and the KBPF3 filters as youtune the VFOs A KBPF3 module can be installed on the RF board for use with the main receiver and a second one on the sub receiver module KRX3 CONFIG ...

Page 37: ... or hold B SET again to exit BSET Sub Receiver Antenna Selection The sub receiver gets its RF input either from the main receiver sharing ANT 1 2 or RX ANT IN or from its auxiliary antenna input Also see pg 40 During BSET you cantap AN T to switch the sub between M AIN shared and AUX t h e s u b s A U X input When M AIN is in effect the 1 2 and RX icons show which antenna the sub is sharing with t...

Page 38: ...h e K 3P r o g r a mme r s R e f e r e n c e Use a short high quality coax cable between the K3 and the panadapter Additional isolation circuitry may also be required Using Transverters Nine user definable bands are provided for use with transverters Once enabled each will appear in the band rotation above 6 m You can use Elecraft XV Series or other transverters withthe K3 See pg 18 for transverte...

Page 39: ...VFO A tapping any switch hitting the key or keyer or pressing PTT To restart hold SC AN Channel Hopping Scanning or manuallytuning over a numbered memory range rather than a frequency range is referred to as channel hopping This is included in the K3 primarily for use on 60 meters 6 meters and transverter bands although it can be used on any band The U S 60 meter channel assignments correspond to ...

Page 40: ...ingtransmit Note The sub receiver has its own full set of ham band and optional general coverage band pass filters KBPF3 but its image rejection will be best when sharingthe main path which includes the receive transmit low pass filters Main RX Ant 1 KRX3 KANT3 Ant Input Module Sub RX K1 SA1 SA4 Includes C O R Aux RF Figure 1 Basic Main Sub Receiver Routing no KAT3 or KXV3 K3 with KXV3 RF I O Modu...

Page 41: ...XR F antenna This requires that the two antennas connected to the KAT3 be well isolated from each other If not the s u b r e c e i v e r s c a r r i e r operated relay may turn on duringtransmit If this occurs you must either move thetwo antennas farther apart or not connect the sub receiver to the KAT3 It may be preferable to connect t h e s u b r e c e i v e r s a u x i l i a r yR Finput to the ...

Page 42: ...e o r u s e i t s A U XR F input The latter can be eitherthe non transmit KAT3 antenna or the AUX RF BNC connector as described e a r l i e r I n e i t h e r c a s e t h e s u b r e c e i v e r s a n t e n n a mu s t b e i s o l a t e d f r o mt h e transmitting antenna Main RX Ant 1 Ant 2 KRX3 L Network KAT3 ATU Sub RX K3 K2 K1 SA1 SA2 SA4 Includes C O R Aux RF RX Ant KXV3 SA3 Figure 4 Main Sub R...

Page 43: ...ER ON line to ground ACC connector pg 18 to turn the K3 ON To turn it OFF the controller must send t h e K 3 a PS0 r e m o t e control commandvia the RS232 interface then deactivate the POWER ON signal This sequence ensures that nonvolatile memory is updated correctly before shut down Automatic Antenna Control Some antenna control units e g those used with S t e p p I R a n t e n n a s c a n t r a...

Page 44: ...g 18 and CONFIG DIGOUT1 BYPASS jacks are provided so the RX ANT IN OUT functions will be available for use on other bands Firmware Upgrades New features and improvements are available to all K3 owners via firmware upgrades Upgrades may also be required when you install option modules Please visit the Elecraft K3 software page www elecraft com K3 k3_software htm to obtain our free firmware download...

Page 45: ...L1 Adjust VFO A so that the parameter matches F L 1 s m a r k e d f r e q u e n c y o f f s e t a s r e c o r d e d i n the filter information table Appendix A The default value 0 00 corresponds to the nominal filter center frequency of 8215 0 kHz Most 5 p o l e f i l t e r s w i l l h a v e a n o f f s e t e g 0 9 1 This has no effect on performance firmware compensates for the offset Select the ...

Page 46: ... v e r s A U X antenna ANT A TU KAT3 or ANT BNC AUX RF jack rear panel For details on sub receiver antennas see pg 22 You may also need to set up crystal filters for the sub receiver KDVR3 voice recorder set KDVR3 to NOR KPA3 amplifier module set the KPA3 menu entryto PA NOR See menu entry listings for information on other settings Miscellaneous Setup We suggest setting up at least the menu entrie...

Page 47: ...te Movethe knob in or out in small increments until the desired rate is obtained re tighteningthe set screw each time Real Time Clock Battery Replacement K3 components or modules can be easily be damaged by ESD electrostatic discharge To avoid this put on a grounded wrist strap with 1 megohm series resistor or touch a grounded surface before touching anything inside the enclosure An anti static wo...

Page 48: ...W on the external wattmeter Thentap XMI T to exit TUNE Tap MENU to exit the menu High Power 50 W Wattmeter Calibration This applies to the K3 100 only Use the same procedure as shown for 5 watts but set power to 50 W The wattmeter calibration menu entry name will change to CONFIG WMTR HP 1 0 Milliwatt Meter Calibration KXV3 This applies only if you have the KXV3 option Set the CONFIG KXV3 menu ent...

Page 49: ... user must first determine the TCXO s f r e q u e n c y a t t w oo r m o r e temperature points using Method 1 or 2 Method 1 Frequency Counter Locate the CONFIG REF CAL menu entry If the menu entry name is REF xxC tap 1 to change it to REF CAL Connect a frequency counter with 1 Hz or better accuracy to J1 on the reference oscillator module Measure the exact frequency in Hz Using VFO A set the REF ...

Page 50: ... applicable to your signal generator and select CW mode Set transmit power to 0 0 W using PW R Turn preamp on PR E attenuator off AT T Tap AGC to select slow AGC AGC S Bypass the ATU if installed by holding ATU Set RF GAIN to maximum fully clockwise Note I f y o u v e a s s i g n e d t h e R F gain control for the present receiver to squelch its RF gain will default to maximum unless y o u r e c o...

Page 51: ... to toggle between Low and High mic gain range for the selected mic Tap 2 to turn mic BIAS on off turn on for electret mics MIC LIN OFF If set to ON and MIC SEL is set for FP or RP the present mic OR line input can be used for transmit audio NOTE Setting MIC SEL to LINE overrides the MIC LIN menu entry its parameter becomes N A When MIC LIN is in effect rotatingthe MIC control shows MIC gain The o...

Page 52: ...ransmit tests The internal 2 tone generator only works if LSB or USB mode is selected After setting 2 tone ON exit the menu and tap XMIT You can use MI C to to adjust the amplitude of one ofthe tone s t h e o t h e r s a m p l i t u d e i s f i x e d AF GAIN HI Sets AF gain range Available selections are HI or LO AFV TIM T 1000 Advanced Integration time for AFV and dBV displays in ms See VFO B alt...

Page 53: ...here L lock changes to U unlock Correct DDS frequency is restored after exitingthe menu and rotating either VFO DIGOUT1 OFF DIGOUT1 is a general purpose open drain output signal on the ACC connector pin 11 OFF floating ON pull the lineto ground DIGOUT1 is per band and also per antenna ifthe KAT3 ATU is installed It can be used to turn an Elecraft PR6 preamp on when you switch to 6 meters control a...

Page 54: ... set to NOR exit menu andturn power off on KIO3 NOR Determines function of BAND0 3 outputs on ACC connector See pg 19 KNB3 SUB NOR Troubleshooting T h e K 3 c a n t b e u s e d w i t h o u t a K N B 3 Not Inst setting is for troubleshooting only KPA3 Not Inst Set to PA NOR if KPA3 100 W amp installed Set to PAIO NOR if KPA3 is not installed but the KPAIO3transition PC board is Other settings inclu...

Page 55: ...ee pg 18 Note If a computer or other device asserts RTS or DTR while y o u r e i n t h i s m e n u e n t r y t h e K 3w i l l s w i t c h t o TEST mode zero power output as a precaution The TX icon will flash as a reminder To avoidthis make sure software applications have flow control and or keying options turned OFF w h i l e y o u r e c h a n g i n g t h e PTT KEY selection PTT RLS 20 Advanced P...

Page 56: ...lch for the sub receiver will then be controlled by the SUB RF SQL knob and both main and sub RF gain will be controlled by the MAIN RF SQL knob SW TEST T OFF Changing the parameter displays SCN ADC Hold any switch to see scan row and switch ADC reading Used for troubleshooting only SW TONE OFF Sets up audible control annunciation tones or audio Morse code SYNC DT Function Advanced When SYNC DT sy...

Page 57: ...re will include NOR at all times You can change the settingto troubleshoot VCO L C ranges When finished set the parameter backto NOR 127 then exit the menu and change bands to restorethe original setting Note In this menu entry only the main sub receiver prefix RF or SUB is not displayed at all times However the SUB icon will flash as usual when SUB is tapped VFO B A Function C o p i e s V F OB s ...

Page 58: ...entally L x xx Low power level species a value in milliwatts which requires the KXV3 option If CONFIG PWR SET is set to PER BAND the K3 will also save the last used power setting on each band This is especially useful for transverter bands XVx OFS 0 00 Offset 9 99 to 9 99 kHz for transverter band x 1 9 Tap 1 9 to select xvtr band Compensates for oscillator multiplier chain errors XVx ADR TRNx Phys...

Page 59: ... 59 Be sure to save important parameter settings first NEW K3UTIL SOF TWARE REQUIRED message appears on the LCD This indicates that you must i n s t a l l a n e wv e r s i o n o f t h e K 3 s f i r mw a r e u p g r a d e p r o g r a m K 3U t i lity in order to loadthe latest K3 firmware After installing the new version of K3 Utility reload all new firmware MCU DSP etc FPF LOAD PENDING message appe...

Page 60: ...as or decrease output power If a relay switches during keying even at very low power levels it could be due to 1 SPLIT operation with different bands and or modes or the receive VFO tuned outside any ham band 2 VFO A is tuned close to a point where a relay switches between transmit and receive due to incorrect VCO calibration re run VCO CAL using the latest firmware thentune across the affected ba...

Page 61: ... r d y o u r c r y s t a l f i l t e r a n d o p t i o ns e t t i n g s y o u m a y h a v e t o r e m o v e t h e K 3 s t o p c o v e r a n d s u b r e c e i v e r i f i n s t a l l e d t o verify which options as well as crystals filters are installed as well as the frequency offsets noted on the crystal filters depends on filter type T u r n t h e K 3 O F F u s i n g t h e K 3 s P O WE Rs w i t ...

Page 62: ...uration If you see an error message on VFO B ERR XXX Write down the error message as well as any associated error data shown onthe VFO A display e g E 00005 Then tap any switch to clearthe error code Multiple errors may occur in this case write down each of the messages and VFO A data if any before you clear them See Error Msg table next page for details on specific ERR messages and their associat...

Page 63: ...dule on KRX3 ERR DS1 No main DSP SPI echo Reload DSP1 firmware ERR DS2 Main DSP SPI echo not inverted Reload DSP1 firmware ERR DS3 No AUX DSP SPI echo Reload DSP2 firmware Note CONFIG KRX3 must be set to NOT INST unless the KRX3 option is installed which includes the aux DSP module DSP2 and 2nd synthesizer ERR DS4 AUX DSP SPI echo not inverted Reload DSP2 firmware Note CONFIG KRX3 must be set to N...

Page 64: ... option modules one at atime If no failing option module can be found there may be a problem onthe RF board ERR PA1 KPAIO3 module not responding De install the KPA3 module and set CONFIG KPA3 to PAIO NOR If this eliminates the error message the problem is likely to be on the KPA3 module If not the problem may be on the KPAIO3 module remove it as well and set CONFIG KPA3 to NOT INST ERR PL1 2 ERR S...

Page 65: ...al filter bandwidth The crystal filter selected for TX with CONFIG FLTX is either too narrow or too wide You must specify a filter that is 2 7 or 2 8 kHz wide for CW DATA SSB 6 kHz for AM and13 0 kHz for FM ERR TXG Transmit gain constant out of range This usually indicates a problem with band pass filter alignment or one of the low pass filters In either case it could affect one ortwo bands Consul...

Page 66: ...atuner which plugs in at far right Low Power Amplifier LPA and T R Switching The large hole near the back middle area of the RF PCB is where the 10 W low power amplifier module plugs in The LPA has three connectors that mate with the RF board and its power transistors attach to the rear bottom cover which serves as a heat sink This construction method allows the 10 W module to be tested separately...

Page 67: ...ables The KIO3 and KXV3 in the back left corner provide RF audio and digital I O The main synthesizer used for the main receiver as well as the transmitter plugs in at front left and is attached to the front shield To the right of this is the reference oscillator module KREF3 as well as the second synthesizer used for the sub receiver These also attach tothe front shield The Front Panel DSP module...

Page 68: ...l interface andvarious control line inputs and outputs for externaltransverters band decoders and the like This board also contains a differential output microphone amplifier to equalize the gain between the front andrear microphone jacks as well as to provide noise immunity forthe microphone signal from the rear panel area Circuitry to allow use of the serial port RTS or DTR signal lines as PTT a...

Page 69: ...g the audio signals fromthe KRX3 if installed After processing the resulting audio signals are generated in a stereo 24 bit Digitalto Analog Converter DAC and appliedto separate amplifiers for headphones front and rear and speaker A separate 24 bit DAC and amplifier provide Line Out signals that are not affected by the AF Gain control This output is typically used by sound card digital mode softwa...

Page 70: ...tor diodes as high as possible The VCO is held exactly on frequency by a phase locked loop IC PLL which samples the VCO output continuously and compares it to its high s t a b i l i t yr e f e r e n c e i n p u t T h e P L L s r e f e r e n c e i n p u t i s o b t a i n e d f r o ma direct digital synthesis DDS IC which is tunable in about 0 2 Hz steps The reference for the DDS itself is the 49 38...

Page 71: ...71 K3 Block Diagram ...

Page 72: ... panels do notlay them directly on your work surface Also do not use a power screwdriver of any kind as it can slip and gouge the paint Installation Procedure Disconnect the power cable and all other external cables from the K3 Remove only the top cover screws identified in the drawing below Press gently at the indicatedpoint near the back edge X then lift off the top cover at the front Unplug the...

Page 73: ...e s ef i l t e r s c a nb e i n s t a l l e d i nt h eK 3 a n d h o wt h e y r e u s e d Rule 1 If you plan to use a particular filter for both transmitting and receiving ma i nr e c e i v e r y o u l l n e e d t o install it onthe RF board You can optionally install a filter of the same or similar bandwidth on the sub receiver for receive only use This is recommended since it will keepthe receive...

Page 74: ... o u l l b ec h a n g i n g R Fb o a r d f i l t e r s Turnthe K3 upside down placing a soft cloth beneath it Removethe seven black pan head screws retaining the front bottom cover then lift the cover off R e mo v e t h e s c r e w s h o l d i n g a n ye x i s t i n g f i l t e r s t h a t y o u l l n e e d t om o v e t o o b t a i n t h e o r d e r l i s t e d a b o v e o n boththe RF board and s...

Page 75: ... the screws Excess torque may pull out the threaded standoff Re install the bottom cover if applicable using seven 4 4 0 x 3 1 6 b l a c k p a n h e a d s c r e w s R e p l a c e t h e screws securely but do not over tighten them All screws must be used to maintain shielding performance The top cover and sub receiver if applicable will be re installed in at later step Turn to Crystal Filter Setup ...

Page 76: ...Filter Bandwidth 23 Crystal Filter Center Frequency 9 45 Crystal Filter Enables 45 Crystal Filter Installation 2 45 72 75 Crystal Filter Setup 2 14 45 73 75 Crystal Filter Transmit 26 46 65 Crystal Filter Variable Bandwidth 23 67 73 Current Drain 7 21 36 Customer Support 2 10 44 64 CW Keying Weight 30 36 53 CW Mode 30 CW Mode VOX 13 CW Normal 30 CW Reverse 12 13 22 30 CW Break In QSK 30 CW Off Air...

Page 77: ...re 61 63 69 PF1 PF2 6 16 21 32 PLL voltage 36 64 POWER ON Signal 18 43 59 Power Supply 8 PR6 6 Meter Preamp 44 Presets 24 PrimaryControls 2 11 13 Programmable Function Switch 6 11 16 21 29 30 32 PSK D Mode 31 PSK31 31 PTT Push To Talk 18 26 29 55 59 64 QSK 30 Quasi Stereo AFX 35 51 69 Quick Memories 8 15 16 Quick Start Guide 2 4 7 Real Time Clock 2 46 47 Rear Panel 2 7 17 Receive Antenna 2 38 Rece...

Page 78: ...ransverter 2 8 9 18 19 38 48 54 60 Troubleshooting 59 Tuning Aids 34 Tuning Rate VFO 6 22 36 46 57 TX EQ 5 6 28 35 51 TX LED 6 26 44 59 TX TES T 5 12 18 26 28 30 34 55 TXGN 48 57 VFO B Alternate Displays 2 36 VFO Knob Friction Adjustment 2 47 VFO Tuning Controls 6 22 36 46 57 Voice Modes 2 5 23 28 VOX Delay 14 29 VOX CW Mode 13 VOX Voice Modes 13 29 Wattmeter 2 28 48 57 WIDTH 12 14 23 XFIL 15 45 5...

Search results

Summary of Contents for K3

Reviews:

Related manuals for K3

Brands by name

Popular brands

ELECRAFT K3, Owner'S Manual

Search results

Summary of Contents for K3

Reviews:

Related manuals for K3

Brands by name

Popular brands