Elecraft K3S

Elecraft
Elecraft K3S

Specifications

Prices

The Elecraft K4 transceiver provides 160-6 meter, all-mode coverage, with 100W output. Narrow ham-band front-end filters, up to 5 roofing filters with bandwidths as narrow as 200 Hz, optional high-performance sub receiver. Built-in CW / RTTY / PSK31 / PSK63 decode and encode. Ideated in USA, year of introduction 2015.

Reference market : amateur-radio

Elecraft K3S specifications

General

Frequency coverage
Receive	0.1000 ~ 30.0000 MHz 44.0000 ~ 54.0000 MHz 144.0000 ~ 148.0000 MHz [2]
Transmit [3]	0.47 [1] / 1.8 / 3.5 / 5.3 / 7 / 10 / 14 / 18 / 21 / 24 / 28 / 50 / 144 [2] MHz band
Mode
CW / LSB / USB / FSK / PSK / AM / FM
Tuning step
1 / 10 / 20 / 50 Hz

Receiver

MDS (Minimum Detectable Signal) [4]
-133 dBm (Preamp Off) -138 dBm (Preamp1 On) -145 dBm (Preamp2 On, 24 / 28 / 50 MHz band) -115 dBm (137 KHz band)
Selectivity
AM	6 kHz
SSB	2.7 kHz 1.8 kHz
CW / FSK / PSK	1.8 kHz 0.5 kHz 0.2 kHz
RF preamplifiers
Pre1	10 dB
Pre2	20 dB (24 / 28 / 50 MHz band)
RF attenuator
5 / 10 / 15 dB
DR (Dynamic Range)
100 dB (5 KHz spaced signals, BW 500 Hz)
Blocking
140 dB
Image rejection
> 70 dB
IF rejection
> 70 dB
Notch filter
Manual	Yes
Automatic	Yes
NB (Noise Blanker)
Adjustable
DNR (Digital Noise Reduction)
8-level adjustable
RIT (Receiver Incremental Tuning)
9.99 kHz
AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
Fast, slow, off
Frequency stability
± 5ppm with temperature from 0°C to +50°C ± 0.5ppm typ with temperature from 0°C to +50°C [5]
IF (Intermediate Frequency)
1°	8.215 MHz
2°	15 kHz
CW features
Pitch control 300~800 Hz APF (audio peaking filter)

Transmitter

Output power
HF	0.1 ~ 100 W
50 MHz	0.1 ~ 85 W
Spurious emission
Harmonics	> 50 dBc (HF) > 60 dBc (50 MHz)
Carrier suppression (SSB)
> 50 dB
XIT (Transmitter Incremental Tuning)
9.99 kHz
CW features
Full / Semi break-in

Features

Memory
100 general-purpose memories 4 memories per band
Display
1 or 10 Hz frequency resolution 21-segments signal meter bar
Antenna
SO239 50Ω 2 x BNC 50Ω (RX in/out)
Power supply
13.8 VDC nominal (11~15V)
Power consumption
22A TX typ, max power 4A TX typ, max power [6]
Audio power
2.5 W on 4Ω
Audio output
Jack 6.35mm (headphone, front panel) Jack 3.5mm (headphone, rear panel) Jack 3.5mm (external speaker)
Connections
USB-B RS232 15-pin DIN (ACC) Jack (line-in) Jack (line-out) Jack (paddle) Jack (key) Jack (PTT) Jack (key output) Jack (12V/1A output) BNC (8.215 MHz IF output)

Mechanical and environmental data

Operating temperature
from 0°C to +50°C
Dimensions
282 (W) x 112 (H) x 300 (D) mm, with projections
Weight
3.8kg 4.3kg [7]

With KBPF3A option, 0.5mW output power.
With K144XV option, 10W output power.
Expanded coverage of MARS allocations on request (USA).
500Hz bandwidth. Reduced sensitivity near 8.2 MHz (first IF) and on 44-49 MHz.
With high-stability optional TCXO.
K3S/10, 10W max power.
With KRX3A sub-receiver option.

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Elecraft K3S description :

Elecraft's K3S modular transceiver offers a unique combination of high performance and affordability. Both 100 watt and 10 watt (upgradeable) models are available. In a first for the industry, the K3S identical main receiver and sub receiver (optional) each feature a high-dynamic-range down-conversion architecture with its own bus-switching mixer, narrow ham-band front-end filters, 32-bit DSP, low-noise synthesizer, and up to 5 crystal roofing filters. Both fixed and variable bandwidth IF filters are available. The variable filters are available in both Data / Voice mode and allow close tracking between crystal and DSP filtering. Two 32-bit digital signal processors provide true software-defined features with advanced noise reduction. Also included is built-in PSK31 / PSK63 / CW and RTTY decode and encode so the ham-operator can enjoy the data communications with or without a computer. An optional module provides transverter input / output and receiver antenna input / output connectors.

Elecraft K3S with P3 panadapter unit

The K3S first IF mixer combines signals from the input band-pass filters with the output of the synthesizer to obtain the signal at 8.215 MHz. The mixer is based on a video switching integrated circuit with very low ON-resistance, resulting in low loss and high signal-handling capability. Since this type of mixer requires low drive, there's very little leakthrough of the synthesizer signal. The mixer also incorporates a balanced VHF low-pass filter to suppress both internally and externally generated spurs. This keeps the HF spur complement extremely low, despite the use of a down-conversion system architecture.

Elecraft K3 vs K3S :

The K3S is the same size and weight as its predecessor, the K3 transceiver. With K3S all internal modules have been redesigned, providing enhanced performance and many new features. These include:

Ultra low-noise synthesizer for high receiver dynamic range and transmit signal purity.
USB port for convenient, single-cable computer control and digital audio interface. An RS232 port is provided, as well, for compatibility and P3 panadapter interfacing.
Built-in second preamp for weak-signal work on 12, 10, and 6 meters.
Three attenuator settings to optimize performance in strong-signal conditions.
Improved audio circuitry for clean, low-distortion stereo speaker output.
Low-loss ATU option with a true bypass relay, maximizing efficiency with every antenna.
Accurate high-speed CW transmit timing, even when using Split, RIT, and XIT.
VLF 100-500 kHz coverage, including low-level 630-meter (472 kHz) transmit.

Elecraft K3S other features and optional modules :

Optional high-performance sub receiver, also with up to 5 crystal filters, allows true diversity receive.
Narrow ham-band front-end filters, plus wider band-pass filters for general-coverage receive with KBPF3A option. Good sensitivity down to 100 kHz, including 2200-m and 630-m ham-bands.
32-bit DSP for advanced signal processing, including full stereo and binaural effects.
Passband tuning and programmable DSP & crystal filter presets.
8-band transmit and receive graphic equalization.
Built-in digital-mode demodulation with text displayed on the LCD. Automatic CW/data signal spotting and manual fine-tuning display.
Dedicated message play controls for use in CW, data, and voice modes.
Real-time clock & calendar with alarm and automatic power-on.
Utility displays show voltage, current drain, RIT and XIT offset, front panel and power-amplifier heat sink temperature.
Line-level analog audio jacks, plus digital audio via the USB port.
Options as ATU, sub receiver, digital voice recorder, 144 MHz module, external reference lock. Internal optional units as Inrad IF filters.

Elecraft K3S price

We have collected for your convenience the Elecraft K3S sale price (Euro) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price	Date	Condition
EUR 3250.00 (2799GBP)	2021-may	Second Hand With four SSB/CW Inrad filters
EUR 3739.00	2020-aug	Brand-new

Elecraft K3S review

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