With its internal battery compartment and available miniature keyer paddles, it is ready to go from a campsite or picnic table with just the addition of an antenna see figure 1. Sdr radio transceiver flex, elecraft, cube, softrock. Elecraft announce k4 software defined radio sdr at hamvention 2019 icq amateur ham radio podcast. Elecraft announce k4 software defined radio sdr at hamvention. Add a software defined radio sdr to your transceiver to. Since the kx3 is a softwaredefinedradio sdr, youll be able to extend its capabilities using computer applications, and add new features via free firmware. The kx2 is a true sdr, architecturally, but we kept its size, weight, and current drain low by emphasizing featuresneeded during field operation. Softwaredefined radio sdr architektur plus roofing filter kxfl3 optional ermoglichen hervorragenden dynamik bereich. Software for elecraft k3, kx3, k2, kx1, and p3 radio equipment. Flex radio sdr based ham radio transceivers perseus hf sdr receivers rf space hf sdr receivers quicksilver qs1r hf sdr receiver winradio hf and vhf uhf sdr receivers alinco hf and vhf uhf receivers with iq outputs. Sdr software used is sdr console v3, since this has a skimmer interface. Elecraft makes the matching px3 panadapter for the kx3, but since it relies on the iq output, it is not compatible with the kx2. Full support for point and click frequency changes for both vfos.
Many others, like the elecraft kx3 and kx2, which look much more like a traditional radio. I had to download the 64 bit driver to even get the pc to communicate with the kx3, but finally did. May 18, 2019 elecraft announce k4 software defined radio sdr at hamvention 2019 icq amateur ham radio podcast. I did have to send the kx3 back to elecraft last november for an exterior blemish some of the letters were flaking off. May 18, 2016 versatile software defined radio sdr architecture operates in data modes psk31rtty with or without a pc new kxpd2 compact keyer paddle. An sdr is a radio where the radio behavior is defined by software, not the user interface behavior. Elecraft kx3 transceiver 160m6m 10w fertiggerat qrpshop. Add a software defined radio sdr to your transceiver to make a realtime panadapter a panadapter allows you to see all of the radio stations currently transmitting across an entire band. Elecraft k3 sdr setup writelog contesting software. The elecraft kx3 is a nominal 10 w hf and 6 meter transceiver intended primarily for portable use. Softwaredefined radio sdr architecture plus optional roofing filters for excellent dynamic range operates in data modes psk31rtty with or without a pc.
Elecrafts product lineup includes a range of qrp cw transceivers, the k2 and k3 allmode 100w transceiver, kx2 and kx3 portable 160m2m transceiver, linear power amplifiers, two panadapters and a range of accessories including antenna tuners and signal generators. Curious if youve tried to connect your kx3 to powersdr via a kxusb cable. Hdsdr is an application program for operating softwaredefined radios. In the early 1980s, i joined a project working on software defined. Plug in the audio cable from kx3 iq output to the pc soundcard line in 3. This means, via a shielded stereo audio patch cable and a supplied usb control cable, you can connect the kx3 to your pc and use a freeware sdr application like hdsdr to turn your kx3 into a proper software defined receiver. Despite its extreme portability, the app utilizes the same digital signal processing techniques found in pcbased sdr receivers.
Despite its small size, it covers all amateur bands from 1606 meters, operates in all modes, and has dspbased features usually found only on larger radios. It will let you send and receive cw, psk31 and rtty by using your mobile phone or tablet keyboard. Mt takes a look at the latest tech elecraft kx3 by thomas witherspoon k4swl all photos courtesy of the author y ou may have noticed that in the past few years, while more and more software defined radios sdrs are appearing on the market, fewer and fewer traditional tabletop shortwave receivers are being introduced. I have so far tried three different programs, hdsdr, sdr radio, and sdr. Even though the sdr cube was the first portable, pc independent hf transceiver that was manufactured, the kx3 makes elecraft to the first manufacturer with both ordinary analogdigital as well as sdr transceivers. Designed for experimenters, shortwave listeners, and amateur radio enthusiasts looking for a truly portable softwaredefined radio receiver.
And the kx3 has the same fullsize display as the elecraft k3s, so all operating information is available at a glance. Optionally you can use an external bluetooth keyboard connected to. To make this procedure repeatable, well calibrate starting with writelogs sdr receiver if ranges completely blank, like this. September 07, 20 dg0jbj using elecraft kx3 with hdsdr hardware requirements. It may interest ham radio enthusiasts, hardware hackers, tinkerers and anyone interested in rf. Just as the sdr design has changed the way the rig works, the new compact form factor has changed the way the operating position looks. This seems to be a full feature rig that will fit into the palm of your hand. The rtl sdr is an ultra cheap software defined radio based on dvbt tv tuners with rtl2832u chips. Elecraft k4 overview a directsampling sdr youll love to use our new k4 harnesses the latest in signal processing while retaining the best aspects of the k3s and p3. I have developed an application for general public use.
Since the kx3 is a softwaredefinedradio sdr, youll be able to extend its capabilities using computer applications, and add new features via free firmware upgrades. It is an sdr application program that is often used to operate soundcardbased software defined radios. Since the kx3 is a software defined radio sdr, youll be able to extend its capabilities using computer applications, and add new features via free firmware upgrades. The kx3 companion in an app that will let the power use of your elecraft kx3 hf radio easier and lighter. Inphase and outofphase quadrature audio signal components are available at a single rx iq jack on the side of the case. The resulting user interface makes the technology transparent, allowing. It covers all hf bands 8010m, with ssb, cw, and data modes, with up to 10 w output from its internal liion battery. Discussion in ham radio discussions started by n4qfy, may 19. Download the latest released version of dsp radio on website. This new transceiver runs 10 watts and can run 100 watts with the optional kxpa100 amplifier.
In conclusion i wanted to test if i can make powersdr software to use elecraft kx3 as a receiver. However, if one wishes to use the radio for digital modes such as wsjt, some interface between the computer and the radio must be used to isolate audio between them and provide for other computer communication functions. For example, hdsdr is recommended in the software installation instructions for softrock radios and in the elecraft kx3 owners manual section on sdr applications. The kx3 version of win4k3suite provides full control of the kx3 as well as a sound card based spectrum scope displaying kx3 signals in real time. Only the kx3 has iq output, which can feed a panadapter or other sdr applications on a computer. Sdr functionality is limited to receiver functionality, and depending on the bandwidth and sampling rate, will be. I have so far tried three different programs, hdsdr, sdr radio, and sdr sharp, and they are all the. Unlike many software defined radio software, all demodulation, modulation and filtering of the kx3 signals are handled by the kx3 itself. The elecraft kx3 allmode hf transceiver has features of special interest to blind. Hi all yes this topic might be a little bit more complicated than the title suggest. This makes it possible to set up a high visibility panadapter using a computer with a sound card, sdr software, and large lcd display. What has been peoples experience with using sdrplay with win4k3 as a panadapter. Well look at it use with nap3 with some detailed coverage in setting up the kx3 using nap3.
Win4k3suite with the elecraft kx2, kx3 and sdrplay youtube. Since the kx3 outputs a standard iq signal, there are actually several packages one can use with it. Basically this chip replaces the sound card which was used by the sdr. Software defined radio sdr architecture plus optional roofing filters for excellent dynamic range operates in data modes psk31rtty with or without a pc. Here, the kx3 does not meet that definition while elecraft has. The kx3 provides iq inphasequadrature if outputs for just this purpose. Apr 17, 20 technically the kx3 is already an sdr hardware components replaced by software through direct conversion receiver architectureso i think he meant to ask how use the kx3s iq data in sdr applications as the elecraft manual calls them. The kx3 transceiver is a portable softwaredefined radio sdr transceiver with a fullfeatured knobandbutton interface. This hybrid sdr approach leaves the digital signal processing to the engineers at elecraft, while providing a full featured spectrum scope like the p3 and full control of the radio. I had to pay to ship it to elecraft and they split the cost for the return. You should go into building wide band, all mode digital scanners, with p25 decode, etc. Software defined radio resources ham radio science. Panadapter, as well as with computerbased softwaredefined radio sdr programs, to extend the capabilities of.
Dec 25, 2012 in comparison hdsdr uses omnirig cat interface which has more choices, including elecraft k3 that works well with kx3. Designed for experimenters, shortwave listeners, and amateur radio enthusiasts looking for a truly portable software defined radio receiver. If you can figure out a way to get kx3 cat interface working also with powersdr please let me know. Elecraft sdrplay as panadapter what has been peoples experience with using sdrplay with win4k3 as a panadapter. Indeed, almost all of the major manufacturers implement sdr technology in their current product lines. Elecraft kx3 1606 meters ssbcwdataamfm 10 w pep 100 w with kxpa100 amp rtc and battery charger board 1. Introducing the elecraft kx3 in 2011, elecraft introduced the kx3, a portable sdr transceiver with a fullfeatured knobandbutton user interface that doesnt require connection to a computer to operate.
The softwaredefined radio sdr in which most of a ham radios functions are implemented by software is one of the most significant changes in ham radio technology since the transistor. The kx2 has many of the same features as the kx3, but its about half the size and weight, making it ideal for ultralight portable and stealth operation. In september we began of our threepart primer on softwaredefined. For european transverters, the kx3 provides a 1750hz tone burst selection. I contacted them 1 week before the warranty expired and had an excellent experience with customer service. The kx3 shown here in position when used as my base station rig. New operators will also benefit from elecrafts outstanding user forum, where they can feel comfortable asking questions on any amateur radio subject. The rtl sdr can be used as a wide band radio scanner. Dec 02, 2016 the elecraft k3, kx3, and kx3 are all sdrs, but they dont come with a gui. Kx3 will connect to a pc it is not a full sdr radio my understanding of. The folks at the factory do listen to those who own their products and take any and all suggestions and complaints seriously. Our kx2 stealth transceiver can go wherever your imagination takes you.
This is a good choice because its easy on the batteries, and that is one good thing, the kx3 doesnt sip much power on rx useful in case of hurricanes. Sdrplay win4k3suite for the elecraft k3 k3s kx3 and kx2. Its worth noting that the elecraft kx3 is not really marketed as a traditional sdr, it much more prevalent as a portable compact hf transceiver. The elecraft k3, kx3, and kx3 are all sdrs, but they dont come with a gui. All the offsets we compute depend on the frequency the sdr is tuned to. Elecraft service, should you need it, is second to none. Instead of a pc the kx3 uses a pic18f87k22 8 bit pic microcontroller for control. Elecraft kx3 and kx2 win4k3suite for the elecraft k3 k3s. With the introduction of elecrafts kx3 transceiver, and other dsp radio products, hams are finding that isdr can transform their iphone, ipod or ipad into a portable yet capable panadapter. Many elecraft products are available both as kits and as readybuilt units. Hdsdr former winradhd is an advanced version of winrad, written by alberto di bene. The kx3 in itself as a portabe transceiver actually does not require a computer to operate.
The elecraft kx3 uses sdr technology to bring to you a level of performance that is above most base station transceivers regardless of price. The kx3 is a bargain when one considers the number of features packed into 18. In the early 1980s, i joined a project working on software defined demodulators for military use. Can i use the kx2 with sdr software defined radio applications and the px3 panadapter. Yet it is a light weight portable package that you can take almost anywhere. Just as the sdr design has changed the way the rig works, the new compact fo. Oct 12, 20 sdr software for kx3 hi has anyone tried to hook up their kx3 via the iq output to sdr software. You wont have to dig through menus to set the power level, adjust the keyer speed, or change filter settings. Sdrplay software defined radio receiver 50,047 views. Memories can be grouped for scanning and manual channelhopping.
Kx3 owners man rev c5d ftp directory listing elecraft. The kx3 s unique formfactor allows you to operate from anywhere. A tiny python panadapter american radio relay league. Nov 09, 2016 will be released friday, november 11 2016. The elecraft k3 is a simple rig to setup in writelogs sdr wizard. So i have the kx3 plugged into the audio input of my computer, and its sending quadrature data iq. Elecraft s product lineup includes a range of qrp cw transceivers, the k2 and k3 allmode 100w transceiver, kx2 and kx3 portable 160m2m transceiver, linear power amplifiers, two panadapters and a range of accessories including antenna tuners and signal generators. Elecraft announce k4 software defined radio sdr at.
The sdrplay rsp is a low cost software defined radio that can be used as a panadapter for the k3, kx3 and kx2. The revolutionary elecraft kx3 puts the world in the palm of your hand. The kx3 provides excellent repeater support, including programmable offsets, pl tones, reverse, and up to 100 generalpurpose labeled memories. Elecraft kx3 and kx2 win4k3suite for the elecraft k3 k3s kx3. When working hf, this is very useful as it allows you to quickly home in on cq calls and other activity. But the kx3 is also the only compact transceiver that combines the flexibility of an sdr with a fullsize front panel and display, allowing operation with or without a computer. Sdr software for kx3 hi has anyone tried to hook up their kx3 via the iq output to sdr software. At the dayton hamvention that year, the kx3 instantly drew crowds, as it was unlike any other transceiver on the market.
The elecraft kx3 is a 160 6 meter meter all mode hf transceiver which is pc independent and yet portable. Many others, like the elecraft kx3 and kx2, which look much more like a traditional radio, are also based on sdr architecture. With the introduction of elecraft s kx3 transceiver, and other dsp radio products, hams are finding that isdr can transform their iphone, ipod or ipad into a portable yet capable panadapter. The other day i had a request from mike, ve3wdm to create a post on my setup running the kx3 as an sdr. Kx3 basic computer setup for panadapter and log k4mtx. May 16, 2019 elecraft k4 overview a directsampling sdr youll love to use our new k4 harnesses the latest in signal processing while retaining the best aspects of the k3s and p3. The kx3 features a large front panel with all controls optimized for convenient use.
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