The KX3 Has Arrived

Last week I purchased an Elecraft KX3 through QTH.com for what I thought was an incredibly good deal. It arrived a few days ago and I have been working on it.  It did have a couple of issues.  The first was the Antenna tuner wasn't working.  The radio was not recognizing it was there.  I took the radio apart and found the ATU flopping around inside the case.  It was missing 2 mounting screws.  I secured the tuner into its sockets, added two screws and all was well.  The second issue was the filters were not working properly.  This was an easier fix.  The KX3 as I bought it didn't come with the optional roofing filter.  It was a matter of changing the roofing filter setting from NOR to Not Installed.  At one time the radio probably had a filter but it was removed without changing the settings.  It may be the reason why the ATU was loose.  

I put the radio back together and went through all of the settings to set them to my preference.  I also checked to make sure the Firmware was up to date.  I hooked the radio up to my 270' OCF dipole and made a few POTA contacts.  I was pleased with the performance of the radio.  I ordered a Tufteln faceplate cover to protect knobs and buttons.  I also ordered the Roofing Filter and Heatsink from Elecraft.  They should be here on Friday.  I looked at the radio and I think I already have the heatsink installed (bonus).  I will compare the pieces when I get them.  I little more work and the KX3 will be as I like it.

I have an upcoming trip which I will be bringing the KX3 with me. As a CW op, I appreciate the quiet QSK switching that Elecraft is known for,  

As I get older, the days of lugging anything, any kind of distance are over.  Even though the KX3 is a little bigger and heavier than the KX2, it is a far better performer and the extra weight will be of no consequence.  I'll let my truck do the heavy lifting.  

I have been practicing my CW sending.  I am still trying to work squeeze keying out of my system.  I am much better now than I was a short while ago.  I still get the occasional muscle memory freeze when they can't decide which is right.  Nothing but continued practice will work that out.  I am also beginning to appreciate my HST MKIII. I am tempted to go all single lever even though I can use paddles without squeeze keying.  It's all fun right!  I hope everyone is having a fun summer.  Don't forget to take those radios out with you.  73 de Scott