Alerts, Enhancements and Application Notes

Topics in this section apply to the Elecraft products have been incorporated into all product models now shipping.  That is, if you have recently purchased Elecraft products, you already have most of the items listed in this section already incorporated into your radio.

How to Use this Section

 The following modifications and enhancements have been incorporated into current production in response to customer requests or as part of ongoing engineering improvements. Any change, made after a particular product was shipped, can be added later. All changes are optional, and some apply only to specific operating conditions or configurations.

To determine which changes are applicable to your product, check the Production phase-in date in the table below. If you are close to the cutoff, refer to How do I determine if I already have this?

The reason for each change is provided in the description column. Additional details can be obtained by clicking the document name under Enhancement / Modification. These enhancement parts kits for most modifications are available on our Quick Order page.

If your radio has returned to the factory at some point in its life

If your product has been returned to the factory for option installation, repairs or calibration, many of the enhancements will have been applied to your radio.  Please check the Repair Report that accompanied your product when it returned to you for which modifications have already been installed.

K-Line Products View COLLAPSE
K3S Application Notes View COLLAPSE

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 Application Note Description Revision
(if applicable)
Production phase-in details (if applicable)
Using Virtual Serial Ports with Logging and Contest Software* Many contact and contest logging programs require the use of dual COM ports at the host computer for transceiver control and keying. This Application Note introduces methods for concentrating multiple computer COM ports to a single transceiver serial port, using COM Port Concentrator (CPC) software. An example is used for illustration purposes.  Revision B2
August 14, 2015 

Operating on 630 Meters with K3 and K3S* With the FCC now approving new operating privileges on 630M, Elecraft is one of the few companies producing radios that will operate there. This Application Note discusses what is needed to do so.  Revision A1
October 2017

*Document contains a link that will lead you to a website or contact information hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the content on the website.

P3 Application Notes View COLLAPSE

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Application Note Description Revision
(if applicable)
Production phase-in details (if applicable)
IF Output Buffer Gain Modification

This modification increases the signal level at the I.F. output by more than 10 dB. Applies to K3 radios only shipped before about 09/01/09. Does not apply to K3 RF board Rev H3 or later. 

Revision A
September 3, 2009
Ribbon Cable Retaining Clip Ribbon Cable Retaining Clip Instructions Revision A
June 13, 2012
APP Power Supply Cable Kit* Provides the parts needed to assemble power supply cable for using Anderson PowerPole® (APP) connectors. Revision B
February 5, 2008

 *Document contains a link that will lead you to a website or contact information hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the content on the website.

KPA500 Application Notes View COLLAPSE

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Application Note Description Production phase-in details (if applicable)
No Notes

 

 App Notes for the PowerCombo 

K3 & K3S  Icom 7610* Icom 7300*
Flex 6500 Flex 6300 Icom 756 Pro III
Kenwood TS570 Kenwood TS590 Kenwood TS2000
Yaesu FT857/897 Yaesu FT990/991 Yaesu FT950
Yaesu FTdx1200 Yaesu FTdx3000

Don't see your radio?  Contact Us!

*Document contains a link that will lead you to a website or contact information hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the content on the website.

KAT500 Application Notes View COLLAPSE
Application Note Description Production phase-in details (if applicable)
No Notes
KPA/KAT500 PowerCombo Application Notes View COLLAPSE

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Application Note Description Production phase-in details (if applicable)
K3 & K3S K3/K3S Integration with KPA500 and KAT500: Set Up and Configuration
Icom 7610* Implementing the Power Combo With the Icom IC-7610
Icom 7300* High Power Bundle for the Icom IC-7300
Flex 6500 High Power Bundle for the Flex 6500
Flex 6300 Flex 6300 with KPA/KAT500 Power Combo
Icom 756 Pro III KPA500 Connection to the Icom 756 Pro III
Kenwood TS570 Connecting the Elecraft Power Combo to a Kenwood TS-570/TS-570S series Transceiver
Kenwood TS590 Connecting the KPA500 to a Kenwood TS590s Transceiver
Kenwood TS2000 Connecting the Elecraft Power Combo to the Kenwood TS-2000 series Transceiver
Yaesu FT857/897 Yaesu FT-857/897 Series radios with KPA/KAT500 Power Combo
Yaesu FT990/991 Yaesu FT-990/991 Series radios with KPA/KAT500 Power Combo
Yaesu FT950 Yaesu FT-950 and FT-450D with KPA/KAT500 Power Combo
Yaesu FTdx1200 Yaesu FTdx1200 with KPA/KAT500 Power Combo
Yaesu FTdx3000 Yaesu FTdx3000 with KPA/KAT500 Power Combo

See Manuals related to App Notes.

*Document contains a link that will lead you to a website or contact information hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the content on the website.

KPA1500 Enhancements, Mods and Tech Alerts View COLLAPSE

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 Enhancement / Modification

Description Revision
(if applicable)
Production phase-in details (if applicable)
Temperature Sensor Modification Kit Reduces the variation of the KPA1500 temperature sensor display by adding capacitance in the temperature sensor circuit. Revision A4
September 27, 2018

 

 App Notes for the KPA1500 

Icom IC-7610 Icom IC-7300 Flex 6xxx
More App notes coming soon!

See Manuals related to App Notes.

Don't see your radio?  Contact Us!

 

K3/0 Mini View COLLAPSE
Application Note Description Production phase-in details (if applicable)
No Notes
KX-Line Products View COLLAPSE
KX3 Builder Alerts View COLLAPSE

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 Builder Alert Description Revision
(if applicable)
Link / PDF
KXPA100 Kit Builder Alert #3: Operation with External Power Amplifiers The KXPA100/KX3 combination is designed to interface with the KPA500 amplifier. If another power amplifier is used that presents more than +5V on the keying line, damage may occur to KXPA100 amplifiers with serial numbers less than 0700. Revision A
February 12, 2014
See
builder alert
KXPA100 Kit Builder Alert #2: Serial Data Noise Suppression Under certain conditions when the KX3 and the KXPA100 are connected to a personal computer via the RS232 port, noise from serial data may be audible in the receiver. Adding a bypass capacitor eliminates this noise. Revision A
February 4, 2014
See
builder alert
KX3 Kit Builder Alert #1: Battery holder attachment screws Some builders have reported the 2-56 flat head screws used to attach the battery holders in the KX3 do not seat smoothly against the plastic holder. The heads protrude upward and may strike one or more batteries. This is because the builder used screws from the Hardware Spares parts bag which were too long. January 14, 2013 See
builder alert
KX3 Operating Tips View COLLAPSE

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 Operating Tip Description Revision
(if applicable)
Connecting KX3 to your Computer and Backup / Restore your Settings* To assist you in keeping your rig up and running for the long haul, we have engineered some "Good Housekeeping" features to ensure your radio can talk to your computer, back up your configurations and update your firmware. This Application Note steps you through them. If you are new to the KX3 or KX2, take a moment to read through this Application Note. Revision A
September, 2012
Maximizing Battery Life The Elecraft KX3 has been designed with mobile applications in mind and that means maximizing battery life. Built into the KX3 are a number of features and capabilities that can be enabled separately. This Operating Tip discusses those features. Revision A
September, 2012
Using a Straight Key  The KX3's attached keyer paddle, the KXPD3, is very flexible. However, the KX3 can actually handle 2 keys connected at the same time. This Operating Tip discusses how this can be done. Revision A
September, 2012
Using APF for Weak Signal CW Both the K3 and KX3 have an APF control (audio peaking filter). APF can be extremely effective when you're trying to copy weak CW signals buried in the noise. Revision A
September, 2012
Using APF with K3 and KX3 Elecraft's K3 radio has quite a few features to assist the avid DX and Contester to dig out weak signals across the entire HF bands. This Operating Note is intended to highlight one of these features, the Audio Peaking Filter, or the APF, as it is generally called. Primarily intended for the CW operator, this feature enhances the already excellent DSP filtering built into the K3 and KX3. Revision A
September, 2012
Using Dual Watch on KX3 Often a DX station will say "up 2" (or just "up") in order to move callers away from his own frequency. This Operating Tip discusses how to use the Dual Watch feature for operating in Split. Revision A
September, 2012
Using Rich Audio Features of KX3 While it contains a built-in speaker, many operators are finding far more benefits with the rich set of audio processing features in the Elecraft KX3. This Operating Tip discusses how they can be used. Revision A
September, 2012
How to Lock VFO on KX3 Locking the VFO can be useful when operating mobile or portable, or if you just want to stay parked on one frequency for a long time and don't want to accidentally change it. Here's how that is achieved. Revision A
September, 2012
*Document contains a link that will lead you to a website or contact information hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the content on the website.
KX3 Application Notes View COLLAPSE

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 Application Note Description Revision
(if applicable)
Production phase-in details (if applicable)
Elecraft KXPA100 + KX3 Power Calibration This optional calibration procedure pairs a specific KX3 to a specific KXPA100 for maximum accuracy between requested RF output and actual output. It is optional because the KXPA100 is factory calibrated to an Elecraft lab-standard KX3 transceiver, measuring and saving expected KX3 drive power for a given KXPA100 output power. See the Application Note for the tools required to complete it. Revision A
February 5, 2014
Tuning Noise Suppression Modification KX3s with the KXFL3 filter installed may exhibit noticeable "zipper" noise when the VFO is tuned on quiet bands. This Application Note discusses how to determine if your KX3 needs the modification and how to do it.

Applied to factory assembled KX3s from serial number 4668 up, and kits from serial number 4753 up that include the KXFL3 option. KX3's shipped after to not have the problem.
Revision B3
July 10, 2013
KX3 160M/80M Rx Performance Improvement The KX3's receive dynamic performance has been improved by approximately 10dB on the 80M and 160M bands only. Operators on these bands may recognize improved performance with strong local interference with this modification in place. This App Note discusses how to determine if you will benefit from the Performance Improvement and whether your KX3 needs to have it installed. Revision B
October, 2012

PER-BAND RXSBNUL with AUTOMATIC GAIN/PHASE NULLING

Allows receive opposite-sideband suppression to be optimized on any or all bands, relative to the normal level of suppression. Requires S9 to S9+30 signal source on each band to be adjusted. This is applicable to KX3's below serial number 2324. Revision A8
January 24, 2013
KX3 VFO TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION Improved frequency stability is available for some of the new Digital Modes, such as JT65. It is also recommended when installing the 2M Option after the KX3 was purchased or if you are building the KX3 from a kit. If you purchased your KX3 factory-built with the 2M Option installed at the time of purchase, the factory performed this procedure for you. Rev. A9
November 14, 2012
Note: This note contains a reference to the XG50, a product we  no longer carry.
KX3 Improving Internal Speaker Performance If you have occasional loss of audio or crackling sounds coming from your KX3’s internal speaker, especially at high volume levels, see this short Application Note for details on how the connector is to be oriented. Revision A
April 24, 2013
Builder Alert: Battery tray mounting screws The 2-56 flat head screws used to attach the battery trays fitted inside the KX3 may not seat smoothly against the plastic holder. This Application Note discusses how this can be addressed. KX3 Kit Builders should check their battery tray installation using this Application Note. All Factory-built KX3's will not have the problem. January 14 2013

KX3 Mobile Installation And Operation guide*

KX3 article on Mobile Installation and Operation by Matt Zilmer Rev B1 (1.6)
November 23, 2012

KX3 Block Diagram

KX3 Block Diagram Rev: 27
March 2012

KX3HSMDKT 

KX3HSMDKT Enhanced Heat Sink Installation Instructions  Revision B
June 17, 2015

KX3 Speaker Grille Instructions

KX3 Application Note Installing Speaker Grille Revision A
July 30, 2012
*Document contains a link that will lead you to a website or contact information hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the content on the website.
KX2 Application Notes View COLLAPSE

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Enhancement / Modification

 

Click for Document

Description Revision
(if applicable)
Production phase-in shipping date
Reduce Transmitted Harmonic Distortion This modification reduces the level of harmonics present in the KX2 output for early KX2 transceivers. No soldering is required. Applies to all KX2's prior to serial number 866. All KX2's from Serial Number 866 and later will not have the problem. Important Note: If you have installed any 3rd party product that requires replacement of the right side panel, order this kit to ensure your KX2 keeps its improved TX distortion performance. Contact the supplier of the 3rd party product if you have questions about their installation procedures. Revision B
June 7, 2017

 

KX2 CW UI Reference KX2 CW User Interface Reference Rev. A3
5-31-2016
KXPD3 Advisory for KX2 40 Kb Using the KXPD3 with the KX2 Revision A
May 17, 2016
KXAT2 Builder's Alert KXAT2 Builder's Alert Revision A
January 9, 2017
KXPA100 Application Notes View COLLAPSE

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Application Notes Description Revision
(if applicable)
Production phase-in details (if applicable)
KXPA100 Kit Builder Alert: Operation with External Power Amplifiers The KXPA100/KX3 combination is designed to interface with the KPA500 amplifier. If another power amplifier is used that presents more than +5V on the keying line, damage may occur to KXPA100 amplifiers. Applies to KXPA100's with serial numbers less than 0700. Any amp after serial number 700 has this designed in as it left the factory. Applies to Kit and Factory-built KXPA100s. Revision A
February 12, 2014
KXPA100 Kit Builder Alert: Serial Data Noise Suppression Under certain conditions when the KX3 and the KXPA100 are connected to a personal computer via the PC port, noise from serial data may be audible in the receiver. This App Note describes an easy fix. Revision A
February 4, 2014
Elecraft KXPA100 + KX3 Power Calibration (Optional) The KXPA100 is factory calibrated to an Elecraft lab-standard KX3 transceiver, measuring and saving expected KX3 drive power for a given KXPA100 output power. This alignment is performed separately on each band and is generally accurate.  Revision A
February 5, 2014
Elecraft KX3 VFO Tuning Noise Suppression Modification The hardware modification described here is an alternative for those who have the KXFL3 module. In most cases the mod will reduce the noise on some bands, especially on 6 meters where it is the most noticeable. It is not guaranteed to reduce or eliminate noise, so you may still want to use the firmware techniques described above on some bands. Revision B3
July 10, 2013
PX3 Application Notes View COLLAPSE
Application Note
Description
Production phase-in details (if applicable)
No Notes
Classic Line View COLLAPSE
K2 Mods and Notes View COLLAPSE

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To purchase Upgrades and Parts, go to Quick Order.

Application Note Description Revision
(if applicable)
K2 Upgrade Parts An informational sheet for K2 upgrades
K2 LCD and Backlight Pre-installation Notes  Application Note: K2 LCD and Backlight Pre-installation, W6FVI & W3FPR January 9, 2007
Control Cable to Use a KAT100 without a KIO2 By W1SRB
K2 AGC Level App Note Revision A
August 10, 2009
K2 Quick Reference Card by Van, NS6N
Soldering Tutorial What to do, and what NOT to do to get excellent solder joints. By Tom, N0SS
Cheap and Dirty Signal Tracing for the K2 N0SS  rev. 2 04/08/2002
K2 Signal Tracing Pictures KC8SES
Setting the K2 power control for 5w maximum. By (Ingo, DK3RED)** January 11, 2001
Optional K2 Power Control Mod, N6KR August 5, 1999
EU 40 Meter K2 Narrow Bandpass Filter
Grounding the K2 Mic Jack Instructions for optional grounding of the shell on the K2 microphone jack. November 17, 1999
KAT2 CALn note ATU Construction and Alignment Notes June 8, 2000

Winding T2 for Maximum Power output on 12/10M

Low Power Out on Higher Freq's? by AB7MY

Increasing K2 RX Gain

APPLICATION NOTE: Increasing K2 Receive Gain, N6KR Oct. 22, 1999
Alternative Wiring for the K2's AF GAIN Control Application Note: Alternative Wiring for the K2's AF GAIN Control
Notes on setting up the FWD REF Power settings on the KAT2 ATU AB7MY  Feb 25, 2000
K60XV Upgrade Information Your K2 and some of its options will not function correctly with the K60XV unless they meet the requirements listed here. Please read all items carefully.
K2 External Amplifier Keying Circuit Author; WA6HHQ Feb 16, 2000
Simple K2 RX Mod Simple K2 RX mod handles extremely strong on-frequency signals January 1, 2003
K2 - IMPROVED HANDLING OF EXTREMELY STRONG (AND NEARBY) SIGNALS Wayne Burdick, N6KR  January 14, 2003
K2 Modifications for use at 100W 10M and VFO/ALC mod kit
K2 Modifications for use with the KPA100  (applicable to all K2 Rev. A RF boards) - Wayne Burdick, N6KR Rev. A
June 12, 2002 
Sinewave Sidetone Mod** Sinewave Sidetone Modification, WJ4P Feb 26, 2000
Milliwatting with the K2 N6KR (How to optimize your K2 for accurate power control at low powers.)
K2 and PKS31 Q&A K2 and PKS31 Questions and Answers
PSK31 with the K2** The basic set up for your K2 to run PSK31. By WA7SPY
Setting Filters for PSK31 Setting K2 Filters for PSK31, by AA4PB Nov 15, 1999
Mod to the KSB2 to Improve PSK31 Transmissions Modifications to the KSB2 to Improve IMD in PSK31 Transmissions, KI6WX
Try SCANning Too busy to operate? Try SCANning August 21, 2014
Why is the K2 Single Conversion? Why is the K2 Single Conversion?, N6KR,  Nov 10, 1999
RF Detector Accuracy Improvement K2 APPLICATION NOTE: RF Detector Accuracy, N6KR Oct 26, 1999
CW Zerobeating Zero Beating a Signal on the Elecraft K2 (or K1) Using the SPOT Feature (with .wav files) by N0SS
Index of Customer Mods* An excellent index of customer mods by Sverre, LA3ZA (3rd party content)
Adjusting your K2 Filters

Setting up your CW filters for the Tonally Challenged, by KR5L

Note: This document contains an invalid link to our recently updated website. Please use the link in the next row, to get the spreadsheet.

July 17, 1999
Filter Adjustment Spreadsheet for the Tonally Challenged KR5L Filter Set-up Check Sheet [downloadable .xls Spreadsheet by W1PA] Ver 2.1
Aligning the K2's CW Filters using Spectrogram** ver. 5 01/17/2002
Aligning the K2's SSB Filters using Spectrogram** by N0SS v.5 01/17/2001
An Alternate CW Filter Adjustment Method By Tom Hammond, N0SS
Noise Source Board for aligning filters (.zip) PC board and schematic by N0SS Jan. 31, 2000
Aligning the K2's CW Filters, for Mac Users ONLY** by W1EUY Feb. 9, 2000
A detailed example of the mechanics behind CAL FIL Nov. 30 1999
K2 2nd Stage Xfil Mod** For 'Flatter' SSB Filter Response  ver. 5z
January 11, 2003
K2 App. Note K2 App. Note:  Resolving 17m AGC / S-meter activation from huge signals on the 18m SW band. Nov. 6, 2000
A Homebrew 100W External PA A Homebrew 100W External PA for the K2,  N6CM
K2 General Coverage RX Use by Skousen, WA7SSA

*By accessing the noted link you will be leaving the Elecraft, Inc. website and entering a website hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the URL or the content on the website.

**Document contains a link that will lead you to a website hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the content on the website.

K2 Revision A to B Upgrade View COLLAPSE

The mod kits listed below will upgrade an existing, BUILT, Revision A (or Field Test Rev. XC) K2 to one equivalent to Revision B. (The revision number refers to the PC board revision.)

We recommend that you download the K2 A to B Upgrade Instructions (pdf) to review all of the changes before deciding which mod kits to purchase, as some of them are optional, and you may have installed some of them previously.

  • BFOMDKT - K2 BFO Toroid & PLL Ref Osc Xtal Upgrade
  • E850093 - 10M BPF, VFO/ALC Mod Kit for the K2
  • XFILMDKT - Second Filter Upgrade 
  • FWK2MCIO - K2 MCU F/W Upgrade to 2.04; K2 IOC Upgrade to 1.09 
  • E850089 - Grill Cloth 
  • E850138 - K2 Temperature Compensated PLL Reference Upgrade 
  • K2ATOBKT - K2 Rev A to B upgrade parts: Remaining parts needed (after making the above mods) to upgrade your K2 from Rev A to Rev B. Includes K2 Revision A to B upgrade instructions. See the instructions for a list of parts. 

 

NOTE: If you have an UNBUILT Revision A K2 (s/n less than 3000) and wish to build it with new Rev B PC Boards, parts and manual, do not order the mod kits listed here. They only apply to existing Rev A K2s.
See K2 Revision B Component Upgrade Kit to order the K2BCOMPKT, F/W and Manual.

K2 Revision B Component Upgrade Kit View COLLAPSE

The items listed here allow UNBUILT, Revision A K2s to be completed as Revision B K2s. (The revision number refers to the PC board revision.) If you have a BUILT, or Partially Built, Revision A K2 (s/n less than 3000), DO NOT ORDER THIS COMPONENT KIT. You will need the K2 REVISION A TO B UPGRADE.

We recommend that you download the K2 Rev B Component Upgrade Instructions to review all of the changes. All three of the items listed below are required for this upgrade.

  • K2BCOMPKT - K2 Rev B Component Upgrade Kit
  • FWK2MCIO - K2 MCU F/W Upgrade to 2.04; K2 IOC Upgrade to 1.09 
  • E850138 - K2 Temperature Compensated PLL Reference Upgrade 
  • E740001 - K2 Manual for the Rev B PC Board Set.
Retired Products View COLLAPSE
K3 Enhancements and Mods and Tech Alerts View COLLAPSE

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All topics in this section apply to the Elecraft K3 model only and have been incorporated into all K3S models now shipping.  That is, if you own a K3S model radio, you already have all of the items listed below incorporated into your radio.

How to Use this Section

The following performance enhancements have been incorporated into production K3 radios in response to customer requests or as part of ongoing engineering improvements. Any change that was made after a particular K3 was shipped can be added later, if desired. All changes are optional, and some apply only to specific operating conditions or configurations.

To determine which changes are applicable to your K3, check the Production phase-in date in the table below. If you were close to the cutoff, refer to How do I determine if I already have this?

The reason for each change is provided in the description column. Additional details can be obtained by clicking the document name under Enhancement / Modification. These enhancement parts kits for most mods are available on our K3 parts and mod kits order page.

If your K3 has returned to the factory

If your K3 has recently (last 5 years) returned to the factory for option installation, repairs or calibration, many of the enhancements will have been applied to your radio.  Please check the Repair Report that accompanied the K3 when it returned to you for which ones have already been installed in your radio.

 

All K3 radios will have a serial number below 10,000. The Enhancements and Modifications found on this page applies to K3 radios below s/n 10,000. Any K3 returned for repair, upgrades or option installation will have many of these mods applied prior to the radio being returned to its owner. Please check the Repair Reports for which modifications have been applied. All K3S radios (above serial number 10,000) have had these circuit changes incorporated into the design and are not applicable to any K3S.

 Enhancement / Modification

Description

Revision
(if applicable)

Production  phase-in shipping date

(Dates and serial numbers are approximate and may vary slightly.)

K3EXREF+K144REFLK Frequency Shift Fix

 The K3EXREF module (which locks the K3 to an external 10 MHz reference) may cause a small, repetitive frequency shift of the 49.38-MHz reference oscillator. This is generally noticeable only on 2 meters, when a K144XV module with PLL lock option is also installed. The app note describes a simple modification requiring two small jumpers on the KREF3 reference oscillator module.

This modification is recommended.

 

KSYN3 DDS Gain Modification

In rare cases, at certain frequencies the DDS driving signal to the Phase Locked Loop (PLL) may be marginal, resulting in a sudden shift in frequency (commonly called “chirp”). This modification adds a resistor to the KSYN3 board that increases the DDS drive level prevent this condition.


This is an optional modification and is not required unless you are experiencing this condition.

Revision A1
May 27, 2010

Approximately K3 s/n 3922 and later

K3IOBUFFKT - IF Output Buffer Gain Modification

This modification increases the signal level at the I.F. output by more than 10 dB.

It requires changing one easily-accessible resistor on the K3’s main RF board with either another surface mount device (SMD) or a leaded 1/8 watt resistor.

A kit containing both an SMD and leaded resistor is available from Elecraft: K3IOBUFFKT.

Revision A
September 3, 2009

About 09/01/09 (RF board Rev H3)  and later.

K3 VFO Noise Mod, Rev C.

On some K3s weak VFO tuning noise is heard on a few frequencies in the 60M, 10M and 6M bands (usually only with the antenna removed). This application note describes a simple mod to eliminate or minimize this noise. This mod also requires new K3 f/w, mcu 3.25 or later.

Rev. C
August 22, 2009

About 09/01/09 (RF board Rev H3)  and later.

K3 Extreme Signal RX Protection Mod.

This 1 wire mod provides additional extreme RX signal protection for the K3 by automatically turning off the pre-amp (and turning on the attenuator, if needed) when extremely strong signals are present in-band. (Usually from very close by transmitters on the same band.)  This mod also requires new K3 f/w, mcu 3.25 or later.

Rev. B
August 6, 2009

About 09/01/09 (RF board Rev H3)  and later.

Keying the KRX3 SUBOUT Connector  

Your K3 may be damaged if the KRX3 SUBOUT interface board connector is installed with the pins misaligned.

To avoid this possibility, all new K3s have this connector keyed by inserting a plug in one of the holes in J64B and the corresponding pin on all KRX3 SUBOUT boards is cut short.

This modification shows you how to easily install this protective feature in your KRX3 SUBOUT board and RF board.

There is no danger once the KRX3 RF module is properly installed, but if you remove your KRX3 RF module for any reason we strongly suggest you check J64B and ensure it is keyed as described in this document.

Rev. A
February 25, 2009

About 03/01/09 and later.

Installing Filters in the KRX3, Rev C   

The crystal (roofing) filters in the KRX3 subreceiver are contained in the L-shaped RF module mounted above the main K3 RF board.

Installing or changing the filters involves removing the RF module and the circuit board inside.

The filters plug into the circuit board and are held in place by screws. You will need a Phillips screwdriver and long nose pliers. No soldering is required.

Revision C
February 14, 2011

Using the K3 with Elecraft XV Transverters

The Elecraft XV Series high-performance transverters may be used with any transceiver or transmitter/receiver pair that covers the 10 meter band.

This application note describes how to connect your K3 to any combination of these transverters.

Each transverter is selected using the K3 BAND switch and the actual receive and transmit frequencies are shown on the K3 display.

Revision A
October 26, 2008

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Older K3 Mods and Enhancements - were incorporated into production shipments
Elecraft K3
Audio Output Chip Protection Modification
Installation Instructions
This modification adds a 1-ohm resistance to each speaker output that tests show prevents failure even under these conditions. Some soldering of leaded parts is required to make this modification. Revision B
June 6, 2013

KPA3 12V Sense Mod, Rev B

This modification adds a diode to the KPA3 12V sense circuit to hold the voltage to no more than 0.6V when the K3 is turned off. Without it, some K3s refuse to turn off when the POWER button is tapped because the 12V sense circuit does not drop to a low enough level to shut down the K3’s MCU.

The diode is a common leaded part. No work with SMDs is required. A minimum of disassembly is required and no boards need be removed to perform this modification.

Revision B
March 15, 2009

Front Panel Microphone Circuit Modification

Some K3 owners have noted distorted transmit audio caused by RF energy being coupled into the front-panel microphone input. In most cases this has been corrected by bypassing an RF choke in the K3 microphone circuit as described in this application note.

Revision A
November 12, 2008

Improving the Immunity of the Rear-Panel RS232 and Audio Connectors to RF

Some K3 owners have noted RF pickup problems in lines connected to the K3 rear-panel MIC, PHONES, PC IN/OUT and RS-232 rear-panel connectors. This Application Note describes how to improve the RF grounds on those connectors by bypassing RF chokes in the ground return lines.

Revision A
December 11, 2008

Tuning the K3's 60M bandpass filters for some Eu 60M bands

The K3 is supplied with its 60-meter band pass filter adjusted for the USA frequencies. This filter can be readjusted for optimum performance on the 60 meter channels for use in some European countries.

Revision B
March 28, 2008

K3 AF Output Mod Kit, Rev C

This modification protects the K3's audio amplifier if either speaker output is connected to a short circuit or very low impedance load. Two 470 ohm, 1/4 watt resistors are added to the output circuit to suppress potentially damaging voltage spikes that might otherwise occur.

The resistors are common leaded parts. No work with SMDs is required to perform this modification.

Revision C
January 24, 2009

About 12/23/08 and later.

K3 Synthesizer ALC Modification

The K3's synthesizer has an ALC loop that holds the VCO output relatively constant over a wide range of frequencies and L/C ratios. At high operating temperatures, on some bands, the ALC loop may not provide adequate current to the oscillator transistor, Q1. This can cause the PLL to lose lock, resulting in ERR VCO during VCO CAL, or ERR PL1/ERR PL2 messages on the LCD display when tuning or changing bands.

Reducing the value of resistor R10 from 82 K to 56 K establishes a higher minimum VCO current. This keeps the VCO output above 1.0 V pp even at very high operating temperatures (tested to > 50 C). The result is that the PLL never loses lock.

This modification requires some simple soldering to install a resistor on the KSYN3 board. You may install a conventional leaded 180 K resistor in parallel with the existing SMD resistor R10 or, if you have the tools, you may replace the SMD resistor with a 56K unit. A leaded 180 K resistor can be provided by Elecraft.

The KRX3 subreceiver has a separate KSYN3 synthesizer board. If your K3 is equipped with the KRX3, you should modify both synthesizers.

Revision A
December 23, 2008

All K3's shipped on Dec 22, 2008 and later

K3 Negative ALC and Ext Band Data Pull-up Mods: REMIOUPGD

This customer mod adds the capability for negative ALC amplifier feedback to the K3.  It also covers adding optional pull-up resistors to the K3 band data digital output lines.

A new KIO3 replacement board, p/n REMIOUPGD: (Rev B Remote I/O (KIO3 Digital))  is now available that includes these changes for $20. (This board replaces the K3 Negative External ALC Mod Parts Kit)   

Most rig / external amplifier combinations do not benefit from hooking up ALC and in fact generate more distortion than without it, due to overshoot from the widely differing ALC voltage, loop gain and ALC reaction times generated by different amplifiers.  Many amplifier manufacturers (Alpha, Acom etc.) recommend not using ALC. 

If you do decide to use ALC, set the K3's power on each band to the level just below where it activates amplifier ALC. (The K3 has a menu option to the remember power level on each band, or globally.) Running the rig at a power much higher than this and relying on ALC from the amplifier to control amplifier drive is a formula for severe distortion and splatter/key clicks. In general ALC should only be used as a fail safe mechanism for those amplifiers that can not tolerate being over driven, need SWR shutdown of the driver etc.

Revision B
February 14, 2009

Included on All K3s shipped on Dec 10, 2008 and later. (Rev B KIO3 Digital board)

 

NOTE: REMIOUPGD is no longer available. The KIO3BUPKT replaces the REMIOUPGD.

(Approx s/n 2362+)

 

K3 AF Mod kit

While the K3's speaker and line outputs meet the original K3 distortion specifications at their intended levels of operation, we've found that further improvement is possible, especially at higher volume levels, with minor component changes. Low level distortion products can be further reduced at both outputs. These changes are being incorporated into new K3s.

The K3AFMDKT modification kit contains the parts to make both speaker amplifier and line-out audio output modifications, but you can choose to do either or both, as they are independent.

Note: The headphone output of the K3, which uses a separate amplifier,  already has a very low distortion output and is not impacted by these changes.

Revision B
November 20, 2008

Line Out Change: 

About Oct 7, 2008

About S/N 1900

 

Speaker Amp Change:

About Sept 25, 2008

About S/N 1830

 

K3 Front Panel Modification

Incorrect VOX operation (VOX 'hangs') and/or low or corrupted TX audio, when using a front panel mic which requires BIAS to be supplied to the mic through the audio pin. (Elecraft MH2, MD2, Proset-K2 with electret elements etc.) 

Modification involves addition of 1 wire to the rear of the K3 Front Panel board.

Rear panel mic connections do not exhibit this problem. Dynamic microphones do not exhibit this problem. 

Rec B v1.6
May 2, 2008

Starting approximately April 23-24, 2008

Serial numbers 660 through 782. (As early as S/N 654 may demonstrate this problem, but we think the problem starts with S/N 660.)

 

Receive Antenna TX Isolation Improvement (RXA Mod Kit for the KXV3)

Some operators have very strong pickup of their transmit antenna signal on their dedicated receive antennas. (Beverages, loops etc.) If the the receive antenna is not externally isolated during transmit, this energy could feed back into the K3 via the KXV3 RX antenna in port. Existing transmit isolation in the KXV3 is sufficient for most installations, but in some cases additional isolation is needed. The RXA Mod Kit for the KXV3 significantly improves isolation. (This change has been made to revision B KXV3 main boards.)

Revision B
November 28, 2008

RXA Boards added: Approximately Feb 20, 2008

Rev B KXV3 Main Board added: March 14, 2008

CWRTMDKT - K3 CW Keying Rise Time Reduction

Some owners prefer a faster CW keying waveform rise time. The rise time can be reduced from about 8 milliseconds to 5 milliseconds without affecting the fall time by replacing capacitor C222 on the K3 main RF board with a 0.1 uF capacitor. This change will also allow a future firmware revision to further reduce rise time via a menu entry.

Revision A
March 20, 2008

Approximately Jan 20, 2008

Approx. s/n 280

Hardware AGC threshold change (HAGC Mod Kit)

Both through hole and SMD parts are included. Users can install either set of parts.

 

Some users prefer tuning the band with a wide filter bandwidth selected (for example, using a 2.7 or 2.8 kHz SSB filter in CW mode rather than a 500 Hz or narrower filter). Strong off-frequency signals (above about S9+5) that are inside the crystal filter passband can then activate the hardware AGC circuit, reducing the level of desired signals. 

This modification raises the hardware AGC threshold from about S9+5 to about S9+25 to +30. The new threshold still protects the DSP's analog-to-digital converter, while providing better receive performance when wider crystal filters are used. This is not as significant an issue when using narrow CW filters (500 Hz and below).

v1.7
March 31, 2008

v1.6
March 27, 2008

Approximately Jan 20, 2008

Approximately s/n 350

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Alert Description Revision
(if applicable)
(Dates and serial numbers are approximate and may vary slightly.)
K3/100 Rev C KPA3 Spurious TX 11/17/2009: Spurious TX sidebands due to C3 installation on early Rev C KPA3 PC boards. We have determined that a small number of K3/100s and KPA3s left the factory earlier this year (2009) with capacitor C3 installed by mistake on early Revision C KPA3 PC boards. This part location should be empty on Rev. C KPA3s. Installation of C3 causes the PA bias supply to oscillate on some KPA3s at approximately 15-20 kHz, resulting in spurious TX sidebands at that spacing from the carrier. Removal of C3 on Rev C KPA3 PCBs corrects this issue. Nov 17, 2009 A small number of K3/100s within approximately S/N 3000-3138. These radios were shipped approximately April 30 to June 2, 2009. Upgrade or repair KPA3s sent separately during this time period may also be affected. Corrected on all new K3/100s and KPA3s shipped June 2, 2009 and later.

KPA3 Power Connector Replacement Manual

KPA3 Power Connector Replacement Manual Revision B
June 30, 2017

KBPF3 Mod Kit Instruction

KbPF3 GENERAL COVERAGE RECEIVE OPTION 100-400 KHZ MODIFICATION KIT INSTRUCTIONS Rev A2
June 29, 2015
K1 Application Notes View COLLAPSE

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Application Note Description Revision
(if applicable)
Production phase-in details

(if applicable)

K1 Quick Reference Card
Cheap and Dirty Signal Tracing for the K1 N0SS rev. 2
04/08/2002
Minor T-R Switch Mod K1 App Note: builder alert, Impact: All K1's through S/N 400 December 1, 2000
QSK Improvement in High QRM Situations Application Note: K1 QSK Improvement in High QRM Situations March 26, 2001
CW Zerobeating Zero Beating a Signal on the Elecraft K2 (or K1) Using the SPOT Feature (with .wav files) by N0SS
Index of Customer Mods* An excellent index of customer mods by Sverre, LA3ZA (3rd party content)
Using the K1 with a 9.6-volt Battery Pack. Application Note,  Wayne Burdick, N6KR
Application Note: K1 Upgrade This note applies to K1s with RF board revision D or earlier. August 1, 2002

*By accessing the noted link you will be leaving the Elecraft, Inc. website and entering a website hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the URL or the content on the website.

**Document contains a link that will lead you to a website hosted by another party. Elecraft, Inc. takes no responsibility for the validity of the content on the website.

KX1 Application Notes View COLLAPSE
Application Note Description Production phase-in details

(if applicable)

No Notes