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Reviews For: KX3-2M 2-Meter and KX3-4M 4-Meter Transverter Options

Category: Transverters

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Review Summary For : KX3-2M 2-Meter and KX3-4M 4-Meter Transverter Options
Reviews: 3MSRP: 199.95
Description:
The KX3-2M or 4M transverter extends the frequency range of the KX3 to include the 2 meter or 4 meter Amateur bands and allows reception on frequencies near those bands. Either the 2-meter or the 4-meter transverter may be installed. The transverter plugs into existing connectors inside the KX3. All KX3 functions and modes are available when using either transverter. The KX3-2M or KX3-4M transverter uses
a separate antenna connector that bypasses the KXAT3.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KX3-2M%20FAQ.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0034
K7UF Rating: 2021-08-19
Well, it is a QRP rig. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The price indicated above ($199) is way out of date. It is now $299, making it rather expensive.

I installed the 2M version. It is driven as a transverter, so there is a bit more to the config than just turning on FM and enabling another band. Once installed and configured, the instructions pretty much insist that you have to run a temperature compensation calibration. It is fairly easy to do, requiring nothing but a refrigerator and a hair dryer.

The instructions mention using the KX3 utility to capture all the data during the process for later analysis - described later. Except, that analysis is not described anywhere that I could find...

Once temperature calibration is done, the instructions say that frequency calibration will be needed. Well, I began that, and discovered that 15MHz WWV was spot on. No adjustment was needed. I also wonder if with newer versions of the KX3 temperature calibration is really needed. I have been doing JT65 type communications with mine (on HF) with no sign of drift.

Some people complain about the SMA antenna connector. Not a big deal really. Adapters (And adapter cables) are easy to find and cheap.

If I have to find fault with this add-on, I can see three:

1) The price. I rate this as its biggest issue.

2) The power limit because of the practically non-existent heat sink. Although, when I first started out with amateur radio, I used a home-brew 1W AM 2M transmitter. Coupled with a good antenna, it generated some very respectable contacts.

3) The memory management utility is Windows only. A pain when my main workhorse computer is a Mac!
AB0R Rating: 2020-08-29
Very nice, but low powered. Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I wanted 2m in my KX3 so:

The Good: It works great, and the quality of the audio and the transmitted signal is excellent. I usually run it at .5w (yes, half a watt) output and with a Comet GP9 on the roof I can hit repeaters all over my metro area. SSB and CW perform as expected as well.

The Bad: Power output is limited to 3 watts, but I can't run mine past 1 watt FM or 2 watt SSB without it overheating and folding back the power level. the 2m PA does not use the same heat sink as the HF PA does and the cooling area is MUCH smaller and there is no heatsink to speak of other than the side panel itself.

The Ugly: Even with it's limitations I would buy it again. It works great. I would prefer it had a native BNC connector instead of the SMA but there isn't a lot of space in there so... And then there is the price.

So: If you have a KX3, I say get one. But they aren't cheap.
PA1G Rating: 2015-11-13
Verry nice but.. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
There is one problem I noticed. When using a computer running NAP3 on 2 meters the spectrum display is useless. The reason for this is that the I and Q signals are swapped on 2 meters. So you do have to swap it in the software to get it right. I contacted Elecraft about this and they were very helpful. I asked Elecraft if they will fix this problem in a software update. Technical answer from Elecraft is: "This cannot be adjusted at the KX3. The PX3 does the inversion when it is connected, and that is also required of any PC app or other device."

Unfortunately NAP3 is no longer maintained. So this is a bit disappointing for me. On the other hand I have listened to manny DX stations whith this transverter.

Pro's:

Nice components
Sensitive and low noise
Does not consume space on your desktop.

Con's

I Q swapped.

Overall is is a good add-on. I think I will add a hi-q band filter later. And I'm also going to add a Power Amplifier when the DC output on 2 meters is implemented.