Note
The Elecraft KX3 was officially introduced in May 2011 at the Dayton Hamvention. The first production units shipped in March, 2012.
The Elecraft KX3 is a compact, ultra-portable, all-mode transceiver designed for 160–6 meter operation. It utilizes a software-defined radio architecture, allowing for capability extensions through computer applications and firmware updates while maintaining a full-size front panel for standalone use.
The radio is designed for home station, portable, mobile, and hand-held operation. It features tilt legs for ergonomic positioning and can be operated with one hand in a manner similar to writing in a notebook.
It combines the flexibility of an SDR with a physical interface, featuring a weighted VFO A knob and a dedicated display.
A 32-bit floating-point DSP handles all modulation, demodulation, filtering, and equalization. The KX3 includes internal PSK, RTTY, and CW text decoding and display. It also features a digital voice recorder for recording and playing back voice messages like call signs or CQs. It offers independent 8-band receive and transmit audio equalization to tailor audio for different modes and microphones.
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.
Frequency Range: Receive: 310 kHz – 32 MHz and 44–54 MHz.
Transmit: Amateur bands within 1.8–54 MHz.
Operating Modes: USB, LSB, AM, FM, CW, and DATA (including PSK/RTTY).
Power Output: Standard: 10W+ on most bands with a 12–14V supply
Boosted: Up to 100W with the optional KXPA100 amplifier.
Supply Voltage: 8–15 VDC
Frequency Stability: +/- 1 ppm typical (0° to 50°C).
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms nominal; BNC jack for HF, SMA for VHF modules.
Memory: 150+ memories with scanning and channel hopping capabilities.
I/O Ports: ACC1 (Computer/Control), ACC2 (Keyline/GPIO), KEY (CW), PHONES, RX I/Q.
Accessories
– Internal ATU (KXAT3): A wide-range automatic antenna tuner that allows the use of non-resonant or random-length antennas.
– Roofing Filter (KXFL3): A dual-bandwidth analog filter module that improves the rejection of strong nearby interfering signals.
– VHF Modules: Internal modules for 2-meter (KX3-2M) or 4-meter (KX3-4M) all-mode operation.
– Battery Charger (KXBC3): An internal NiMH battery charger and real-time clock.
– Panadapter (PX3): A high-performance spectral display and waterfall for visual signal monitoring.
– Hand Microphone (MH3): Designed specifically for the KX3 with PTT and VFO UP/DN buttons.
– Keyer Paddle (KXPD3): A precision adjustable paddle that attaches directly to the front of the unit.
