ELECRAFT K3 OWNER’S MANUAL ERRATA
Rev. D10-8, March 31, 2015
IMPORTANT NOTES – READ BEFORE OPERATING THE K3
SAVE K3 CONFIGURATION OFTEN: Whenever you make a configuration change to your K3, such as adding
a new option module or changing important menu settings, use the K3 Utility application to save the configuration
file. This can be used to restore your configuration in the event of data loss or following an EEINIT (initialization).
IF THE SPEAKER IS NOT WORKING with headphones unplugged: Locate the CONFIG:SPKR+PH menu
entry. Tap ‘1’ on the numeric keypad until you see PH.R SW– . The minus sign (-)indicates inverted switch
logic for the jack for the newer KIO3 audio board. Exit the menu and re-save your configuration using K3 Utility.
EXTERNAL SPEAKER JACK CAUTION: This jack is stereo. If you use a mono speaker plug, turn off the
right channel amplifier by setting the CONFIG:SPKRS menu entry to 1 . This will eliminate the possibility of
damaging the right-channel amplifier. (You will still hear stereo when using headphones.)
K3EXREF (external 10-MHz reference) SETUP REQUIRED: In the CONFIG:REF CAL menu entry, tap 2 to
change the external reference setting; flashes XREF IN (enabled) or XREFOUT (disabled—default). If you use
XREF IN setting without a K3EXREF module installed, you may hear digital switching noise on the 6-m band.
NEW FEATURES
KSYN3A SYNTHESIZER: If your K3 is equipped with the new KSYN3A synthesizer, the VFOs will tune down
to as low as 100 kHz, close-in phase noise will be lower, and high-speed CW will be much more accurate. See
www.elecraft.com/manual/KSYN3A%20FAQ-ver-C-2.pdf for details.
KAT500 ATU VFO TRACKING: The K3 can now send its VFO frequency to the KAT500 ATU continuously to
allow it to automatically update its L-C network. Locate the CONFIG:KAT3 menu entry, then tap ‘1’ to change the
KAT500 setting to KAT500Y (yes) or KAT500N (no—the default).
PSK63 DATA MODE: To select PSK31 or PSK63, first tap either end of the MODE switch to select DATA, then
hold the DATA MD switch and use VFO A to select the PSK data rate.
AM and ESSB TRANSMIT CAN USE THE FM FILTER: This can potentially free up a crystal filter slot for
operators who were using the 6-kHz filter only for AM and ESSB. Note: The 6-kHz filter is still recommended for
high-performance ESSB and AM, as it provides significantly better close-in dynamic range than the FM filter.
MANUAL CORRECTIONS
Pgs. 5, 8, and 17 (Accessory DC jack): For K3 s/n # 6588 or later, the accessory DC output is rated for a maximum current of
1.0 A (0.5 A prior to this). Earlier K3s can be updated using Elecraft part number “K312MDKT” (K3 12-V modification kit).
Pgs. 8 and 9 (Specifications): Frequency range lower limit with KSYN3A synthesizer is now 100 kHz. (See KSYN3A FAQ,
referenced above.) Maximum K3/100 power output on 6 meters is 80 W typ. @13.8V (± 1 dB).
Pg. 14 (VFO Tuning Controls): Holding SUB now turns diversity receive on/off. To link VFOs, use CONFIG:VFO LNK.
Pgs. 21 and 52 (Menu): Holding the CONFIG switch for 3 seconds places the K3 into TERM mode, where the radio becomes
a control terminal for a remotely located K3. This is most often used with the K3/0-mini, a front panel only (see
http://www.elecraft.com/K3-Remote/k3_remote.htm). Exit TERM mode by holding CONFIG for ~5 seconds.
Pg. 22 (Antenna Selection and Matching): Per-band antenna matching memories for the KAT3 ATU can be cleared on the
current band by entering the CONFIG:KAT3 menu entry, then tapping CLR.
Pg. 36 (General-Coverage Receive): For better sensitivity below 1.8 MHz, use the RX ANT IN or XVTR IN jacks (KXV3).
Pg. 36 (VFO B Alternate Displays): With a KSYN3A installed, the PLL1/2 displays become SYN1/2 (synthesizer status).
Pg. 45 (Options): New options include the K3/0-Mini remote panel (see item above), and the PR6-12 Preamp (replaces PR6).
Pgs. 49 and 62 (Synthesizer Calibration and VCO MD menu entry): No calibration is needed for the KSYN3A synthesizer.
Pg. 52 (MIC SEL menu entry): To turn on additional front-panel mic gain, tap 7, not 3. Use with very low-output mics only.
Pg. 58 (REF CAL with K3EXREF module): Tap 2 to enable or disable the 10-MHz external reference (XREF IN/OUT).
Pg. 59 (RS232 menu entry): The PC configuration program for the K3 is K3 Utility, not K3FW (a predecessor program).
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