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  1. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 17 additions and 0 deletions.
    17 changes: 17 additions & 0 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -111,6 +111,23 @@ Settings generally apply and persist on a per-band, per-mode basis. Explicitly p
    11. Press the microphone PTT button. Repeat "Test <call sign>" at a comfortable volume, while adjusting the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    12. Call CQ, join nets, respond to CQ, etc.

    ## Morse Code Operation

    1. Select an appropriate band.
    2. Select an appropriate frequency.
    3. Select CW mode.
    4. Select the desired transmission power, e.g. 5W - 10W.
    5. Tune the antenna.
    6. Monitor the frequency for the noise floor. Optionally, adjust the AF/RF-SQL/MON knob to the desired speaker volume.
    7. Use the main menu to disable MIC BTN.
    8. Connect a CW paddle or straight keyer to the key 3.5mm TRS audio input jack.
    9. Use the Keyer/Mic/Pwr knob to lower microphone gain, about 22 dB.
    10. Select VOX.
    11. Select the desired WPM.
    12. Key "Test <call sign>", while adjusting the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    13. Optionally, enable TEXT decoding.
    14. Call CQ, join nets, respond to CQ, etc.

    ## Digital Operation

    1. Select an appropriate band.
  2. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 5 additions and 0 deletions.
    5 changes: 5 additions & 0 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ When opening the radio, be gentle. Avoid accidentally dislodging or damaging the

    # COMMON ACCESSORIES

    * KX3 shield (heat sink optional)
    * Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable
    * Elecraft PTT microphone
    * CW paddles + suitable CW cable
    @@ -36,6 +37,10 @@ When opening the radio, be gentle. Avoid accidentally dislodging or damaging the

    # PRIMARY INTERFACE

    Two grub screws unscrew a few turns, in order to release two stand legs.

    The grub screw near the antenna BNC port can serve as a connection for grounding.

    Power on / Power off: Press and hold Band-. Then press and hold ATU Tune. Finally, release both buttons. Recommend to habitually press the Band- button first, in order to avoid accidentally tuning, especially when antennas / feed lines are disconnected.

    Main menu access: Press, hold, release DISP.
  3. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 1 addition and 1 deletion.
    2 changes: 1 addition & 1 deletion elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ The KX3 transceiver is designed for HF amateur band operation. The KX3 natively

    An optional 2m accessory can extend the band support to 2m, though the installation of that accessory is a more intensive, electronics hobbyist task.

    # WARNING
    # WARNINGS

    As with all radios, do not transmit when the antenna is disconnected. Avoid touching the antenna or feed line when transmitting. Power down the radio and disconnect the feed line when making antenna adjustments.

  4. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 2 additions and 0 deletions.
    2 changes: 2 additions & 0 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ Avoid excessive temperatures:

    Avoid excessive ALC (during excessive drive, the meter will read either 10+ bars, or no bars).

    When opening the radio, be gentle. Avoid accidentally dislodging or damaging the internal wires and components, such as when replacing internal batteries or installing accessory modules.

    # COMMON ACCESSORIES

    * Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable
  5. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 3 additions and 1 deletion.
    4 changes: 3 additions & 1 deletion elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ Avoid excessive ALC (during excessive drive, the meter will read either 10+ bars

    * Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable
    * Elecraft PTT microphone
    * CW paddles
    * CW paddles + suitable CW cable
    * 3.5mm TRS audio cables
    * 3.5mm TRS/TRRS headphones or earbuds (microphone optional)
    * Microsoft Windows laptop
    @@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ Avoid excessive ALC (during excessive drive, the meter will read either 10+ bars
    * HF antenna, such as an Elecraft AX1, or MFJ-1899T, or a homebrew speaker wire antenna
    * Elecraft AXB1 bipod stand; or an Elecraft AXT1 camera tripod adapter with a camera tripod and 25 - 50 ft feed line with BNC connectors
    * an appropriate counterpoise / grounding / radial wire
    * ARRL Band Plan chart

    # PRIMARY INTERFACE

    @@ -135,6 +136,7 @@ Note that self spotting reports may succeed more often with FT8 than WSPR, due t
    # RESOURCES

    * https://elecraft.com/
    * https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Band%20Chart%20-%2011X17%20Color.pdf
    * https://tf.nist.gov/tf-cgi/servers.cgi
    * https://time.is/
    * https://pskreporter.info/
  6. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 3 additions and 0 deletions.
    3 changes: 3 additions & 0 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -27,6 +27,9 @@ Avoid excessive ALC (during excessive drive, the meter will read either 10+ bars
    * TRRS male to TRS female microphone splitter
    * portable speaker with 3.5mm TRS auxiliary audio input jack
    * Hosa GMM-105 3.5mm 1-to-5 Knucklebones Signal Splitter
    * HF antenna, such as an Elecraft AX1, or MFJ-1899T, or a homebrew speaker wire antenna
    * Elecraft AXB1 bipod stand; or an Elecraft AXT1 camera tripod adapter with a camera tripod and 25 - 50 ft feed line with BNC connectors
    * an appropriate counterpoise / grounding / radial wire

    # PRIMARY INTERFACE

  7. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 18 additions and 15 deletions.
    33 changes: 18 additions & 15 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -110,25 +110,28 @@ Settings generally apply and persist on a per-band, per-mode basis. Explicitly p
    6. Use the main menu to disable MIC BIAS.
    7. Use the main menu to disable MIC BTN.
    8. Connect Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable from a computer to the ACC1 3.5mm TRS data input jack.
    9. Launch WSJTX or similar amateur radio data application.
    10. Set the computer's CAT to COM3.
    11. Apply the desired digital mode, e.g. WSPR, FT4, FT8, etc.
    12. Using either the KX3 controls and/or the amateur radio data application controls, adjust the frequency for the application.
    13. Connect the KX3 phone female 3.5mm TRS audio output jack to the microphone splitter's female microphone jack.
    14. Connect the KX3 microphone female 3.5mm TRS audio input jack to the microphone splitter's female headphone jack.
    15. Connect microphone splitter's 3.5mm TRRS male jack to the computer's 3.5mm TRRS headset female jack.
    16. Optionally, insert a portable speaker, two 3.5mm TRS audio cables, and a knucklebones splitter between the KX3 microphone or phone jack and the microphone splitter, in order to monitor transmission or reception in analog during digital operation, for troubleshooting purposes.
    17. Configure the amateur radio data application to target the microphone splitter for input and output audio devices (often registered as a "headset").
    18. For FT-based modes, set the application's output Pwr to match the KX3 transmission power.
    19. Set the data application's signal Pwr low.
    20. Use the Keyer/Mic/Pwr knob to lower microphone gain, about 22 dB.
    21. Set the computer's audio output volume to 50%. Some data applications will relect this same volume in the transmission signal, while others may not. But it's a good habit to develop, in order to establish good ALC.
    22. Activate the data application's tuning feature. While the data tuning signal is running, adjust the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    23. Conduct data activities, call CQ, respond to CQ, etc.
    9. Many digital radio modes require sub-second clock accuracy in order to function. Ensure the computer is synchronized within one second to the correct civilian time, such as reported by NIST NTP servers. Regularly re-sync the time as necessary. The time.is service can identify the current accuracy of your computer's clock.
    10. Launch WSJTX or similar amateur radio data application.
    11. Set the computer's CAT to COM3.
    12. Apply the desired digital mode, e.g. WSPR, FT4, FT8, etc.
    13. Using either the KX3 controls and/or the amateur radio data application controls, adjust the frequency for the application.
    14. Connect the KX3 phone female 3.5mm TRS audio output jack to the microphone splitter's female microphone jack.
    15. Connect the KX3 microphone female 3.5mm TRS audio input jack to the microphone splitter's female headphone jack.
    16. Connect microphone splitter's 3.5mm TRRS male jack to the computer's 3.5mm TRRS headset female jack.
    17. Optionally, insert a portable speaker, two 3.5mm TRS audio cables, and a knucklebones splitter between the KX3 microphone or phone jack and the microphone splitter, in order to monitor transmission or reception in analog during digital operation, for troubleshooting purposes.
    18. Configure the amateur radio data application to target the microphone splitter for input and output audio devices (often registered as a "headset").
    19. For FT-based modes, set the application's output Pwr to match the KX3 transmission power.
    20. Set the data application's signal Pwr low.
    21. Use the Keyer/Mic/Pwr knob to lower microphone gain, about 22 dB.
    22. Set the computer's audio output volume to 50%. Some data applications will relect this same volume in the transmission signal, while others may not. But it's a good habit to develop, in order to establish good ALC.
    23. Activate the data application's tuning feature. While the data tuning signal is running, adjust the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    24. Conduct data activities, call CQ, respond to CQ, etc.

    Note that self spotting reports may succeed more often with FT8 than WSPR, due to the limited number of WSPR monitoring stations.

    # RESOURCES

    * https://elecraft.com/
    * https://tf.nist.gov/tf-cgi/servers.cgi
    * https://time.is/
    * https://pskreporter.info/
  8. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 2 additions and 1 deletion.
    3 changes: 2 additions & 1 deletion elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -82,7 +82,8 @@ Settings generally apply and persist on a per-band, per-mode basis. Explicitly p
    6. Use the Elecraft utility application to import the file system path.
    7. Check the KX3 installed vs latest cached firmware versions.
    8. Optionally, backup KX3 user configuration.
    9. Update firmware. This can take several minutes.
    9. Optionally, set a new boot message like "HELLO WORLD" rather than the confusing, default CQ ATX message.
    10. Update firmware. This can take several minutes.

    ## Phone Operation

  9. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 7 additions and 2 deletions.
    9 changes: 7 additions & 2 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ Avoid excessive temperatures:
    * After transmitting for a few hours, cease transmission to let the radio cool off.
    * Optionally, install a heat sink over the top edge of the transceiver.

    Avoid excessive ALC (during excessive drive, the meter will read either 10+ bars, or no bars).

    # COMMON ACCESSORIES

    * Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable
    @@ -48,6 +50,8 @@ Swap frequencies A and B: Press and Release A/B.

    Most buttons and knobs feature additional menus via quick press and release; as well as press, hold, and release.

    Settings generally apply and persist on a per-band, per-mode basis. Explicitly power down prior to disconnecting external power sources, in order to save the current settings.

    # Charging

    * KX3 requires 8x AA internal batteries in order to boot up, even when using an external power source.
    @@ -117,8 +121,9 @@ Most buttons and knobs feature additional menus via quick press and release; as
    18. For FT-based modes, set the application's output Pwr to match the KX3 transmission power.
    19. Set the data application's signal Pwr low.
    20. Use the Keyer/Mic/Pwr knob to lower microphone gain, about 22 dB.
    21. Activate the data application's tuning feature. While the data tuning signal is running, adjust the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    22. Conduct data activities, call CQ, respond to CQ, etc.
    21. Set the computer's audio output volume to 50%. Some data applications will relect this same volume in the transmission signal, while others may not. But it's a good habit to develop, in order to establish good ALC.
    22. Activate the data application's tuning feature. While the data tuning signal is running, adjust the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    23. Conduct data activities, call CQ, respond to CQ, etc.

    Note that self spotting reports may succeed more often with FT8 than WSPR, due to the limited number of WSPR monitoring stations.

  10. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 26 additions and 7 deletions.
    33 changes: 26 additions & 7 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -97,13 +97,32 @@ Most buttons and knobs feature additional menus via quick press and release; as

    ## Digital Operation

    1. Use the main menu to disable MIC BIAS.
    2. Use the main menu to disable MIC BTN.
    3. Connect Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable from a computer to the ACC1 3.5mm TRS data input jack.
    4. Launch WSJTX or similar amateur radio data application.
    5. Set the computer's CAT to COM3.
    6.
    1. Select an appropriate band.
    2. Select an appropriate frequency.
    3. Select data mode.
    4. Select the desired transmission power, e.g. 5W - 10W. For WSPR, recommend 5W in order to stabilize ALC.
    5. Tune the antenna.
    6. Use the main menu to disable MIC BIAS.
    7. Use the main menu to disable MIC BTN.
    8. Connect Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable from a computer to the ACC1 3.5mm TRS data input jack.
    9. Launch WSJTX or similar amateur radio data application.
    10. Set the computer's CAT to COM3.
    11. Apply the desired digital mode, e.g. WSPR, FT4, FT8, etc.
    12. Using either the KX3 controls and/or the amateur radio data application controls, adjust the frequency for the application.
    13. Connect the KX3 phone female 3.5mm TRS audio output jack to the microphone splitter's female microphone jack.
    14. Connect the KX3 microphone female 3.5mm TRS audio input jack to the microphone splitter's female headphone jack.
    15. Connect microphone splitter's 3.5mm TRRS male jack to the computer's 3.5mm TRRS headset female jack.
    16. Optionally, insert a portable speaker, two 3.5mm TRS audio cables, and a knucklebones splitter between the KX3 microphone or phone jack and the microphone splitter, in order to monitor transmission or reception in analog during digital operation, for troubleshooting purposes.
    17. Configure the amateur radio data application to target the microphone splitter for input and output audio devices (often registered as a "headset").
    18. For FT-based modes, set the application's output Pwr to match the KX3 transmission power.
    19. Set the data application's signal Pwr low.
    20. Use the Keyer/Mic/Pwr knob to lower microphone gain, about 22 dB.
    21. Activate the data application's tuning feature. While the data tuning signal is running, adjust the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    22. Conduct data activities, call CQ, respond to CQ, etc.

    Note that self spotting reports may succeed more often with FT8 than WSPR, due to the limited number of WSPR monitoring stations.

    # RESOURCES

    * https://elecraft.com/
    * https://elecraft.com/
    * https://pskreporter.info/
  11. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 5 additions and 0 deletions.
    5 changes: 5 additions & 0 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -20,7 +20,9 @@ Avoid excessive temperatures:
    * Elecraft PTT microphone
    * CW paddles
    * 3.5mm TRS audio cables
    * 3.5mm TRS/TRRS headphones or earbuds (microphone optional)
    * Microsoft Windows laptop
    * TRRS male to TRS female microphone splitter
    * portable speaker with 3.5mm TRS auxiliary audio input jack
    * Hosa GMM-105 3.5mm 1-to-5 Knucklebones Signal Splitter

    @@ -54,6 +56,9 @@ Most buttons and knobs feature additional menus via quick press and release; as
    * Recommend Adafruit USB Type C 3.1 PD to 5.5mm Barrel Jack Cable - 15V 5A Output adapter for either internal battery charging, or continuous external power supply.
    * Recommend FXLION Nano ONE V Mount Battery 14.8V as a more convenient power source than the internal batteries. This also keeps the internal batteries in reserve as an emergency backup.
    * When using USB Type C AC wall adapters to charge internal KX3 batteries, disconnect other devices. Many wall adapters lack sufficient output power to charge the KX3 and other devices simultaneously.
    * Setting BKLIGHT off minimizes power drain.
    * Setting AF gain low minimizes power drain.
    * Using headphones or earbuds minimizes power drain.

    ## Internal Battery Charging Operation

  12. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 10 additions and 8 deletions.
    18 changes: 10 additions & 8 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -79,14 +79,16 @@ Most buttons and knobs feature additional menus via quick press and release; as

    1. Select an appropriate band.
    2. Select an appropriate frequency.
    3. Tune the antenna.
    4. Monitor the frequency for the noise floor. Optionally, adjust the AF/RF-SQL/MON knob to the desired speaker volume.
    5. Use the main menu to enable MIC BIAS.
    6. Use the main menu to set MIC BTN to PTT.
    7. Connect a PTT microphone to the MIC 3.5mm TRS audio input jack.
    8. Use the Keyer/Mic/Pwr knob to lower microphone gain, about 22 dB.
    9. Press the microphone PTT button. Repeat "Test <call sign>" at a comfortable volume, while adjusting the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    10. Call CQ, join nets, respond to CQ, etc.
    3. Select an appropriate phone mode, such as AM, FM, LSB, or USB (Upper Side Band).
    4. Select the desired transmission power, e.g. 5W - 10W.
    5. Tune the antenna.
    6. Monitor the frequency for the noise floor. Optionally, adjust the AF/RF-SQL/MON knob to the desired speaker volume.
    7. Use the main menu to enable MIC BIAS.
    8. Use the main menu to set MIC BTN to PTT.
    9. Connect a PTT microphone to the MIC 3.5mm TRS audio input jack.
    10. Use the Keyer/Mic/Pwr knob to lower microphone gain, about 22 dB.
    11. Press the microphone PTT button. Repeat "Test <call sign>" at a comfortable volume, while adjusting the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    12. Call CQ, join nets, respond to CQ, etc.

    ## Digital Operation

  13. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 13 additions and 3 deletions.
    16 changes: 13 additions & 3 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ Assign the same frequency in A to B: Press and release A>B.

    Swap frequencies A and B: Press and Release A/B.

    Most buttons and knobs feature additional menus via quick press and release; as well as press, hold, and release.

    # Charging

    * KX3 requires 8x AA internal batteries in order to boot up, even when using an external power source.
    @@ -75,9 +77,16 @@ Swap frequencies A and B: Press and Release A/B.

    ## Phone Operation

    1. Use the main menu to enable MIC BIAS.
    2. Use the main menu to set MIC BTN to PTT.
    3. Connect a PTT microphone to the MIC 3.5mm TRS audio input jack.
    1. Select an appropriate band.
    2. Select an appropriate frequency.
    3. Tune the antenna.
    4. Monitor the frequency for the noise floor. Optionally, adjust the AF/RF-SQL/MON knob to the desired speaker volume.
    5. Use the main menu to enable MIC BIAS.
    6. Use the main menu to set MIC BTN to PTT.
    7. Connect a PTT microphone to the MIC 3.5mm TRS audio input jack.
    8. Use the Keyer/Mic/Pwr knob to lower microphone gain, about 22 dB.
    9. Press the microphone PTT button. Repeat "Test <call sign>" at a comfortable volume, while adjusting the microphone gain, until the ALC meter reads about 5 bars.
    10. Call CQ, join nets, respond to CQ, etc.

    ## Digital Operation

    @@ -86,6 +95,7 @@ Swap frequencies A and B: Press and Release A/B.
    3. Connect Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable from a computer to the ACC1 3.5mm TRS data input jack.
    4. Launch WSJTX or similar amateur radio data application.
    5. Set the computer's CAT to COM3.
    6.

    # RESOURCES

  14. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 30 additions and 2 deletions.
    32 changes: 30 additions & 2 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -53,12 +53,40 @@ Swap frequencies A and B: Press and Release A/B.
    * Recommend FXLION Nano ONE V Mount Battery 14.8V as a more convenient power source than the internal batteries. This also keeps the internal batteries in reserve as an emergency backup.
    * When using USB Type C AC wall adapters to charge internal KX3 batteries, disconnect other devices. Many wall adapters lack sufficient output power to charge the KX3 and other devices simultaneously.

    ## Procedure for charging internal batteries
    ## Internal Battery Charging Operation

    1. Power on the KX3. (This requires a minimum level of internal battery charge remaining.)
    2. Open the main menu.
    3. Select BAT CHG.
    4. Select 4 hours.
    5. Optionally, power down. The screen will show a charge countdown timer.

    ##
    ## Update Firmware Operation

    1. Ensure KX3 has sufficient internal battery charge (no low battery warning).
    2. Connect Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable from a computer to the ACC1 3.5mm TRS data input jack.
    3. Launch the Elecraft utility application.
    4. Download the latest primary and DSP firmware from Elecraft.
    5. Extract the firmware files to a known file system path.
    6. Use the Elecraft utility application to import the file system path.
    7. Check the KX3 installed vs latest cached firmware versions.
    8. Optionally, backup KX3 user configuration.
    9. Update firmware. This can take several minutes.

    ## Phone Operation

    1. Use the main menu to enable MIC BIAS.
    2. Use the main menu to set MIC BTN to PTT.
    3. Connect a PTT microphone to the MIC 3.5mm TRS audio input jack.

    ## Digital Operation

    1. Use the main menu to disable MIC BIAS.
    2. Use the main menu to disable MIC BTN.
    3. Connect Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable from a computer to the ACC1 3.5mm TRS data input jack.
    4. Launch WSJTX or similar amateur radio data application.
    5. Set the computer's CAT to COM3.

    # RESOURCES

    * https://elecraft.com/
  15. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 9 additions and 1 deletion.
    10 changes: 9 additions & 1 deletion elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -38,6 +38,12 @@ Confirm main menu selection: Press, hold, release DISP.

    Mode selection: Press and release MODE.

    Antenna tuning: Press and release ATU TUNE. Optionally, tune a second time.

    Assign the same frequency in A to B: Press and release A>B.

    Swap frequencies A and B: Press and Release A/B.

    # Charging

    * KX3 requires 8x AA internal batteries in order to boot up, even when using an external power source.
    @@ -53,4 +59,6 @@ Mode selection: Press and release MODE.
    2. Open the main menu.
    3. Select BAT CHG.
    4. Select 4 hours.
    5. Optionally, power down. The screen will show a charge countdown timer.
    5. Optionally, power down. The screen will show a charge countdown timer.

    ##
  16. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 2 additions and 0 deletions.
    2 changes: 2 additions & 0 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -36,6 +36,8 @@ Value selection: Frequency knob.

    Confirm main menu selection: Press, hold, release DISP.

    Mode selection: Press and release MODE.

    # Charging

    * KX3 requires 8x AA internal batteries in order to boot up, even when using an external power source.
  17. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 10 additions and 0 deletions.
    10 changes: 10 additions & 0 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -14,6 +14,16 @@ Avoid excessive temperatures:
    * After transmitting for a few hours, cease transmission to let the radio cool off.
    * Optionally, install a heat sink over the top edge of the transceiver.

    # COMMON ACCESSORIES

    * Elecraft USB-A to 3.5mm TRS data cable
    * Elecraft PTT microphone
    * CW paddles
    * 3.5mm TRS audio cables
    * Microsoft Windows laptop
    * portable speaker with 3.5mm TRS auxiliary audio input jack
    * Hosa GMM-105 3.5mm 1-to-5 Knucklebones Signal Splitter

    # PRIMARY INTERFACE

    Power on / Power off: Press and hold Band-. Then press and hold ATU Tune. Finally, release both buttons. Recommend to habitually press the Band- button first, in order to avoid accidentally tuning, especially when antennas / feed lines are disconnected.
  18. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 8 additions and 4 deletions.
    12 changes: 8 additions & 4 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -8,6 +8,12 @@ An optional 2m accessory can extend the band support to 2m, though the installat

    As with all radios, do not transmit when the antenna is disconnected. Avoid touching the antenna or feed line when transmitting. Power down the radio and disconnect the feed line when making antenna adjustments.

    Avoid excessive temperatures:

    * When charging internal batteries, select 4 hours or less. Only charge when necessary.
    * After transmitting for a few hours, cease transmission to let the radio cool off.
    * Optionally, install a heat sink over the top edge of the transceiver.

    # PRIMARY INTERFACE

    Power on / Power off: Press and hold Band-. Then press and hold ATU Tune. Finally, release both buttons. Recommend to habitually press the Band- button first, in order to avoid accidentally tuning, especially when antennas / feed lines are disconnected.
    @@ -31,10 +37,8 @@ Confirm main menu selection: Press, hold, release DISP.

    ## Procedure for charging internal batteries

    Warning: Avoid

    1. Boot up the KX3.
    1. Power on the KX3. (This requires a minimum level of internal battery charge remaining.)
    2. Open the main menu.
    3. Select BAT CHG.
    4. Select 4 hours.
    5. Optionally,
    5. Optionally, power down. The screen will show a charge countdown timer.
  19. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 29 additions and 3 deletions.
    32 changes: 29 additions & 3 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -1,14 +1,40 @@
    # Elecraft KX3 Cheatsheet

    The KX3 transceiver is designed for HF amateur band operation. The KX3 natively supports 160m - 6m.

    An optional 2m accessory can extend the band support to 2m, though the installation of that accessory is a more intensive, electronics hobbyist task.

    # WARNING

    As with all radios, do not transmit when the antenna is disconnected. Avoid touching the antenna or feed line when transmitting. Power down the radio and disconnect the feed line when making antenna adjustments.

    # PRIMARY INTERFACE

    Power on / Power off: Press and hold Band-. Then press and hold ATU Tune. Finally, release both buttons. Recommend to habitually press the Band- button first, in order to avoid accidentally tuning, especially when antennas / feed lines are disconnected.

    Main menu access: Press, hold, release DISP.

    Navigation: VFO knob.

    Value selection: Frequency knob.

    Confirm main menu selection: Press, hold, release DISP.

    # Charging

    * KX3 requires 8x AA internal batteries in order to boot up, even when using an external power source.
    * Prefer 8 x NiMH rechargeable AA internal batteries (nominal 1.2V).
    * Set low battery threshold to 8 x 1.2V = 9.6V.
    * Connect Adafruit USB Type C 3.1 PD to 5.5mm Barrel Jack Cable - 15V 5A Output adapter for either internal battery charging, or continuous external power supply.
    * When using USB Type C AC wall adapters, disconnect other devices. Many wall adapters lack sufficient output power to charge the KX3 and other devices simultaneously.
    * Recommend FXLION Nano ONE V Mount Battery 14.8V as a more convenient power source than the internal batteries. This also keeps the internal batteries in reserve as an emergency backup.
    * Recommend Adafruit USB Type C 3.1 PD to 5.5mm Barrel Jack Cable - 15V 5A Output adapter for either internal battery charging, or continuous external power supply.
    * Recommend FXLION Nano ONE V Mount Battery 14.8V as a more convenient power source than the internal batteries. This also keeps the internal batteries in reserve as an emergency backup.
    * When using USB Type C AC wall adapters to charge internal KX3 batteries, disconnect other devices. Many wall adapters lack sufficient output power to charge the KX3 and other devices simultaneously.

    ## Procedure for charging internal batteries

    Warning: Avoid

    1. Boot up the KX3.
    2. Open the main menu.
    3. Select BAT CHG.
    4. Select 4 hours.
    5. Optionally,
  20. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 6 additions and 2 deletions.
    8 changes: 6 additions & 2 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -6,5 +6,9 @@ Confirm main menu selection: Press, hold, release DISP.

    # Charging

    * Prefer 8 x NiMH rechargeable internal batteries (nominal 1.2V)
    * Set low battery threshold to 8 x 1.2V = 9.6V
    * KX3 requires 8x AA internal batteries in order to boot up, even when using an external power source.
    * Prefer 8 x NiMH rechargeable AA internal batteries (nominal 1.2V).
    * Set low battery threshold to 8 x 1.2V = 9.6V.
    * Connect Adafruit USB Type C 3.1 PD to 5.5mm Barrel Jack Cable - 15V 5A Output adapter for either internal battery charging, or continuous external power supply.
    * When using USB Type C AC wall adapters, disconnect other devices. Many wall adapters lack sufficient output power to charge the KX3 and other devices simultaneously.
    * Recommend FXLION Nano ONE V Mount Battery 14.8V as a more convenient power source than the internal batteries. This also keeps the internal batteries in reserve as an emergency backup.
  21. Andrew revised this gist Jul 31, 2022. 1 changed file with 2 additions and 1 deletion.
    3 changes: 2 additions & 1 deletion elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -6,4 +6,5 @@ Confirm main menu selection: Press, hold, release DISP.

    # Charging

    * Prefer 8x NiMH rechargeable internal batteries (nominal 1.2V)
    * Prefer 8 x NiMH rechargeable internal batteries (nominal 1.2V)
    * Set low battery threshold to 8 x 1.2V = 9.6V
  22. Andrew created this gist Jul 31, 2022.
    9 changes: 9 additions & 0 deletions elecraft-kx3-cheatsheet.md
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
    # Elecraft KX3 Cheatsheet

    Main menu access: Press, hold, release DISP.

    Confirm main menu selection: Press, hold, release DISP.

    # Charging

    * Prefer 8x NiMH rechargeable internal batteries (nominal 1.2V)