Its interesting to note that the latest radio from Elecraft the KX3 has a few drift issues; only in the digital modes. The radio its self is priced and also leans toward the foundation licence users, not just for its low power capablities, but its all round offering and size. Several club members have been sourcing information about the drift subject; as at this point in time been resolved by VK4 HV, IP ,MJF and NE with a hardware cooling updates (acquired from the internet) and software compensation procedure (by Elecraft). With the end result digital modes such as WSPR JT65 and JT9 being decoded with ease. Also some of our club members and the club field day gear are using either of late or for sometime the Yaesu FT817d (hd) for low power or to drive as a IF (intermediate frequency) for their tranverters. Of course the KX3 is the alterative radio to do much of the same, with some club members using the KX3 as a IF drive for 2.4 Ghz using a 50mhz IF (intermediate frequency) which to date has been very successful in the club Field Day activities. Elecraft KX3 will also in September 2014 !! have a 2 metre (144-146 mhz) module available for use as a new IF driver as well as 2 metre use (including FM and repeater functions). It would be remiss of me to say, also worth noting the K3 is also capable of these IF drivers to 2 metres for the past 5 years or so and has a 10 watt/100 watt version, with out a drift issue
KX3 rear panel as standard
Same rear panel with copper and heat conductive pad
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UPDATE 2016..It was found with the 2 metre module the drift problem tripled, the WSPR signal was boomerang in shape and not decoded over several attempts. This is not to put down the KX3 or the 2 metre module, the partnership works extremely well under SSB/FM/AM and CW, but not in DATA modes such as WSPR, JT9 FSK and MHSV etc. The KX3 has performed well in VHF/UHF field days, also driving transverters with an IF 50mhz and 144 mhz, on 2.4Ghz and 10Ghz. Its also worth noting if the KX3 or (K3) is coupled with a Khune transverter they are unbeatable in a microwave shoot out.
