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| http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_small1.jpg |
See http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm .
7 Feb 2016
Elecraft KX3
There is no doubt that the very best radio for QRPers is the Elecraft KX3. In the UK this is not low cost as VAT and duty are both payable if importing from the USA. One UK dealer sells either kits or ready made units. For the price of the KX3 you can buy a couple of Yaesu FT817ND radios covering more bands. The KX3 is the better radio. I guess one has to save up if one wants the Elecraft.
This image is located on the Elecraft site and not on this blog. It will be removed if having the link is a problem.
See http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm .
See http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm .
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6 comments:
An overvalued piece of ...
Dom M1KTA took it at the beach and almost destroyed half of its push-buttons from the sand entered.
Mind you, that is high praised as a portable radio!
An FT-817 atop of a mountain, or by the sea, connected to a big doublet works the World!
Hi Roger,
I also have one, but I hardly ever use it and certainly wouldn't recommend it to others. In fact I'd probably have sold mine by now if it didn't mean taking such a hit on the second hand vs. new price.
It's a great rig for CW, but not so good for SSB as the speech processing still lacks punch even after two firmware updates that have improved, but not entirely fixed the problem.
Although the RX is very good, I'm not sure you really need a contest grade radio for QRP hill topping.
However the main problem is the case which looks home brewed and has lots of air gaps which easily let in dirt, sand, water and insects. The internal battery pack sits directly on top of the main PCBs and the two halves of the case are joined by a very flimsy looking multicore Mylar ribbon cable. If any water gets inside or the batteries leak that's going to be the end of the radio.
I use my ex mil PRC-320 for portable operation much more than the KX3. It's not as good technically, and weighs a great deal more, but I know that it's practically indestructible and has survived the tide coming in rather more quickly than expected on more than one occasion.
The 817 is a much better proposition, plus it has 2m & 70cm which are useful for SOTA work and it's only 1/3 the price of a semi loaded KX3
Regards,
Martin - G8JNJ
www.g8jnj.net
www.tc2m.info
http://websdr.suws.org.uk
Well that's three of us that would have an FT817 over an Elecraft. But Roger endorses the Elecraft - Quote"The KX3 is the better radio". I respect Roger a lot, he gets off his butt and actually knows how to use a soldering iron, but why does he continue to spout crap like a paid mouthpiece sometimes ? No offence Roger, but please stop spouting hyperbole and just use
facts. You'll get more respect.
I am NOT saying I'd buy a KX3, but from ALL the technical reports, it IS better than the FT817, but very expensive here in the UK. Oh, and by the way, if you intend to read my mind (and you clearly can not do this very well) please use your real name and call! By the way, as well as lots of homebrew rigs I own two FT817s. I agree the FT817 is a very nice radio and FAR better value than the KX3. So, I am NOT spouting hyperbole, far from it. BTW I am Roger G3XBM. And who are you??
I love my KX3 and there's no way I'd ever swap it for an 817.
It's horses for courses. Mine is my main station QRP rig, and for that it's truly outstanding.
I've got perfectly good (sorry, great) portable rigs in the shape of KD1JV ATS4 and MTRs for when I go outdoors.
I could ask for nothing more :-)
It's a personal thing when it boils down to it, just like Marmite.
Some interesting discussion here:
http://www.hamblog.co.uk/yaesu-817nd-vs-elecraft-kx3-differences-for-portable-use/
72
Pete - G4ISJ
http://g4isj.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks Pete. I enjoyed the comparison you linked.
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