[Elecraft] OMNI VII vs Elecraft K3

[Bill W5WVO]

Anthony,

I spent a long time lurking on the OMNI-VII Yahoo group and was primed to buy 
one -- until the K3 was announced. In addition to everything Greg says below, 
I think the most significant single difference between the two receivers is 
that the OMNI-VII uses a typical up-conversion scheme for the first IF, with 
its narrow filters in the 2nd IF. The K3 uses a down-conversion scheme at the 
first IF. This allows use of very narrow roofing filters in the first IF, 
while the OMNI-VII must depend only upon optimizing IF stage gain distribution 
to minimize close-in IMD through the first IF. They obviously did a good job 
of that, as the 80 dB 2 kHz DR3 shows, but it is expected the K3 will test 
significantly higher than that, most likely in the vicinity of the ORION-II. 
Of course that's speculation at this point, since the actual numbers aren't 
out yet, but it is well-informed, highly credible speculation.  :-)

And you don't give away general-coverage receive capabilities, as you do with 
many ham-optimized down-conversion receivers. It is simply a brilliant design, 
IMO. I have one on order.

Bill / W5WVO


FISCHER,GREG wrote:
> Hi Anthony,
>
> This would be difficult to do since the K3 has not hit the
> streets yet.
>
> While the VII has an ethernet port for remote control, the
> K3 will have an extensive array of remote capabilities
> built into its updatable firmware.
>
> The K3 receiver specs should be vastly better than the
> VII, though official specs have not yet been released as
> final testing is not done yet.
>
> The K3 has full dual RX with both receivers being of the
> same quality / architecture.  Not an inferior sub receiver
> as employed by some other dual rx radios.
>
> K3 has digital mode encode and decode ability without the
> need of an external computer.  You can even send RTTY and
> PSK using your CW key!
>
> K3 has more choices of roofing filters and allows you to
> include only those accessories you want...saving you $$ on
> what you don't want.
>
> Due to the K3 modular design, in most cases if something
> were to go wrong and could be pinpointed to a specific
> board,  you would likely only need to send that board in
> for repair/replacement.  No need to send the entire radio
> risking shipping damage.
>
> I could go on and on but I think you get the idea.  My
> best recommendation would be to go to the Elecraft website
> and review the FAQ and the spec sheet and compare that
> with what is available for the Omni VII.  Then choose what
> is best for you.
>
> 73 and good luck,
> Greg
> AB7R
>
>
> On Mon, 14 May 2007 13:26:09 -0500
>  "Anthony Rick" <asrick at gmail.com> wrote:
>> I am a long time Ten Tec user interested in upgrading.
>> I have never
>> used a piece of Elecraft equipment but am very intrigued
>> by the K3.
>> Are there any Elecraft users who can give me some advice
>> about what I
>> may expect from the K3 vs the OMNI VII since they are
>> both near the
>> same price?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Anthony
>> AA9OC
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