[Elecraft] OMNI VII vs Elecraft K3

Anthony Rick asrick at gmail.com
Mon May 14 17:37:16 EDT 2007


Thank you all for taking the time to write such quality responses.  I
received several replies that showed a point-by-point comparison of
both transceivers which was very useful.

Based on features, performance, and price I'm pretty sure I will go
with a K3.  One other point worth mentioning is that I have been very
impressed with the intellectual camaraderie of the Elecraft designers
and group.  That in itself seems to place Elecraft far ahead of Yaesu,
Icom, and Kenwwod.

Is there a "K VHF/UHF" in the stars?  A 100w multimode transceiver for
144 MHz and 440 MHz to replace my IC-820H.

73

Anthony
AA9OC

On 5/14/07, Bill W5WVO <w5wvo at cybermesa.net> wrote:
> 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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