[Elecraft] Comparison: K3 and SDR 5000A

[David Wilburn]

Has anyone made an SDR yet that runs on anything but windows?

David Wilburn
dave.wilburn at verizon.net
K4DGW
K2 #5982
FP#-1751


Bill Tippett wrote:
> AB8O:
>  >I would like to hear from my fellow Elecraft fans regarding general
> impressions of the K3 versus the SDR 5000A, software defined radio.
> 
>         Good question John...unlikely it can be answered
> completely until after the K3 ships.  I've also been following
> the 5000, and here are some strictly *academic* thoughts based
> on published info:
> 
> 
> RX Performance (2 kHz spacing, 500 Hz filter):
> 
> Metric          K3              5000            Advantage       Sources
> 
> IMDDR3          94              96              neutral Eric/Sherwood
> BDR                     138             123             K3   Eric/Sherwood
> 
> Note:  Sherwood published data for 5 kHz only but the 5000
> should have identical IMD/BDR performance at 2 kHz.
> 
> Phase Noise:
> 
> Rig     1kHz    2   10   20   50   100   1M
> K3      -110  -119 -136 -140 -143 -144  -150
> 5000             -123(flat)*
> *(Sherwood) "Phase noise does not fall off at 6 dB per octave as expected.
> Flex believes the present phase noise limitations are caused by A/D
> clock jitter".  ("Clock jitter" is another word for phase noise).
> 
> Advantage K3.  It has lower integrated phase noise
> over the entire spectrum.  The 5000's relatively higher
> phase noise will likely be an issue, especially for
> VHF users.
> 
> 
> Form Factor:
> 
> This is a religious issue with some.  Knobs versus
> no knobs.  "Real Radios Don't Need Knobs" (Flex's slogan).
> I suppose the K3's corollary slogan is "Real Radios Don't
> Need Computers".  :-)
> 
> 
> Cost (for the 5000 it depends on whether you already have
> a fairly high-performance computer dedicated to your shack.
> I'm going to compare the 5000C which includes the computer
> and will assume $200 for an LCD display):
> 
> 5000C $5098 (no ATU, $200 display plus a $99 knob option)
> K3    $2825 (assembled K3/100, KXV3, KRX3, 2X 500 Hz filters)
> 
> Of course the K3 does not include a bandscope, but the KXV3
> provides the wide bandwidth buffered IF output to do this.
> Eventually Elecraft, Clifton Labs or someone will provide
> this.  The solution could be as simple as a SoftRock40 on
> the 8.215 MHz output to something much more exotic.  Let's
> assume $400 for something like a Clifton Labs Z91 plus
> another $600 for an adequate computer and display, resulting
> in an additional $1000 for interface hardware, computer and
> display.  I'm assuming free software based either on Rocky
> or PowerSDR.  This results in:
> 
> 5000C $5098
> K3+   $3825
> 
> Advantage:  K3 which will have basic RX performance
> exceeding the 5000 (see above) and a parallel SDR bandscope.
> Assuming someone like HB9DRV integrates this with his Ham
> Radio Deluxe program, I believe the K3 will maintain a
> significant price advantage over the 5000C.
> 
> 
> Portability:
> 
> Metric:         K3              5000C
> 
> Dimensions:     4X10X10"        8.72X17.67X14.67"
> Cubic inches:   400             2260
> Weight:         8 lbs.  13 lbs.
> Power:          Similar...I'm tired of typing!
> 
> Advantage:  K3.  I suspect it will very quickly become a
> gold standard for DXpeditions, not to mention contesting.
> 
>         Let's remember that neither of these rigs is
> a finished product and both will likely be upgraded via
> firmware/software as they evolve.  Both have very good
> designers and very good mechanisms in place for customer
> feedback, so any weakness today may be solved tomorrow.
> 
>         I also think there's simply a different mindset
> appeal of both rigs.  Some of us enjoy tinkering with
> computers, software, etc and those will love the 5000C.
> Some of us are more into ergonomics, operating, etc
> and those may like the K3 better (IMHO).  Time will tell.
> 
>                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>