[Elecraft] The K3 in comprison to the Big Guns

[David Yarnes]

Nope, don't have one.  It would be nice though!  As far as I know there 
aren't any detailed performance reviews published yet, but several owners 
have noted that the RX is apparently the same basic design as the 7800. 
Also, the Icom reps at Dayton indicated that it was essentially the same 
receiver.  So, close in performance will not apparently match the K3.  But 
that doesn't mean it isn't a great radio, and as you indicate, the operating 
conveniences and features make it something to lust for.  As for ergonomics, 
that's always something that I find hard to compare in some radios.  To me, 
good ergonomics means convenience.  It may mean something entirely different 
to others.  There's plenty to like with the Icoms, but I find the K3 to be 
convenient as well.  Now there are more buttons on the Icoms, and that 
suggests more features.  But conveniently using the features available on 
the K3 is very good in my view.  I think the best example of bad ergonomics 
is exhibited by Yaesu, and to some degree, Ten-Tec.  Yaesu's menus are still 
complex and difficult to manipulate.  The Icom rep was having fun comparing 
the 7700 to Yaesu's big rigs for ease of operation.  Ten-Tec uses a 
multi-pot extensively which I don't care much for.  That's possibly my 
biggest gripe about my Orion II.  Icom however, makes superb use of the 
bandscope and large display in utilizing many of the available features. 
More than anything else I think that's the crux of why Icom users are 
fanatics about Icom radios.  For example, want to see a waterfall display? 
Just push this button here!  Filter settings can be brought up on the 
screen, and adjusted easily.  You can quickly return to the default setting 
by pushing the default button.  But the K3 sort of does the same thing, 
although not displayed as elaborately on its screen.  And to return to the 
"default" position, you simply push the "shift" knob and it's done.  But 
like I said, more buttons on the 7700 means more features on that radio, and 
the display does a beautiful job of presenting each feature.  Now, once the 
2nd receivers for the K3 are ready to ship, that may shift the balance more 
towards the K3 for lots of people.  I still think the K3 will very possibly 
be the radio of choice for contesters and DXers.  And I don't see a 7700 
being the rig of choice over a K3 for Field Day either.  But certainly there 
will be a great many who will find the 7700 to be a better fit for their 
operating preferences.  It's a beautiful radio!  And you have to want that 
2nd RX pretty darn bad to spend the extra money to get the 7800.

Dave W7AQK



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Allbright" <rob at robg3rce.plus.com>
To: "ELECRAFT" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:16 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] The K3 in comprison to the Big Guns


> Dave, W7AQK
>
> you said
>
> I haven't studied the 7700's performance
> ratings, but apparently they are not nearly as good as the K3.
>
> Where did you get this info I wonder? do you have one?
>
> Well, we shall see when the reviews are published, apparently the RSGB
> review on the 7700 is due June.
> I think that the K3 will hard pressed to beat the 7700 in usability  and 
> performance!
> I've had one for several weeks now and am looking forward to the  review 
> in a few days time.
>
> 73 Rob G3RCE
> ----------------
>
>
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