[Elecraft] 897 vs K3

[Don Wilhelm]

Ben,

Based on your question, I am going to assume you are ham budget 
limited!  BEWARE: my comments are biased, but I have nothing against the 
897D.

Spring for the K3/10 if that is what you budget can stand right now.  
Add the KPA3 as funds are available, and then as you operate and find 
need (and budget), add extra filters and options purchase them at that 
time.  You will have a 1st class expandable transceiver if you select 
the K3.  Certainly you can get $3000 to $4000 tied up in the K3 if you 
order all the options and a full house of filters, but the starting 
price of $1395 will provide you with a great receiver and a 10 watt 
transmitter.  Lots of contacts can be made at 10 watts (ask the QRP 
crowd about that).  The K3/100 is only $500 more, so if you crave more 
power, that is a good first investment.  The kit version is not 
difficult to assemble - just follow the manual instructions - if you 
have questions, ask on this reflector and you will likely get answers 
within minutes.

73,
Don W3FPR

Ben Ramler wrote:
> Evening Group,
>
>     Well here's a dilemma..... do I get an 897D or do I dive in and get a K3 to start with than upgrade it from there. The thing that sticks out is that K3 is light years ahead of the 897D. However I would have to get brand new because the asking used price is such that no one is willing to work with me on.
>
> thoughts?
>
> 73,
>
> Ben
>   
>