[Elecraft] 897 vs K3

[Rick Braun]

I own both and all responses are correct.  I tend to take the 897 travelling because it seems indestructible and it would kill me to damage or lose my K3.  The 897 is a very good radio, the K3 is an exceptional radio.  I originally bought the 897 thinking I would use the internal battery feature in remote locations, but it turns out to be of questionable value.  With internal batteries the 897 weighs about 12-13 pounds, definitely not backpacking material.  And with internal batteries you are limited to 20 watts output.  OK, so if you don't use if for backpacking, you car camp, and can carry a regular UPS 60-90 amp/hour battery.  The K3 also works just fine with a car battery and may be able to tolerate a lower voltage.  So it's a toss up on portability.  If you must make a choice, my recommendation, just one man's opinion, would be to save your dough, wait, and buy the K3/10, you'll never look back; unless, as Mr. Wilburn said, you intend to mostly ragchew on 2m/70cm repeaters.  

Rick Braun
KE7VXP
K3 #2869
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: David Wilburn<mailto:dave.wilburn at verizon.net> 
  To: Elecraft Discussion List<mailto:elecraft at mailman.qth.net> 
  Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 4:36 PM
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 897 vs K3


  A lot depends on what is important to you, and what you want to do 
  with the rig.

  If you are contesting, its a no brainer.  The K3 receiver performance 
  when surrounded by strong signals, is unmatched.

  If you want to hunt DX, and dig out weak signals.  I would go with the K3.

  If you like to operate CW, and you want a rig that one of the best in 
  that mode, then the K3 is the way to go.

  If you are going to rag chew with your friends and talk on local 
  repeaters, the 897D is a good rig.

  If you need a rig with all the bands and modes of the 897D, then the 
  K3 is not a useful choice.

  If you like to listen to foreign broadcasts, outside the ham bands, 
  then the K3 will require addition features to be able to receive those 
  frequencies.

  Dave Wilburn
  NM4M

  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
  > 
  > 
  >       
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