[Elecraft] 897 vs K3

[AD6XY]

It really depends on your needs - I would go for the FT857 rather than the
FT897. The FT857 is cheaper and a better radio ergonomically when used
mobile than the FT897 or the K3. It is well suited to use with repeaters on
2m and 70cm. The front end on HF is quite good, nothing like the K3 but if
you have very restricted antennas, e.g. mobile, that may not matter. The
inclusion of 2m and 70cm is a bonus - again performance is not exceptional
but it is entirely adequate for many uses.

So - FM, Repeaters, occasional HF, listening to AM broadcast and for mobile
use, go for the FT857 or FT897. VHF portable - The FT817 is great for this.

Serious use on HF/6m from home. Go for the K3/100. Do not go for the K3/10
unless you have exceptional aerials or are prepared to make only very few
SSB QSOs. Many HF phone operators are extremely deaf and 10W will not get
you very far except on CW. Believe me, the K3 will hear much better than
anything else and if you are only running 10W you can't expect the other
chap running 100W with an inferior receiver to hear you as well as you hear
them.

If your budget is really restricted, but you want a great HF only radio you
might look at the K2.

Mike
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