[Elecraft] P3 or KRX3

[Craig D. Smith]

Good question, Bill.   I recently added both the sub RX and the P3 to my K3
SN 608, so am in a position to offer at least an opinion on the added
utility of each.  It was also my first experience with either capability.

I'm mostly a CW contester but do some DXing and MW/SW listening.  In a
nutshell, both are very powerful additions in terms of new functionality.
But I'd say the sub RX is more of a refinement over what is already in the
K3 whereas the P3 provides a completely new capability.  Price is of course
a consideration also.  $700 is the full price of the P3, whereas the sub RX
can run you over $1000 with the addition of roofing and bandpass filters.

I've only used the P3 for a few days now, and not yet in a contest.  However
I can say that its ability to see the entire band at a glance is wonderful.
You can't do this with the sub RX.  I've already found DX with it before it
was spotted on the clusters.  Sure beats tuning up and down the band!

For contesting, the sub RX ability to simultaneously monitor a second band
for S/P Qs is something you can't do with the P3.  And, for working DX split
and diversity it has the obvious advantages.

If I could only afford one, I'd go for the P3 in a heartbeat.  My prediction
is that 6 months from now you will have both  ;>)

73  Craig  AC0DS