[Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3?

Sun Dec 26 15:36:40 EST 2010

Gary,

I bought my K3 SN# 3132 in June of 2009 to replace my beloved TS-850s that I 
had owned and used extensively for 19 years.  I have the same interests in 
DXing, contesting and low-band DXing as you, and can say without reservation 
that my new K3 is an absolute dream.  I have the exact lineup of filters 
that you are thinking about getting.  I would also recommend the subRX and 
the KXV3A for adding the P3 panadaptor.  The K3 with the subRX and 
panadaptor is an unbeatable combination in contests and also big pileups. 
The new APF function is a recent firmware addition that greatly improves rx 
capability of weak signals.  I use my K3 with N1MM and DX4WIN logging 
programs and it all works flawlessly.  The K3 works great on all digital 
modes right out of the box.

I know that the FT5000 appears to be a very good rig.  But it is too big and 
heavy for portable use and the K3 support and constant upgrading via new 
hardware and firmware upgrades cannot be beat.  Another big plus for a 
long-time Kenwood user like me is that the K3 has its roots in the Kenwood 
design and ergonomics.  I found it to be a very easy and natural transition 
going from the 850 to the K3.  A fully loaded K3 and P3 is similar in cost 
to the FT5000, but I believe that you get much more flexibility and 
long-term growth in the K3.  It seems like every month Elecraft is adding a 
new feature via firmware updates.  The rig just keeps getting better.

HNY,

Dave, N4QS

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary K9GS" <garyk9gs at wi.rr.com>
To: "'Elecraft'" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2010 1:10 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3?

> Hello all and Happy Holidays!
>
> I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks.  I'm in
> the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple
> models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well.
>
> First my operating interests:
>
> I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and
> most of my time on 80 and 40M.  99% of the time I operate CW.  So, in
> particular, low band CW performance is important to me.  In between
> contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands.  Some
> occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M.
>
> I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated
> computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for
> general operating.  Both of these applications are very well supported
> and the K3 is well represented among users.
>
> I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3.
> There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the 
> FTDX5000:
>
> 1)  The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm,
> resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad
> sounding on the air.
> 2)  The APF filter is also not working correctly.
> 3)  The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB.
>
> Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions
> but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything.  They
> certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although
> supposedly they do read the posts.  Sort of the "we know what we're
> doing, there's no problem" attitude with JA radio manufacturers.  After
> all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem?  I
> don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was
> relatively simple to implement in production.
>
> At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never
> knows.  Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively
> involved in post sale issues and solutions.
>
> I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good
> reviews but at $10K per radio???  I've also used Ten-Tec before and
> never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing
> 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions
> back for service/updates several times.  So what else is there and am I
> missing anything else?
>
> Which brings me to the K3.  This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what
> I'm looking for.  I really can't think of anything holding me back.
>
> I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories:
>
> a)  KAT3
> b) KXV3A
> c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter
> d) 400 hz 8 pole filter
> e) 250 hz 8 pole filter
>
> Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do
> some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway),   I'm
> not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M.  I'd like an opinion
> on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver
> UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception?  What
> am I missing here?
>
> I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so.  Is
> the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something 
> different?
>
> I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future
> DX-pedition use.  I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through
> airport security either.
>
> Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some
> experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and
> requirements.  I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on
> doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple
> of hours.
>
> Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.
>
> -- 
>
>
> 73,
>
> Gary K9GS
>
> Check out K9NS on the web:  http://www.k9ns.com
> Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
> Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
>
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