[Elecraft] K144XV

[Julian, G4ILO]

Ci Jones wrote:
> 
> I would appreciate hearing the opinion of members of this group on an 
> issue I am facing. I just downloaded the manual for the K144XV since I 
> am considering this upgrade. As I understand it, it is an all mode ten 
> watt transceiver, and it costs about $300.00. In order to use it, I 
> will also have to buy a KXV3A for $140.00 and a KFL3B-FM for $126.00. 
> For a total of $560.00, I will have access to two meters with my K3. I 
> will also be able to listen to frequencies outside of the amateur 
> bands. I am wondering (and this is what I need your opinions on) why 
> this would be a better buy for me than another transceiver dedicated to 
> VHF and UHF and putting out considerably more power?
> 
The K144XV is not particularly expensive compared to other high performance
transverter options. Here in Europe the DB6NT 2m transverter with 25W output
will set you back the equivalent of $1800, though it is probably a bit
superior in performance to the K144XV.

The main reason people use HF transceivers + transverters on 2m is to
operate SSB and CW. There are not many choices of radios that will do 2m SSB
and most are shack-in-a-box type sets with not particularly good
performance. A K3 plus any good transverter will outperform pretty much any
other 2m receiver.

If you only want to work FM then to be honest a separate 2m FM set will be
more convenient, do just as good a job 99% of the time and you'll be able to
listen out for your friends without tying up your K3 in the process. Having
said that if you live in an area where standard FM radios have intermod
problems due to the presence of powerful nearby transmitters the K3 would
still have a benefit, plus the crystal filters are notably sharper than the
ceramic filters other FM rigs normally use so you'll get better copy of weak
signals.

-----
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html

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