[Elecraft] K3 vers K2 questions that I keep seeimg

[Don Wilhelm]

Harry,

I have both the K2 and the K3 - the K2 does not see use in the shack, 
but rests at the workbench and is my transceiver of choice for portable 
operation.

First let me try to shed some light on the number of K3 
questions/problems as compared with the K2 by stating that when the K2 
was only 3 years old, there were something like 1000 of them sold by 
that time, and this reflector was full of K2 questions/problems 
everyday.  By comparison, the K3 has sold over 3 times that number, so 
there are 3 times the number of new users everyday with questions, 
comments, and problems (some perceived, some real).  Note that many of 
the problems are answered by telling the owner how to accomplish 
whatever he was trying to do - you have to read both the question and 
the response to determine that rather than just counting the number of 
posts.  The same was true in the earlier days of the K2.

The K2 is a mature product, and many of the owners have had them for a 
while, so their questions have been answered some time ago.  Even though 
it is "mature", I expect mine to continue to function properly for 
another 20 to 30 years - and I have one of the original Field Test K2s.  
After that 20 to 30 years, I might not care anymore, it will be left to 
my heirs.

If one compares the cost of a basic K3/100 with the cost of a loaded 
K2/100 kit from Elecraft, if the dollar value were the only thing 
considered, the buyer would likely opt for the K3 - most all the 
function offered by the basic K3/100 would require most all the options 
be installed in the K2/100 - and the K2 would not have the DSP 
flexibility of the K3, nor the possibility of adding the SubRX later.  
The performance of the K2 and the K3 is very good (check the Sherwood 
listings), but the K3 is better - whether one's operating habits warrant 
the K3 is entirely a different question, only the operator himself can 
create that answer.

Since you already have the K2/100, then the cost comparison does not 
work for you - you will have to evaluate how much you could get for your 
K2 should you sell it and deal with the price difference between your 
existing K2 and a K3.

In other words, I believe it is deceiving to look at the reflector 
traffic in comparing questions/problems between the K2 and the K3.

73,
Don W3FPR

harry latterman wrote:
> I have a wonderful K2/100 and yes have eyed th K3 as so many other has. The new K3 design is clean, filters options are mind boggling, seems to like digital ... But and this is a big BUT for me is cost vers any really added contacts. Or cost per possible, but unlikely contacts missed. By the time all the eye candy and ear candy is added you have one really expenisive radio. Way more the a fully loaded K2 with has some impressive specs...very impressive by a lot of standards. Plus I am really wondering about the K3 issues. Is it my imagination or are K3 question and issues a bit more then K2 issues? My in box since I signed up is buldging with K3 questions and problems. If it were not for the occational K2 question you would think this was a K3 site. 
>
> Don't get me wrong Elecraft is one fantastic company. I built and used a K1/4 and used it for a while and it was FUN and very inpressive. Very! I am a cheater in that I traded a 706mkII+ a Ft-817 for the K2/100 I have now instead of building it, only becasue the person that listed it decided that the trade was better then what he was asking for it and my trade fit his needs. The chances of that happening again a pretty slim. If he had not then sometime later this year I probably would have had to make a painful choice. A fully loaded K2/100 or a strip down K3/10 and who knows how long before I could afford to get it up to the level I really wanted. But that is my financial problem and like many today price vers performance vers reliablity are all a factor.
>
> So what is the opion of those who have both or had the K2 and now the K3? Which is the better value for the budget minded and for those on a budget what is the cost of a K3/100 that would meet most people needs. Not the hard core contester, they are a different breed. But the everyday ham, who likes to take it with him/her and/or have a great home station. Also why is there so many K3 problems listed at this stage of the game? That is the part that makes me glad I have a K2 and might wait a very long time before I get a K3.
>
> Thanks for you time and this great board.
> 73
> Harry K7ZOV
>
>
>
>
>       
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
> Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.147/2628 - Release Date: 01/17/10 02:35:00
>
>