[Elecraft] K3 vers K2 questions that I keep seeimg

[Joe Planisky]

Note: The first time I sent this, it didn't seem to go out properly.   
My apologies in advance if 2 copies show up.

Hi Harry,

> 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. ... Also why is there so many K3 problems listed at  
> this stage of the game?

Perhaps because the K2 has been out for over 10 years and the K3 has  
been out for only 2.  Do you suppose you would have been asking "why  
are there so many questions about the K2?" back in 2001?  How much K3  
traffic will be on the reflector in 2018?

Also, I think a more demanding class of operator is using the K3 in  
more demanding situations than the K2.  As you mentioned, some of them  
are "a different breed."

What are the current problems that you perceive with the K3 that do  
not ultimately come down to operator preference?


> 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.

I think the basic K3/100 with the stock 2.7 kHz roofing filter would  
meet most average ham's needs for $1899.95. That gives you everything  
that a fully loaded K2/100 gives you and then some.

I have both a K2/10 and a K3/100.  I find the K3 has a noticeably  
better receiver, is much easier to operate, and has features that make  
my day-to-day operation much more pleasant.  The difference in cost  
between a "fully loaded" K2/100 and a "stripped down" K3/100 is  
$270.30 if I've done my math correctly.  In my opinion the extras the  
K3 gives you for that $270.30 are well worth the money.

The K2 is a great rig if you simply can't afford or can live without  
the extra features and performance that the K3 gives you.  I started  
out with a pretty basic K2 and added to it over the years as budget  
permitted (and I'm doing the same with the K3.)  I still use my K2 for  
portable/field work and as a backup rig, but I enjoy using the K3 more.

Asking whether a K3 will get you more contacts than a K2 is like  
asking if a basic economy car will get you more places than a luxury  
car.  Both will get you where you want to go, but the experience you  
have along the way might be quite different.

73
--
Joe KB8AP


On Jan 17, 2010, at 2:39 PM, harry latterman wrote:

[...snip...]

> 73
> Harry K7ZOV
>