[Elecraft] [FT817] Vs ELECRAFT

[Johnny Siu]

Hello Elecrafters,
 
I posted below in the FT817 yahoo group.  I am now ready for the possibily of being fired upon.

TNX & 73,


Johnny VR2XMC

----- 轉寄的郵件 ----
從︰ Johnny Siu <vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk>
收件人︰ "FT817 at yahoogroups.com" <FT817 at yahoogroups.com> 
傳送日期︰ 2011年12月30日 (週五) 8:54 AM
主題︰ [FT817] ELECRAFT


  
I once used FT817ND for portable operation but I eventually gave it  up and replaced it by a K2. My reasons are:
 
1.  I was disappointed by the RX performance of FT817 and K2 is far better.  FT817 is hot enough to receive everything but I cannot select the station I wanted - very poor selectivity indeed;
2.  Current drain of K2 is as low as 180ma;
3.  Built-in ATU of K2 (swr 10:1) is convenivent;
4.  Built-in speech processor of K2 gives much more talk power;
5.  K2 can deliver more power at 10-15W;
6.  The V/U operation of FT817 can be covered by H/T
7.  A full loaded FT817 with filters, OBP processor etc is not that cheap
 
Most of the above rationale also applies to the decision between KX3 Vs FT817 though it is not quite an apple to apple comparison.  Having said that, I still consider FT817 is very value for money because its price in VR2 is less than US$600.
 
With the coming of KX3, I notice many good deals for used K2.  If you do not too keen on v/u, used K2 could be a good buy.

TNX & 73,

Johnny VR2XMC