[Elecraft] [FT817] Vs ELECRAFT

Wayne Burdick n6kr at elecraft.com
Thu Dec 29 21:11:49 EST 2011


Hi Johnny,

I can refine your points a bit further, in relation to the KX3:

> 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;

With the KXFL3 module installed, the KX3 has IMDDR3 in the ~100 dB  
range at 2 kHz and blocking DR in the 140 dB range.

> 2.  Current drain of K2 is as low as 180 ma;

KX3: as low as 140 mA.

> 3.  Built-in ATU of K2 (swr 10:1) is convenient;

Both the KXAT3 and KAT2 will actually match 20:1 or higher in many  
cases.

> 4.  Built-in speech processor of K2 gives much more talk power;

KX3: 32-bit floating-point DSP => split-band speech processing, TX EQ,  
2 DVR messages, etc.

> 5.  K2 can deliver more power at 10-15W;

KX3: Max 12 W (5 W typical from internal batteries).

> 6.  The V/U operation of FT817 can be covered by H/T

KX3: 2-meter module in the works.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



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