[Elecraft] [FT817] Vs ELECRAFT

[Edward R. Cole]

Ahhh you know it was bound to happen: FT817 vs KX3 and nobody outside 
of Elecraft even has a KX3 , yet!

My KX3 purchase totaled $1089.95 before shipping so about $160 more 
than I paid for my FT817+CW filter (eleven years ago).  Of course the 
2m module and the mobile bracket will bump this up some more, when available.

But with the exception of not having the 70cm band the KX3 promises 
so much more.  Enough that I sold my FT817 a month ago in 
anticipation for the KX3.

The FT817 ate the 8-cell alkaline battery pack in less than 4-hours 
in receive-only (8 nicads 2-1/2 hours).  I gave up using internal 
batteries with it.  The KX3 is cited at 140ma vs 300ma for the 
FT817.  If one can get a good 8-hour use then that is more 
acceptable.  I will probably not use the KX3 in portable mode but use 
some exterior 12v source.  Wayne reports that battery/ext source will 
be automatically selected (I hope there is also a fixed selection in menu).

FT817 was a three level menu system with only three user buttons 
which took a while to get accomplished in programing.  KX3 looks more 
friendly (plus I am now familiar with the K3 menu). Control panel was 
tight and not friendly on the road.

The FT817 Rx was not that inspiring on HF.  It was OK on 2m & 70cm 
SSB and FM. I took it along on quite a few trips by air.  It was a 
size that was handy for my portable microwave station (Pelican 1520 
case).  The KX3 looks like it will fit in the same 
footprint.  Unfortunately, I no longer travel by air with this 
package (TSA would lock me up from one look at the HB microwave 
stuff).  But I expect no problems traveling with the new KX3.  I do 
hope for a hard-shell front panel cover as cramming stuff in the 
overhead can crunch stuff on airplanes.  All my luggage is 
soft-sided.  One of Rose's bags to enclose all and one it ready to travel.

Another radio that will attract comparison with the KX3 is the 
Flex1500.  I made my decision to go with Elecraft over Flex two years 
ago.  I'll let others do this comparison.




73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
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