[Elecraft] KX3 vs FT817 (comparing apples+oranges)

Wayne Burdick n6kr at elecraft.com
Sat Dec 31 00:22:05 EST 2011


Nice analysis, Doug, but just for completeness' sake: we designed the  
KX3 as both a field and compact home station (with optional 100 W) --  
hence the performance goals.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


On Dec 30, 2011, at 9:16 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote:

> Let me start off by stating that I own a K2, a pair of K3's and a P3.
>
> I also own an FT817.
>
> 1.  Yes, the KX3 is "way better" in terms of rx specs and some options
>
> 2.  The FT817 ain't bad either, especially factoring in price (well,  
> my
> price)
>
> These are really two very different radios.
>
> Personally, I like the form factor on the FT817.  It is easy to pack  
> (very
> "flat") and I don't worry about hurting it when "in the field."  I  
> am happy
> to "throw it around."  I would not feel that way about the KX3: kid  
> gloves
> for sure.
>
> Back in 2003, the price was $569 for FT817, which included a  
> microphone
> with up/down buttons, internal (removable), chargeable battery pack, a
> battery "tray" for AA cells, a rubber duck for 2 meters, a rubber  
> duck for
> 6 meters, a hard bound manual, and carrying strap (over your shoulder,
> hooks onto the radio), a DC power cable (with snap-on ferrite  
> choke), and
> probably some other stuff I have forgotten about...oh yeah.. a big  
> world
> map (LOL).  At the time, Yaesu offered a $100 factory rebate (it was  
> a Xmas
> special), so I got the radio and all that other stuff, with free  
> shipping,
> for $469.  Not too shabby...it was an easy decision.  As I see it,  
> the KX3
> (built) with those options is well over 1k.  So, surprise-surprise,  
> you pay
> more, you get more.
>
> Also back in 2003, I had the well-respected (at the time) contest  
> quality
> radio, the Kenwood TS940.  The 940, purchased new, was quite old at  
> that
> date.  The FT817, maybe 5% the size of the 940, blew the doors off  
> the big
> radio in terms of RX dynamics, esp on 40.  It was shocking.  But  
> that was 8
> years ago now.
>
> For me, I rather have to laugh a bit at the OUTSTANDING specs (in  
> earlier
> private emails) for the KX3 RX.  Why laugh?  Because if you are  
> using this
> radio "in the field," you probably will never have to use most of  
> what is
> available to you...and this was primarily designed as a Trail Radio,
> right?  You are just not going to get "that much signal" coming into  
> your
> front end using a simple (low) wire or buddipole, etc. unless you  
> mean once
> per year on Field Day where there are multiple radios set up right  
> on top
> of each other.  But hey...if it can be built so well, why not!  But
> comparing it to the 817, for me, doesn't make a lot of sense, other  
> than to
> indicate that the 817 set some sort of standard for "super tiny  
> radios."
> See mine at https://picasaweb.google.com/dougzzz/FT8172003Dec
>
> Also, I have won my fair share of contest certificates, using the  
> FT817,
> including on 160 (a very tough band on RX front ends).  For what it  
> is, it
> works real well.  It's no K3, but it ain't bad...and it sure is FUN.
>
> I have not ordered a KX3 yet.  This time around, I plan to wait a  
> year or
> so to let things "shake out."  But if I do order one, it probably  
> won't be
> to replace the 817, which is a totally different radio.  And yes, my  
> FT817
> does copy the WX station...and a whole lot more.
>
> OK, before you blast away, please go back to the top and reread the  
> first
> sentence.
>
> HNY and GL to all those happy KX3 purchasers.  I know you'll be  
> thrilled.
>
> de Doug KR2Q
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