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

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi David,

We're familiar with this amp. The KXPA100 will have several additional  
features by comparison: 160-meter coverage; better transmit 3rd-order  
IMD (optimized low-pass filters for each band); optional built-in 100- 
W ATU (KXPA100) with two antenna jacks; instant auto-bandswitching  
with any rig via RF sensing; and full integration with the KX3.

73,
Wayne,
N6KR

On Dec 30, 2011, at 9:49 PM, David Elliott wrote:

> Here is a really neat 100 watt amp that can be frequency controlled  
> by the FT817.  It can be ordered from Japan.
>
> http://www.thp.co.jp/english/hl_100bdx_e.html
>
> I look forward to my KX3 but don't plan to sell the FT817.  As you  
> say, they are different radios for different uses.
>
> 73 de W6BK
>
>
>
>
> 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
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html