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

David Elliott immondizia at earthlink.net
Sat Dec 31 02:01:14 EST 2011


Hi Wayne,

The KXPA100 was not available when I got the HL 100 and perhaps not even a gleam in your eye yet.  I am sure it will be up to your usual standards with many unique design features.  When do you think it will b available?

73 de W6BK



On Dec 30, 2011, at 10:02 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> 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
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