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

Sat Dec 31 02:08:44 EST 2011

2012.

Wayne

On Dec 30, 2011, at 11:01 PM, David Elliott wrote:

> 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
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>