[Elecraft] What made you decide...K3

[Edward R. Cole]

Retransmitted to Reflector as original post never appeared:
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I looked at the SDR1000 and then the Flex5000 but held off due to 
price.  Although I liked the idea of a SDR, I also needed a 
convenient portable unit without the need to haul along a laptop and 
extra cables.  I first got to see a live demo of the "new" K3 by 
"Tree", N6TR, at our very own local hamfest on the Kenai Peninsula in 
Alaska a couple years ago.  Features that sold me:

1)  Dual down-conversion
2) Low phase-noise LO's
Both important for clean weak-signal reception

3) SDR (Firmware updates to keep from obsolescence)
4) Transverter interface
5) Dual receiver (that can be locked for diversity reception)
Important for use as IF for VHF+ and EME

6) Portability (size and weight of K3/10)
Great as IF for microwave mountain-topping

7) Excellent CW performance
8) Excellent HF performance
9) Extra-Plus is operation at 490-510 KHz in TEST mode

After receiving it and building the "kit"
I discovered the excellent Elecraft support and this reflector for help.

Price was more than I have ever spent so cannot be added as inducement...but
certainly a good value in the market - excellent resale value!
After a year (almost) I am exceedingly pleased with the K3.
To follow my adventures using the K3 on VHF+ and EME:
http://www.kl7uw.com




73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa at hotmail.com
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*temp not in service