[Elecraft] KX3 vs. K3 and other rigs?

[Wayne Burdick]

On Jun 5, 2011, at 8:49 PM, TF3KX wrote:

> I am watching the KX3 evolution with great interest.  It appears to  
> bear lots
> of resemblance to the K3, but it is not clear to me where these two  
> will
> differ.  Or, for that matter, how the KX3 will compare against some  
> of the
> other rigs around today.
>
> Is there any place that shows, or can someone list up, the primary
> differences between, say, KX3 and K3?  Not only in terms of  
> technical specs
> (IMD, etc.), but also the internal structure (both with similar RF/DSP
> architecture?), features, etc.?

Hi Kristinn,

The KX3 uses a different transceive architecture from the K3 -- one  
that is more consistent with a portable, lightweight radio that has  
lower current drain and a lot fewer components. But it's not a toy. It  
will have performance comparable to many full-size transceivers. We'll  
have a lot more to say about this when we complete the update from  
prototype to field test.

As far as features go, the KX3 is exactly midway between the KX1 and  
K3. Like the KX1 it is fully self-contained, with optional internal  
batteries, ATU, and attached keyer paddle. But it covers 160-6 m, like  
a K3, as well as all modes. It has a user interface that's very  
similar to the K3's, including the same full-sized LCD, five encoders  
(optical for VFO A), and full-custom knobs and switches. It has many  
of the same special features as the K3, including built-in decode/ 
display of CW, RTTY, and PSK31; dual VFOs; full stereo audio effects,  
etc.

It has extremely low current drain for a state-of-the-art DSP-based  
transceiver, at about 150 mA minimum (LCD backlight off). You should  
get from 5 to 15 hours of operation from internal batteries depending  
on your transmit/receive ratio.

For further details please see our home page (click on the KX3 photo).

73,
Wayne
N6KR