[Elecraft] [K3] decisions, decisions

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I'm not surprised by the repeated comments to include the KPA3 in your
initial purchase so you can run 100 watts. For all of those Hams who run 100
watts (likely the majority these days), the drop in signal strength caused
by running 10 watts - about 1 or 1-1/2 S-unit - is very undesirable, just as
those who routinely run the legal limit can't understand why anyone would
willingly run only 100 watts. 

There's probably no more personal and subjective decision in one's station
than what power level is required. 

What's indisputable is that you can make a lot of contacts, including DX
contacts, running 10 watts when the bands are open and even the legal-limit
operators have a hard time when conditions are bad. 

Personally, when forced to choose, I'll chose receiver performance over
transmit power every time. 

Whatever you chose, Pf, you'll have a lot of fun with the K3. 

73, 

Ron AC7AC