[Elecraft] Why buy a 10w radio?

[Doug Person]

The KX-3 is smaller and lighter than the TS-480 head.  I do have a great 
deal of respect for the TS-480 - its a great rig and excellent as a 
mobile.  I don't know how the receivers will compare once the KX3 is 
actually released.  Personally, I expect the KX3 to be in the 
performance class of the FLEX-1500 - which is pretty good.  I agree with 
your point that the KX3 configuration makes it a true multi-purpose 
rig.  I can't think of anything else that I could pull out of my truck 
and go into the field with as a real Trail-Friendly-Radio.  Pretty 
remarkable concept when you think about it.  Now just give me a way to 
operate 2 meter FM with it as well so I could leave my hand-held home.  
The closest is my FT-817 with the 100 watt PA mounted under the seat.  
It works, but the receiver is not too great.  I think you painted a good 
picture of how the KX3 will probably be a winner for some people.

Doug -- K0DXV

On 5/25/2011 7:26 PM, WILLIS COOKE wrote:
> I tried to figure out how to mount my K3 in my F-150 but could not figure out a
> good way to mount it.  It is just a little bit larger than a Kenwood TS-440, so
> I tried to use a TS-440 mount, but it was just a bit small.  So, I mounted the
> TS-440 in the mobile and it worked fair, but it did not have the optional tuner
> and the dial was almost impossible to see in the sunlight.  It was really too
> big to mount on the front of the console and made me look down when driving.  I
> needed something else.
>
> I looked at the Elecraft offerings and did not see a fit for me.  So, I bought a
> TS-480SAT which seemed to be the best fit for what I wanted.  I liked the split
> architecture for mobile use.  Now, just as I got the 480 installed the KX3
> appears.  I like the idea of a battery powered QRP rig with a separate amplifier
> which can be under the seat.  I have not seen the actual dimensions yet, but the
> main KX3 seems to be about the same size as the TS-480 control unit and in fact
> looks a lot like the TS-480.   I like the idea of an operator being able to
> drive to the camping area in his 100 watt mobile, removing the main KX3, putting
> it is his pack and hiking up the mountain for some QRP action, then bragging
> about it while driving home in the 100 watt mobile. 
>
>
> I trust that the Elecraft gang will be able to equal and probably noticeably
> exceed the performance of a TS-480.  I am confident that the mounting hardware
> will be developed and offered.  The price in in the same range as the TS-480 if
> the prices that I have heard are close.  It seems like a product with the
> potential to make a lot of operators happy and fill a big need.  
>   Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
> K5EWJ&  Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>