[Elecraft] Second Configuration

[Edward R. Cole]

Wayne,

Fair enough.  Seeing that the FT-817 is decade old technology, goes 
without saying it is not really in the same "league" with the KX3.  I 
originally bought the FT-817 to be the 1st IF (144-MHz) for my mw 
transverters and was a good choice for the time (2000), but it never 
lived up for battery operation with its high Rx current draw.

I suspect (expect) the Rx performance to be uncomparable for the KX3 
and one (good) reason for considering the "upgrade".  Microwave 
operation is a test of weak-signal performance and Elecraft has long 
demonstrated doing this well.  Most "DX" shots on mw bands still is 
via CW (though digital is making headway).

Before the announcement of the KX3, I had considered taking my K3/10 
into the field for mw shots.  But I would be concerned about size and 
exposure of the investment I have in it.  The KX3 will be appropriate 
and its footprint looks like a good fit for that of the FT-817 (for 
mounting on my portable mw rig).  The embedded 2m transverter is key to that.

But I expect the KX3 to put in a respectable performance on HF which 
I never really used on the FT-817.  Of course adding a 100w PA for HF 
mobile and a small PA for 2m mobile.  For trips on the airlines it 
should pack very nice as a standalone QRP rig.

So "we" are all waiting for the announcement of when the KX3 will 
become available (I signed up for that).

Thanks,
Ed - KL7UW
PS:  The K3/10 has replaced my FT-847 (which I sold) as the main 
radio in the shack.

At 09:55 AM 10/20/2011, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>Edward R. Cole wrote:
>
>>I am seriously considering the KX3 to replace my FT-817....
>
>There you go, forcing me to compare the two :)  The KX3 is about 30%
>smaller and lighter, with over twice the front panel space, one third
>as much RX-mode current drain, nearly three times the max power
>output, 32-bit floating-point DSP, built-in paddle and tilt stand, and
>maybe 30 dB better RX dynamic range. (End of shameless promotion.)
>
>
>>I seem to recall seeing a bracket
>>attached to the back that looks like the radio would slip onto a
>>single metal bracket.  ... The bracket I saw in the photos looked
>>like it would make for fast install/removal.
>
>That's the intent. It will have a hole pattern compatible with RAM- 
>mounts. As of right now it's still in the modeling phase, but we're
>hoping to get it finished early next year.
>
>
>>Regarding connectors ...The KX3 has a single BNC, I believe.  If the
>>2m module is added it may
>>have a separate output connector (or not)?
>
>Yes -- an SMA, about 1" from the BNC connector. You could have both
>antennas connected.
>
>73,
>Wayne
>N6KR


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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