[Elecraft] KX3 vs FT817 - how do the "insidedimensions" compare?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

You misunderstood Paul. It think we're in full agreement. The top end
receivers (I had an HRO-5) were expensive and mechanically complex to
provide tracking, tunable input filtering. 

What you quoted from my post was that I said it was cheaper to skip that
sort of complexity in favor of a fixed-tuned ham-band-only input filter.
And, by going to fixed tuned input filters, actually improve the Ham band
performance - especially when compared with the performance of most of the
lower cost receivers commonly used by Hams. Dropping the multi-section
tuning caps resulted in a great mechanical simplification too. 

Just a guess, but doubt that the multiple-stage tuned input filters in my
HRO were as good as a good fixed tuned filter - especially when considering
the ultimate rejection of very strong signals far from the desired
frequency. 

Note that I was speaking of RF input filtering to avoid overload, not dial
calibration or tuning stability. My HRO was quite good (but I never switched
the filaments off :-) and the Collins PTOs were outstanding. I had occasion
to rebuild a number of those for Lockheed - they were quite an impressive
electrical and mechanical design. 

73,

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen
Sent: Sunday, October 23, 2011 12:49 PM
To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 vs FT817 - how do the "insidedimensions"
compare?

> "I had the impression that the rise of the Ham-band-only transceiver in 
> the
> 1950's and 60's was based on simple economics.  It was cheaper to drop
> general coverage receive..."

Just the opposite, I think.  Some of the poorest performing -- and least 
expensive receivers provided general coverage.  The most expensive receivers

of their respective eras were the Collins 75A, Collins 75S, Drake R-4, and 
National HRO, all of which were at the top-end of the purchasing ladder in 
their day...