[Elecraft] Flex 3000 or KX3...

[John Ragle]

Having owned a Flex 3K for a year or so, I can attest it definitely is 
NOT a portable/mobile radio. You must have an accompanying computer that 
supports IEEE 1394 (Firewire) and an antenna tuner that makes up for the 
deficiencies in the F3K. If you operate CW, with the F3K you have lost 
QSK operation. Perhaps the F1.5K is a better comparison, but from the 
number of these I see on eBay, I would say they also fall somewhat short 
on capabilities.

I suggest you look into the K2/100; it has the makings of a very compact 
transceiver with moxie, and they appear on eBay with some frequency, 
probably being sold to finance K3 purchases.

If you intend to  operate digital with a K2, you will need the SSB unit. 
I ran one of these for about 2 years before I succumbed to technolust 
and bought a F3K. Big mistake! With the F3K, digital operation was a 
nightmare, and CW without QSK was like groping through fog. The F3k 
antenna tuner would not tune my antennas on 10 or 6 meters, and I had to 
move to an external tuner.

John Ragle -- W1ZI

=====

On 4/2/2012 10:16 PM, Joe K2UF wrote:
> You might want to drive around the block for awhile in a used ford or chevy
> before you jump into Ferrari (read as Elecraft).  Put your extra money into
> some good antenna hardware.  After a few months you will have a better idea
> of your operating habits and preferences.  Meanwhile you will have a ball.
>
> Good luck and congratulations.  Welcome to our world.
>
> 73  Joe K2UF
>
>
> No trees were harmed in the sending of this e-mail; however, many electrons
> were inconvenienced.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Steve Hamon
> Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 8:53 PM
> To:elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] Flex 3000 or KX3
>
> Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get.  I just
> passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack."  I have
> heard fantastic, rave reviews about the Flex and also about the KX3.  My
> only concerns about the KX3 is that after putting out about $1,500 for the
> basic KX3 and Tuner and Filter added, I still will only have a 10 watt
> unit.  I want it to be my mobile and my base unit.  Will I have to chuck
> out another thousand bucks for the 100 watt amp?
>
> Thanks and 73s--Steve
>
-- 
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