[Elecraft] Flex 3000 or KX3--budgets

[Richard]

So, a new General, $500 to get started:

spend    $450 on antennas
              $ 25 on a radio, and
              $ 25 on a used key or mic (OK, key)

Seems it might be better for a beginner to go:

             $450 on a used radio with tuner (K1?)
             $  25 on wire
             $  25 on twin lead
Get on the air and make contacts, get experience, learn code.  Save for 
a better radio, better antenna, books, good key, amp, better QTH, 2nd 
wife....

If one buys a $1500 radio, then the formula allows $1500 for accessories 
and requires $27,000 for the antenna.  Rational if you have $30,000, and 
perhaps a goal for a marginally competitive station.
<Grin>

Rich
NU6T

On 4/2/2012 7:03 PM, Jack Berry wrote:
> Regardless of your budget, Steve, here's a formula that should apply pretty
> well. For every $100 you have to spend:
> $90 on antenna(s)
> $5 on radio
> $5 on everything else.
>
> We all make the same mistakes on our first shack. We buy the finest radio we can
> afford (or squeeze into our credit card) and make up the rest as we go along. We
> love shiny new radios with lots of lights.
> We are just coming into a not-so-hot solar cycle, so you are seeing things about
> as good as they will be for the next eleven years. To enjoy ham radio in the
> lean signal years you will need all the antenna you can get. It's much easier to
> find deals on used radios along the way than it is to redo your antennas once
> they are  up - especially if you put up a tower.
>
> If you do buy new you can't beat the Elecraft combo - design, support and this
> reflector, regardless of which model you buy.
>
> 73,
>
> Jack - WE5ST
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Steve Hamon<smhamon at gmail.com>
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: Mon, April 2, 2012 7:52:31 PM
> 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."
>
> Thanks and 73s--Steve
>