[Elecraft] Unhappy With Your KX3?

[Jim Brown]

On 8/3/2012 5:59 PM, Harry White wrote:
> I have read
> on this list that one should just use earbuds or headphones. As one who uses
> two hearing aids, earbuds are unacceptable and I don't think I should be
> forced to use headphones in a very quiet radio room.

I think you're being very unfair on this issue, Harry, although I think 
it's great that you pointed out this limitation in response to the 
question. This radio is designed for backpacking, and for use with 
earphones.  It is designed to maximize battery life.  It is NOT 
primarily a desktop radio intended to be used with its internal speaker, 
or even with a passive outboard speaker. That is a consequence of the 
design to maximize battery life .It can certainly be used with one or 
two powered loudspeakers if that's how you want to use it.

I'm surprised that you don't like headphones. My 70 year old ears, which 
also have some hearing loss, love headphones.  Indeed, I've ALWAYS 
primarily used headphones in my ham shack, even at age 15!

It's also designed to be used with an outboard power amp and outboard 
100W antenna tuner, neither of which are ready for sale. With those 
accessories, and with an amplified speaker, it can be used in a car.

I don't have my own KX3 yet, but I've been playing with a loaner from a 
neighbor.  Last weekend we had it out on a mountaintop working into 15 
ft vertical whip plus a wire thrown into the bushes. The IOTA contest 
was on, so we responded to several calls on 15M, and it took only about 
ten minutes to work K4, PY, and JA.  This week I've had it hooked to my 
big antenna farm, and the receiver has been just great.

I'm not happy with the back-packer's paddle for use at home, and I'd 
like to be able to plug my usual paddle into it when I'm using it on a 
desk to use the internal keyer.  The backpacker's paddle works very well 
for backpacking though.

73, Jim K9YC