[Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3

[Edward R Cole]

Tom,

I own both radios.  I bought my K3/10 two years ago and have had a 
good time running 12w SSB with it.  Surprising many when I tell them 
I am only running 12w.  I can check into the Elecraft net fairly well 
with that.  IN the last year I have built a 300w PA kit and can run 
270w out on 20m with 12w drive from either of my radios and that 
makes my signal get thru every time.  I should mention I run a 
3-element triband yagi which does not hurt.

You will like the K3 for digital modes and should opt for it, in my 
opinion.  I got the transverter interface and second Rx along with 
three filters for FM, SSB, and CW.  I added the TCXO-3 and later the 
EXREF for super accurate frequency.  Those are important for some of 
the narrowband digital modes like WSPR and JT65.

I am getting some experience with my KX3 mainly on 2m using a 
modified 144-28 transverter (I added a PLL synth LO so I could 
operate over the full 144-148 band by switching LO freq. and 
installed a 13w RF module which drives nicely with 3w from the 
KX3).  Eventually Elecraft will offer a 2m transverter module and 
100w PA for the KX3 which turns it into a decent mobile radio.  The 
K3 will work fine for mobile in a RV, though.

After having both radios I would not part with my K3.  The KX3 would 
make a fine starter radio had it been available when I bought the K3, 
but the K3 shines for running 600m thru mw from home.  Previous 
radios were a FT-847 and FT-817, respectively, and the Elecraft 
radios run circles around the old radios.

73, Ed - KL7UW