[Elecraft] K3 v. others

[David Perrin]

I will offer my 2 Cents on this matter. 53 years of Hamming helps my
perspective.When they first came out I built a K2/100 and still run it. I
bought an ORION I early on, then an ORION II early on. Then I had two K3's,
and other Elecraft kits. The latest is a Ten Tec Eagle. Elecraft are
awesome kits on the order of the old Heathkits, and super tech support. The
radios are excellent and can really dig out the weak one's particularly if
you are physically small and can get your fingers around one knob and not
hit the next one to it. Ten Tec radios are more suited to me. I like a
radio that the controls are separated enough so I don't get fumble fingers
around the knobs, the controls are more intuitive to me. I don't need to
have the operating manual right beside me all the time in order to get to
all the ORION's features. My 400 Ft wire serves famously as the sub
receiver antenna- I use it to separate out the QSB losses, I don't need a
better O II receiver. I would like a larger K3.  The Eagle is under stated
and under rated- I suggest you try one. The receiver is as sensitive
as .the others I have, it is simple to use, and very portable.  It is
getting the most operating time lately.
    With everything good about these two companies, and all the positive
attributes of all the manufacturers a couple things hold a major place in
my buying. Which companies are American made and what is the ONLY
manufacturer that let's you try their radio for 30 days, and if you don't
like it- you can return it. I am waiting for a larger K3.
    73 de Dave, K1OPQ