[Elecraft] Elecraft and Ten Tec

[Edward R Cole]

Roger,

Your quandary reminds me somewhat the decisions I made in buying my 
K3 three years ago.  Hopefully I can provide some help.

The K3 is a fantastic radio, thus it has lots of operating features 
(which I have to totally explore, yet).  Initially there is a bit of 
a learning curve to get accustomed to many of operating settings, but 
the radio is ready to use out of the box.  I figure it took me about 
three weeks of playing with the radio with manual open to get to 
where I could operate comfortably.  But a radio with an on/off 
switch, volume and VFO control would have lost my interest much 
faster.  I see the K3 challenges as part of its attraction (I 
continually learn more about using it).  I do endorse getting a copy 
of the K3 manual from Fred Cady.  He expands  the description of 
things to ease the learning process.

IF CW on HF/6m is all you will use the radio, then the standard 
roofing filter and maybe a CW filter would suffice.  The nice part of 
the modular concept of the K3 is one can "add-on" later.  You may 
want a P3 or second receiver or more filters after having a chance to 
use the radio.

I bought the K3/10 without ATU, with subreceiver and KRX3 transverter 
interface because I mainly operate VHF and higher.  Thus I got 
filters for both the main and sub receivers.  I like the size of the 
radio and weight <8 lbs.  Getting use to momentary push vs push-hold 
multi function controls only takes a couple days to master.  Using 
the memory editor utility speeds loading memories with favorite frequencies.

I know nothing about the Eagle so not helpful in the basic decision, 
but personally think the K3 beats the Eagle in performance.  Owning 
the K3, I feel no need to buy a "better" radio.  The K3 is "it".  So 
I would not let these particular concerns of learning the radio put you off.

Look on my website if wanting to know a bit more what I enjoy:
http://www.kl7uw.com/

73, Ed - KL7UW

------snipped----
I have never seen a K-3 up close,
but I am concerned about the menu that some say takes a lot of getting used
to. So several questions: is the menu
concern not really an issue (?) or is it ; do I need anything else in the
way of options (I have a good ATU) (?); and does
the physical size of the control face pose a problem in your opinion.
Please feel free to reply directly offline since
I am sure the list has heard these questions many times. I would like to
hear from you. 73s Roger  W7RIP


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
dubususa at gmail.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"