[Elecraft] Is the KX3 a good choice for a new General?

[Don Wilhelm]

Just for clarity, the original post asked only about the KX3 - which is 
$899.95 kit price.  That is only 20% to 45% of your stated $2K to $4K.
While the pros and cons of a new general class licensee using a 
transceiver that produces 15 watts can be debated, my take is that --
1) Many new hams *do* budget enough for the KX3/KXPA100/KXAT100 combo, 
or even a full blown K3.
2) A good receiver is more important than the amount of power, 
especially with compromise antennas.  If the antenna must be a 
compromise, why create double jeopardy by using an inferior receiver.  
If conditions are right, even a 1 watt signal can be quite effective.
3) The KX3 (and the K3) do not have to be purchased with all the options 
at once - the receiver capabilities are there in the basic models, but 
the "bells and whistles" can be added as the operator gains experience 
and begins to understand what additional options would be of value.

If you can't hear them, you can't work them, no matter what the power 
might be, so a good receiver is a real asset to a ham just starting out 
on the HF bands - to my mind more of an asset than higher power.  
Certainly the new op running lower power will want to stay away from 
contests and DX pileups to avoid frustration, but after gaining some 
operating experience, he can even join in those activities even with QRP 
levels.

To respond to another earlier post in this thread, yes a used K2 would 
be a good choice if it has been upgraded and properly aligned and 
calibrated.  The K2 has a fine receiver too.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/6/2014 2:45 PM, Don Butler wrote:
> Sure Mark …. I’m of the opinion that QRP is NOT the best idea for a beginner because it can often be very frustrating without an optimal antenna (which most newbees do NOT have)….. so my estimate does not necessarily apply to those who are willing to struggle with QRP.   I don’t really know about the digital modes and QRP as I’m a traditional CW and SSB guy also ….so I’m really talking about KX3 + the 100 watt external amp, key, mic and other options …..or a K3/100 with most options.   My KX3 + KXPA100 and other options if purchased today would cost me over $2300 ….