[Elecraft] The Cost Of Amateur Radios

[dmb at lightstream.net]

If Diversity reception is desired -- now or down the road, neither the
6300 nor the 6500 will get you there. Our current slide down the wrong
side of the sunspot cycle makes diversity reception increasingly desirable
as we head to the lower frequency bands for a while. I've been using it
for years on 30m and 40m and it provides a dramatic improvement in
reception; even more so now with the new KSYN3A synthesizer.

73, Dale
WA8SRA


>>Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!
>>
>>Just food for thought.
>>
>>73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW
>
> REPLY:
>
> A bargain?
>
> K3 is a good radio, no doubt, but for $2500 you can get a Flex 6300
> which has nearly all the features and then some. You may want the
> external VFO knob @ $99. ATU is optional.
>
> A Software Defined Radio (SDR) not for everybody. It runs on your
> computer and there are no knobs on the radio except for the power
> button.  If you like a radio with knobs for everything SDR's are not
> for you.
>
> 6300 Pros:
>
> 1. Already 100 watts, no separate amp needed.
> 2. Panadaptor built in (bigger screen and more versatile than the P3)
> 3. No filters to buy, including no roofing filters. The A/D conversion
> is done right at the antenna and bandwidth is adjustable to
> practically anything  you want on any mode.
> 4. Receives short wave with no options needed.
> 5. Doesn't require any com ports at all. Everything is done via
> Ethernet port including PTT. Great for laptops without com ports.
> 6. No audio cables required for data modes. No Line In, Line Out, etc.
> All via Ethernet.
> 6 Hand mike included.
>
> Cons:
>
> 1. Doesn't do FSK, only AFSK.
> 2. Integrating with 3rd party programs is not easy but is doable. Some
> pulling of hair is inevitable.
> 3. Steep learning curve. Can be frustrating till you figure it out,
> but what radio isn't?.
>
> I have always thought the K3 was overpriced for what you get.
> Opinions will vary.
>
> My K3 + P3 is for sale.
>
> 73, Bill W6WRT