[Elecraft] The Cost Of Amateur Radios

Thu Apr 9 23:36:50 EDT 2015

I had a Flex and it's not as good as deal as you think it is. (oh sure when I first got it I was enamored with it but quickly the came to an end).
It requires a computer, so you need to factor in that cost, and most likely an additional monitor and video card that will support it (more cost).
I found the lack of knobs extremely cumbersome, Having to be tied to a computer to use a radio became very tiresome, and impractical.
I had to dedicate 1 monitor just to the Flex, and as yo said having to mess around with all the virtual software for serial and audio was a pain
(I'm an IT guy for 25+ years so if it's a pain for me how about the guy who does not do it for a living)

I know some love the Flex, but honestly after owning one I'll never own another...
(well unless someone wants to  gives me one so I can sell it to buy another K3 or Jeep Parts)

      From: Bill Turner <dezrat at outlook.com>
 To: Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> 
 Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2015 7:48 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Cost Of Amateur Radios

------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)

On Thu, 9 Apr 2015 15:33:42 -0700 (GMT-07:00), you wrote:

>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

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