[Elecraft] K3S OR K3

Walter Underwood wunder at wunderwood.org
Thu Aug 20 16:34:37 EDT 2015 

Two things come to mind:

1. They are smaller and lighter than other high-end rigs, so easier to transport.

2. The transmit signals, especially CW, are much cleaner than other rigs, so two operators can transmit on the same band without interfering with each other. For example, CW and phone on 20m. 

These same reasons also make them great field day rigs.

wunder
K6WRU
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

On Aug 20, 2015, at 1:13 PM, <ae4pb at carolinaheli.com> <ae4pb at carolinaheli.com> wrote:

> One other question I asked. Why do the majority of DXpeditions use Elecraft
> K3/S ? Lots of hardcore contesters? 
> I'm not saying <brand X> isn't good. I'm just asking a question. It's not
> because the gear is cheaper. There are lots of cheaper rigs out there.
> Jer
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Doug
> Turnbull
> Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2015 3:22 PM
> To: ae4pb at carolinaheli.com; 'bs usb'; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S OR K3
> 
> Jer,
>     I agree.   If one were comparing companies then Elecraft comes out on
> top full stop - no argument.   We were comparing K3 and K3S so the TS59SG
> was a good starting point.   Remember the standard K3 does not have dual
> watch; I think the TS590SG does so if one does not have the second receiver
> there is a disadvantage in the K3.   However, I am a true blue Elecraft fan
> and am most pleased to have the K3.   My only intent was to put things into
> perspective - $1800 is mucho money to some of our good friends.   To me as
> well but I could spring to it if needed.
> 
>    I doubt that my K3 will work any DX station which a TS590SG could not
> also work.   The differences between K3 and K3S are smaller still.   Then
> Elecraft allows us to further narrow the gap with upgrades.   Some features
> mean very little to me such as the ability to go below 160M.   Everyone must
> make up their own mind but let us not expect a world of difference in
> results.
> 
>     To twist slightly what you said; "I am a fanatical supporter of a
> company which gives fanatical support."    We are on the same track.   Oh
> what a back slappers club we are.   Cheers and enjoy your Elecraft.
> 
>               73 Doug EI2CN
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jerry Moore [mailto:jermo at carolinaheli.com] On Behalf Of
> ae4pb at carolinaheli.com
> Sent: 20 August 2015 18:57
> To: 'Doug Turnbull'; 'bs usb'; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3S OR K3
> 
> Doug,
>   I just went through this process. The Kenwood TS590SG was on my list. AT
> the end of the day the deciding factors came down to support and
> upgradability. The Elecraft support is fanatical and as developments are
> made we have the option to update our radios (for the most part). If you
> already own a K3 you can progressively update the features you need to the
> latest technology. If you don't own one you can buy the latest version which
> reflects all updates and developments to date. You also get a warranty. You
> may not need the latest developments OR may be able to get a K3 and update
> only the things you need less expensive than a new K3S. I would ask how much
> your time is worth? The cost difference between the Kenwood and a likewise
> equipped K3S was around $1800 or so. When Kenwood comes out with a new
> version the value of the TS590SG will drop like a hot rock. If you look at
> the value of a used K3 VS what they were selling for prior to the release of
> the K3S has the value dropped by the same margin? From what I've seen the
> used K3 rigs are still fetching a premium AND they can be progressively
> updated.
> 
> The Kenwood is probably just fine for some folks. Personally I want
> fanatical support and upgradability in addition to the bleeding edge of
> performance.
> Jer
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Doug
> Turnbull
> Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2015 2:41 PM
> To: 'bs usb'; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S OR K3
> 
> Hi Frank,
>     I suspect the performance difference between the Kenwood TS590SG and K3
> is at most 10%.   The performance difference between the K3S and K3 is
> smaller still and you can upgrade the K3.   Perhaps you do not care about
> bands lower than 160M.    So purchase a K3 and maybe add the new synch card
> later.   If you want the best of the best then purchase a K3S and pay much
> more.   The used price of the K3 is no doubt dropping so it is good value.
> If you can afford the Porsche then go for it but it will not get you to the
> coffee shop any sooner unless you break the law.   At 71 it will not help
> you pick up women either for that matter.
> 
>      Please do not take this as being critical in anyway.    It is not.
> Some day I may purchase a K3S though it is hard to see why when I have two
> K3 fully loaded and KX3.   The K3 has the new synthesizer boards - two in my
> case because of the second receiver.   Elecraft has been very good in
> designing the upgrades so that they can be used in the K3.    Yes I would
> like the Porsche but will never spend the money on one!   There are better
> things such as the K3S.
> 
>           73 Doug EI2CN
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of bs usb
> Sent: 20 August 2015 18:41
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3S OR K3
> 
> I know there was a discussion on this subject.  I ignored it because I was
> not interested in either radio.
> 
> Recent events have me interested in either a K3S or K3.
> 
> I know the K3 will have to be a used radio because new ones are no longer
> available.  I am not sure why that is.  Sounds like a marketing tactic.  I
> believe the K2 is still in production.
> 
> In any case a used K3 can be bought for significantly less than a new K3S.
> I am not convinced that the K3S 'improvements' are worth the extra expense.
> For instance, I don't need to be paying 2X for a 0.1X improvement.
> 
> Of course if the performance does go to 2X over a K3, I might be convinced
> to pay 2X.
> 
> So what was the conclusion of the discussion?  Do we have a 2X improvement
> in the KS3 over the K3 or is it more like 0.1X?
> 
> --
> Frank-K5DKZ
> 
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