[Elecraft] Why buy a KX2/KX3 compared to a KX1/MTR3B in a QRP portable scenario?

[Bill W4ZV]

The essence of what you stated is that the 2 rigs are apples and oranges. 
Having built several of KD1JV's QRP rigs (starting with the ATS-2 in 2004)
they are for minimalists (weight, power, bands, modes and cost).  I've used
my ATS-3, Weber (i.e. KD1JV) Tri-Bander and K2 for SOTA activations, general
field operating and QRP events like QRPTTF, FOBB, etc.  

My favorite for lightweight field QRP is the Tri-Bander mainly because it
has a KNOB VFO in addition to reasonable size and weight.  I find tuning by
the up/down push buttons in most KD1JV rigs to be very painful if you do
much S&P (which is necessary since you will be W E A K).

Remember that many no-code licensees today who want to do field operations
must use SSB out of necessity.  Once they become enlightened that CW is a
vastly better mode for QRP, then they may consider ultralite rigs like the
MTR.

The KX2/KX3 are undoubtedly the top of the line for full-featured QRP
operations, but I wouldn't lose a bit of sleep agonizing over your decision,
based on your planned usage.  I do hope you don't eventually regret the push
button VFO tuning (as I did) but you can always opt for the Tri-Bander as a
reasonable alternative.

73,  Bill  W4ZV



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