[Elecraft] Another KX3 vs K3S Query...

[Joel Black]

Let me add a little to the fray then.

Up to recently, I had both the K3/P3 combo *and* a KX3. I sold the K3/P3 and added a PX3 to the KX3. I am looking to add the KXPA100 sooner or later.

My K3 had a lot of options:

100 W amp
2nd receiver
BPF on the 1st receiver
500 Hz CW filters in both receivers
2.7 kHz SSB filter in both receivers
TCXO
Tuner

Maybe other options, I cannot remember now.

Why did I sell the K3/P3? Well, my lifestyle changed. I work a regular 8-hour job sitting behind a desk. It dawned on me a couple of months ago, when I get home, I sit behind a desk. I took up mountain biking (and eventually running and swimming) to get out of the house more often. I pared down my operation to just the KX3 and added the PX3 because I like being able to see what I’m working - I’m spoiled.

Downsides to what I did? Yep:

1. Cannot easily switch between voice and data modes on the KX3.
2. Noise spikes all over the PX3 that drive my OCD haywire. This is a product more of how the PX3 receives spectrum from the KX3 and not the PX3 itself. I never saw all that noise on my P3 because it took the IF from the K3. The PX3 takes the I and Q. Now I get to try and get all the noise out of the shack *or* learn to live with it.
3. I have to run the RX SHFT at 8.0 kHz for every band so the KXFL3 is useless to me.

I am working on a 3 or 4PDT switch for the voice to data issue. I will use a macro on the PX3 to swap between the modes as I did on the K3. I haven’t really started working on the noise issue. Not sure how to address #3 as I just noticed it within the past day or two.

That said, I’m glad I made the swap. It is way more in line with my operating habits. I am not a contester although I will enter one every now and again. My greatest enjoyment comes from chasing SOTA summits and working SKCC contacts and the JT modes. The KX3/PX3 combo works great for all of those. I’m adding the KXPA100 just for any nets. I’m not in a huge hurry, just looking for a good deal.

So, take that or leave it. It’s just my personal experience based on *my* operating habits.

73,
Joel - W4JBB

> On Jul 14, 2016, at 06:17, MaverickNH <cbjesseeNH at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Summarizing some great offline feedback I'm getting, I can see a few options
> emerging:
> 
> 1. Get a loaded K3S/P3
> 2. Get a loaded KX3/PX3/KXPA100 system
> 3. Get a loaded/used K3/P3, which "beats" a KX3 system used for a base, at
> about the cost of a KX3 system
> 4. Get a "limited" K3S/P3 system, which is similar in most ways to a KX3
> system and can be expanded later
> 
> For the limited K3S option, I think I would do without a SubRX and filter
> set, no 2M, no new speakers, and come in at $5600. So not about saving money
> as much as delaying spend.
> 
> The used K3/P3 option is attractive, but I miss out on the "Next Generation"
> hardware and add some risk for used equipment. Past the 1 year warranty, I'm
> only trusting the owner that "as is" is fully functional.
> 
> The loaded KX3 system can be had used for ~$4000, so not to be dismissed.
> Expansion options are limited, but a KX3 system may exceed my
> needs/capabilities for several years. Who know what will be on the market in
> 2020?
> 
> Funds don't free up until 1AUG so I've got time for musing and more
> feedback. 
> 
> 
> 
> --
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