[Elecraft] Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

[Joel Black]

I am seriously thinking of selling my K3/P3 combo and just using my KX3 (and purchasing the PX3).

My interests over the years have changed. I am only a casual chaser of DX (I already have my DXCC) and SOTA summits. I enjoy digital modes(mostly RTTY, Olivia, and the JT modes). I only occasionally check into nets of any sort.

I no longer want a hobby that keeps me inside. Even though I live in the humid Southeast, I am finding that I enjoy getting outside more and more. My day job has me sitting behind a desk on a computer looking at three screens for eight hours a day. I no longer want that for my amateur radio hobby and I find myself migrating as much as possible to mountain bike trails.

Some of the pros for using the KX3:

compact and portable
operates on internal batteries
very robust transceiver with a very good receiver
dual-watch mode without the need for a second receiver
any others I haven’t thought of?

Some cons for using the KX3:

No diversity receive - although I don’t use this on my K3 even though it has the second receiver
digital modes (other than RTTY and PSK31/63) require you to connect and reconnect the speakers and mic connections (although GM4JJJ and others have shown me ways to fix this)
limited number of macros (although the PX3 can add macros to the KX3) - I run OS X so the Windows suite won’t work for me
Only 15 W max output (although I much prefer QRP operating)
any others I haven’t thought of?

Opinions / thoughts are encouraged. Please reply direct to joelbblack at gmail.com <mailto:joelbblack at gmail.com> to keep list volume down.

Thanks,
Joel - W4JBB