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

[Phil Wheeler]

Joel,

Comments inserted below.

73, Phil W7OX


On 5/13/16 1:02 PM, Joel Black wrote:
> I am seriously thinking of selling my K3/P3 combo and just using my KX3 (and purchasing the PX3).

I'd add the PX3 and hold onto the K3/P3 for a 
while, so you can be sure the KX3/PX3 combo suits 
you in all respects.

>
> 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?

The KX3 is not as robust RX-wise as the K3 in a 
strong signal environment; may or may not be a 
factor for you.

You can run Windows on your OS X machine via 
BootCamp. I have an oldish 11" MacBook Air I use 
that way in my shack, so I have Win 10 available 
for those apps available only in Windows.

>
> 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