[Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?

[Phil Wheeler]

Gareth,

I agree with both Don and George regarding the K3s 
advantages. I also find it's performance pluses to 
be significant in crowded band conditions.  I'll 
add two more considerations.

Ergonomics: My K3 is just easier to use in the 
shack than my KX3. More dials, bigger buttons, 
easier to use in its position, etc.  The tilted 
KX3 is just not so user friendly.

Shack layout: Having a separate amplifier would 
mean more cables to fuss with.

If I were in your position, I'd think about buying 
the K3s, the P3 (if a panadapter is important to 
you) and then -- if you use the KX3 only for 
things such as SOTA -- selling it and replacing it 
with the smaller KX2. Now that I have a KX2 I 
seldom use my KX3 (even though I have the PX3 as 
well). The "QRP-ness" of the KX2 makes it a fun 
rig and its performance seems right up there with 
the KX3. Only disadvantage -- unimportant to me -- 
is fewer bands. And I far prefer the KXPD2 to the 
KXPD3 -- again, likely a personal preference.

Not all will agree, but that's what I'd do in your 
situation (sans financial considerations, of course!).

73, Phil W7OX

On 3/7/17 2:40 PM, George Thornton wrote:
> To amplify this answer, the dual-receive and filter options available only on the K3S are valuable tools for penetrating pileups.  The dual receive also allows for diversity reception, which can improve your ability to pick out a weak signal from the surrounding noise.
>
> I did not know the PX3 has the same size screen as the P3.  The P3 does have additional optional features not available with the PX3.  These include the TX monitor and the ability to put the image on a larger screen (SVGA option).  I have both of those optional features and I find them very useful.
>
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 2:02 PM
> To: Gareth - M5KVK <m5kvk at m5kvk.org>; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?
>
> Gareth,
>
> If you are into contesting or DXing or otherwise dealing with pileups,
> then the K3S is in order for you.
>
> If you operating is a bit more casual than that, then add the KXPA100
> and PX3 to the KX3 and you will be better off.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/7/2017 3:54 PM, Gareth - M5KVK wrote:
>> Hi all
>> I am in the fortunate position of having some money to spend upgrading my
>> station; however I'm torn between two options.
>>
>> I have a KX3 which I love and use a lot as a base station and also for
>> SOTA. Generally, I operate with 5W max but there are occasions where I'd
>> really like more power: but no more than 100W.
>>
>> My options at present seem to be:
>> 1) Reserve the KX3 for SOTA and buy a K3S, (but nothing more I only have
>> enough for a K3S)
>> 2) Add a KXPA100 with ATU (and maybe a PX3) instead.
>>
>> If this were you with money burning a hole in your pocket, which of these
>> two options would you go for?
>>
>> 73, Gareth - M5KVK