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Augment KX3 or buy K3?

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gareth.m5kvk

Augment KX3 or buy K3?

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
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Ramon Tristani-2

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

Banned User

By all means, keep the KX3, add the 100 watt KXPA100, and don’t forget to add the PX3.

Ramon, NQ9V

> On Mar 7, 2017, at 3:54 PM, Gareth - M5KVK <[hidden email]> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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Heinz Baertschi

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by gareth.m5kvk

I would keep things strictly simple and therefore buy a K3S!
73 have fun,

Heinz HB9BCB

> Am 07.03.2017 um 21:54 schrieb Gareth - M5KVK <[hidden email]>:
>
> Hi all,
...
> 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.
> ...

> 73, Gareth - M5KVK
>
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rich hurd WC3T

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by Ramon Tristani-2

Second Ramon's suggestion. I was fortunate enough to be in your shoes in
January and got a full KX3/PX3/KXPA100 station lock stock and barrel. Best
move I made. Not looking back.

On Tue, Mar 7, 2017 at 3:58 PM, Ramon Tristani <[hidden email]> wrote:

> By all means, keep the KX3, add the 100 watt KXPA100, and don’t forget to
> add the PX3.
>
> Ramon, NQ9V
>
>
> > On Mar 7, 2017, at 3:54 PM, Gareth - M5KVK <[hidden email]> 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
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
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> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
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--
73 (or 72 for the QRP folks),
Rich Hurd / WC3T
Northampton County RACES
EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 Grid: *FN20is*
40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W
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George Thornton

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by gareth.m5kvk

I have had the opportunity to work both options on Field Day.

The KX3 is a nice rig and it performs very well. When you add the amplifier and PX3 you have a completely workable setup that has the added advantage of extreme portability.

However, the K3s has a number of features and capabilities that don't come with the KX3. You have greater options for filters, dual receivers, digital modes, etc. The P3 has a larger screen, and it can connect to an external monitor. The KX3 by comparison has relatively weak audio and would benefit from either amplified speakers or headphones.

I would say that if you are considering contesting, then the K3s is the way to go. IF all you want is casual use, the KX3 with amplifier is plenty of radio.

From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Gareth - M5KVK
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 12:55 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?

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
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Kevin - K4VD

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by Heinz Baertschi

If it were me, I'd augment the KX3. It's just too good a rig to replace if
you already own it. There's not much out there that can top it unless
you're looking for bigger knobs maybe? Add the PX3 and KXPA100 and you have
the perfect setup no matter where you are. Add a KPA500 and voila! You're a
big gun. ;)

There is an advantage to having an extra rig available for backup. Maybe
another KX3 next year?

Nuff said.

73,
Kev K4VD
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Edward R Cole

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by gareth.m5kvk

Well, I bought my K3/10 in 2010 before the KX3 was available, then
bought the KX3 when it was offered. Both are 12w radios so I added a
KXPA100 which can be driven by either radio. I would lean toward the
KXPA100 if I only had the KX3. If you later want a K3S you could get
the K3S/10 and also use it with the KXPA100.

That would be a little more expensive than buying a K3S/100, but
allows you to run 100w with the KX3. I am setting up my KX3 +
KXPA100 for mobile use where the smaller footprint of the KX3 works
much better at the dash of the truck.

I have no opinion on the PX3 as I have sw for panadaptor use with my
LP-Pan and K3. PX3 would be nice for use without need of computer
with the KX3.

BTW I have very comparable performance of my K3 and KX3 on 20m
(casual use on Elecraft Net). I do no contesting or HF DX which the
K3S is probably better for.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
[hidden email]

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Don Wilhelm

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by gareth.m5kvk

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
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by Kevin - K4VD

Owning both, I'd have to parrot Kev's comments. Add the options to the KX3 and you have it.
73, Chuck K4QS

From: Kevin - K4VD <[hidden email]>
To: Gareth - M5KVK <[hidden email]>
Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?

If it were me, I'd augment the KX3. It's just too good a rig to replace if
you already own it. There's not much out there that can top it unless
you're looking for bigger knobs maybe? Add the PX3 and KXPA100 and you have
the perfect setup no matter where you are. Add a KPA500 and voila! You're a
big gun. ;)

There is an advantage to having an extra rig available for backup. Maybe
another KX3 next year?

Nuff said.

73,
Kev K4VD
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George Thornton

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

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:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 2:02 PM
To: Gareth - M5KVK <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
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:

Roger Meadows

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by gareth.m5kvk

I don’t have any money to spend, but thinking of selling a rig to put towards the PX3 and KXPA100. Thats the way I’d go.

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by George Thornton

Get Both
Both are great radios and both seem to excel in different areas

From: George Thornton <[hidden email]>
To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>; Gareth - M5KVK <[hidden email]>; "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 5:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?

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:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 2:02 PM
To: Gareth - M5KVK <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
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:

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Jim Brown-10

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by George Thornton

On Tue,3/7/2017 1:13 PM, George Thornton wrote:
> I would say that if you are considering contesting, then the K3s is the way to go. IF all you want is casual use, the KX3 with amplifier is plenty of radio.

I generally agree with that advice. But there are other things that a K3
can provide that the KX3 cannot, like a real second RX with a separate
input to do diversity RX. Switching from a digital mode to SSB or CW is
far easier with the K3. The question you have to ask is "what sort of
operating do I want to do?" The KX3 is clearly the choice for a ham who
does general operating, portable operating, mobile operating, and
operating from home. You want the 100W amp when you're mobile, and maybe
at home.

Also, don't consider ONLY the K3S -- a used K3 that comes up for sale
here is a great option. I've chosen to hang on to my early s/n K3s and
have simply added the new synth and the new transceiver board that gives
me the two-stage preamp. That's at least 90% of the difference between a
K3 and K3S, and at a significantly lower cost.

73, Jim K9YC

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by George Thornton

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:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 2:02 PM
> To: Gareth - M5KVK <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
> 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

Bill Frantz

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by George Thornton

I have both a K3/P3 and a KX3/PX3. For me, the bigest advantage
of the K3(S) over the KX3 it the ease of switching between
modes. I like to turn on the radio and look at the signals in a
band and then try to listen to them. That means switching
between Data A, AFSK A, SSB and CW a lot.

With the K3, I only have to turn VOX on in the data modes and
off in SSB. (Please save the VOX setting by mode!) On the KX3, I
have to swap plugs and changing settings. I have all the steps
listed on a card which I carry with the radio, but it is by no
means as smooth as with the K3.

I do get benefit from tighter filtering on the K3 when trying to
rise to the top of a pileup. something that the KX3's dual watch
doesn't do. I always use the big screen attached to the P3/SVGA
as my major way of finding out what the radio is doing, so I
would miss that too. But in the end, the ease of mode switch is
the most important.

On the other hand, in Garth's situation, since money is limited,
getting the PX3 will give a whole new way of seeing the band.
The PX3 and the amp are probably the best way to go.

73 Bill AE6JV

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HarryW

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by gareth.m5kvk

Gareth,

Why buy either?

A K3s/10-K is $2049.95. A K3s/100-K is $2599.95 (To be equivalent to the KX3
with the amplifier) and then you need the ATU at $379.95 for a total of
$2979.90. And that is before you add any extra filters, a second receiver,
DVR, etc., etc.

A KXPA100-K is $749.95 and the tuner is $379.95. Then add the PX3 at $474.95
and you are up to $1604.85. And that is before you buy all the cables and
other goodies.

With either radio you end up with a rat's nest of cables to make them
anywhere near useful. And they both have the antiquated orange display and
way, way too few controls. You need to be a full time ham to remember which
button to tap, which to push, and which to push and hold. The designs are
very old and very outdated, the construction crude. They were designed to be
QRP radios, where less is more (who needs more than ten watts? Ans: Almost
everyone.). They fill that role admirably.

I suggest you go with the future, an IC-7300, for less than $1500, or, if
you can wait until maybe fall, an IC-7610. Dayton is not that far away and
maybe Kenwood or Yaesu will come out with something spectacular, at a
less-than-Elecraft price.

73,

Harry
K1RSA

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Gareth
- M5KVK
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2017 3:55 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?

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
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ae5ka

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

Funny. When I first became I Ham, I was dazzled by the flashy display of
the Icom IC-7000. Figured I could buy this radio and be pretty well set for
a long time. I passed over the Elecraft radios because of their "boring"
displays.

Ten years later, the IC-7000 collects dust, (though works as a backup radio
on the boat) and the K2 and KX3 get all the use. Those radios with their
primitive display were miles ahead of the IC-7000 in actual useability, and
I don't find them wanting to this day.

Granted the IC-7300 is miles ahead of the IC-7000, but somehow I'm not
tempted.

73
Chip
AE5KA

On Tue, Mar 7, 2017 at 8:31 PM, Harry White <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Gareth,
>
> Why buy either?
>
> A K3s/10-K is $2049.95. A K3s/100-K is $2599.95 (To be equivalent to the
> KX3
> with the amplifier) and then you need the ATU at $379.95 for a total of
> $2979.90. And that is before you add any extra filters, a second receiver,
> DVR, etc., etc.
>
> A KXPA100-K is $749.95 and the tuner is $379.95. Then add the PX3 at
> $474.95
> and you are up to $1604.85. And that is before you buy all the cables and
> other goodies.
>
> With either radio you end up with a rat's nest of cables to make them
> anywhere near useful. And they both have the antiquated orange display and
> way, way too few controls. You need to be a full time ham to remember which
> button to tap, which to push, and which to push and hold. The designs are
> very old and very outdated, the construction crude. They were designed to
> be
> QRP radios, where less is more (who needs more than ten watts? Ans: Almost
> everyone.). They fill that role admirably.
>
> I suggest you go with the future, an IC-7300, for less than $1500, or, if
> you can wait until maybe fall, an IC-7610. Dayton is not that far away and
> maybe Kenwood or Yaesu will come out with something spectacular, at a
> less-than-Elecraft price.
>
> 73,
>
> Harry
> K1RSA
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
> Gareth
> - M5KVK
> Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2017 3:55 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?
>
> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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> delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by HarryW

You've GOT to be kidding! Those ICOM radios are vastly inferior to
either the K3 or KX3. Perhaps you'd be satisfied if your only operation
is casual ragchewing, but not for anything challenging. The only thing
"future" about the 7300 is that it's a new way to make a cheap radio. :)

73, Jim K9YC

On Tue,3/7/2017 5:31 PM, Harry White wrote:
> I suggest you go with the future, an IC-7300, for less than $1500, or, if
> you can wait until maybe fall, an IC-7610. Dayton is not that far away and
> maybe Kenwood or Yaesu will come out with something spectacular, at a
> less-than-Elecraft price.

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Igor Sokolov-2

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by George Thornton

+1

73, Igor UA9CDC
08.03.2017 2:13, George Thornton пишет:
>
> I would say that if you are considering contesting, then the K3s is the way to go. IF all you want is casual use, the KX3 with amplifier is plenty of radio.
>
>
>
>

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Tony Estep

Re: Augment KX3 or buy K3?

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

On Tue, Mar 7, 2017 at 10:02 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> ...Those ICOM radios are vastly inferior to either the K3 or KX3....

============
Maybe he doesn't care about the radio's actual performance. The Icom does
sorta look cute.

Tony KT0NY
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