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Flex 3000 or KX3

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smhamon

Flex 3000 or KX3

Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I just
passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack." I have
heard fantastic, rave reviews about the Flex and also about the KX3. My
only concerns about the KX3 is that after putting out about $1,500 for the
basic KX3 and Tuner and Filter added, I still will only have a 10 watt
unit. I want it to be my mobile and my base unit. Will I have to chuck
out another thousand bucks for the 100 watt amp?

Thanks and 73s--Steve

--
Steve Hamon
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Steve KI6GRT

Michael Schulz

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

Hi Steve,

On 4/2/2012 7:52 PM, Steve Hamon wrote:
> Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I just
> passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack." I have
> heard fantastic, rave reviews about the Flex and also about the KX3. My
> only concerns about the KX3 is that after putting out about $1,500 for the
> basic KX3 and Tuner and Filter added, I still will only have a 10 watt
> unit. I want it to be my mobile and my base unit. Will I have to chuck
> out another thousand bucks for the 100 watt amp?
>
> Thanks and 73s--Steve
Depending on your budget, maybe neither radio would fit the bill. The
KX3 is a portable
radio, the Flex is an SDR. Quite a range that you picked :). Neither
will be best for mobile
use. Maybe a FT-857d or IC-7000 (or their older siblings) would be the
better choice.

73 Mike K5TRI
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Mike WA8BXN

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by smhamon

Hi Steve,

The Flex 3000 is really not a very good mobile rig due to the need for a
computer. Do you really need a high performance rig for mobile operation?
You may want to consider more what your requirements are, including how much
you will be going mobile. Do you want a spectrum display? Will you be doing
more CW or more voice operation? Will you be chasing DX, contesting, or rag
chewing? Thinking about the answers to these question may guide you in what
you want to get.

For mobile operation, you may want to get a simple perhaps used second rig
at some time in the future. About the only timeI use my HF mobile is on day
long drives. Moving a rig (+ amplifier?) between a car and the shack every
day is going to not be a lot of fun after a while.

$1000 for a 100 watt amplifier seems to me to be on the high side.

73 - Mike WA8BXN

-------Original Message-------

From: Steve Hamon
Date: 4/2/2012 9:00:54 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Flex 3000 or KX3

Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I just
Passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack." I have
Heard fantastic, rave reviews about the Flex and also about the KX3. My
Only concerns about the KX3 is that after putting out about $1,500 for the
Basic KX3 and Tuner and Filter added, I still will only have a 10 watt
Unit. I want it to be my mobile and my base unit. Will I have to chuck
Out another thousand bucks for the 100 watt amp?

Thanks and 73s--Steve

--
Steve Hamon
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Ian Kahn, KM4IK

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by smhamon

Steve,

There is absolutely nothing portable about a Flex system. This is not
to say they aren't good systems - they are. But you have to lug the
radio and a fairly high-powered computer along with you. Kinda rough
on the batteries/gen set/etc you use for portable power. If portability
is your goal, I'd look at either the K3 or KX3. While the KX3 is
definitely trail-ready, the K3 is also a good portable rig, as evidenced
by the increasing number of DXpeditions that carry them along as the
primary rigs.

Hope this helps.

73,

--Ian

Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA
[hidden email]
K3 #281, P3 #688

On 4/2/2012 8:52 PM, Steve Hamon wrote:

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by smhamon

Steve,

I just cannot see the Flex being a mobile rig at all - computer required
and a GUI interface. It definitely would be dangerous to use while in
motion - eyes on the road and not on the computer screen for safety.

OTOH, the KX3 is an excellent candidate for mobile operation IMHO. The
100 watt amp (and tuner unless you have a screwdriver antenna) lives
under the seat or in the trunk, and the KX3 is about the same size as
several other manufacturer's removable front panel. The knobs and
buttons can be located and operated through tactile sensation, so your
eyes can stay on the road where they belong.

The best of all worlds would have another 100 watt amp at home so it
does not have to be moved from the shack to the vehicle and vice-versa,
but that does depend on your budget. I would expect the 100 watt amp to
come in at substantially less than $1K, but who knows, the price has not
yet been announced.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/2/2012 8:52 PM, Steve Hamon wrote:

WE5ST

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by smhamon

Regardless of your budget, Steve, here's a formula that should apply pretty
well. For every $100 you have to spend:
$90 on antenna(s)
$5 on radio
$5 on everything else.

We all make the same mistakes on our first shack. We buy the finest radio we can
afford (or squeeze into our credit card) and make up the rest as we go along. We
love shiny new radios with lots of lights.
We are just coming into a not-so-hot solar cycle, so you are seeing things about
as good as they will be for the next eleven years. To enjoy ham radio in the
lean signal years you will need all the antenna you can get. It's much easier to
find deals on used radios along the way than it is to redo your antennas once
they are up - especially if you put up a tower.

If you do buy new you can't beat the Elecraft combo - design, support and this
reflector, regardless of which model you buy.

73,

Jack - WE5ST

________________________________
From: Steve Hamon <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Mon, April 2, 2012 7:52:31 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Flex 3000 or KX3

Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I just
passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack."

Thanks and 73s--Steve

--
Steve Hamon
_
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Jack - WE5ST

wayne burdick

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

Administrator

In reply to this post by Michael Schulz

Michael Schulz wrote:

> Depending on your budget, maybe neither radio would fit the bill. The
> KX3 is a portable radio, the Flex is an SDR.

The KX3 is a portable radio *and* and SDR.

> Neither will be best for mobile use. Maybe a FT-857d or IC-7000 (or
> their older siblings) would be the
> better choice.

The KX3 is a portable radio, and a mobile radio :)

We haven't finished the KXPA100 amp/ATU yet, but it's being designed
with mobile use in mind. You could put the amp in the trunk or under a
seat, for example.

The advantage of using the KX3 - KXPA100 combo is that when you arrive
at your location, you can take the KX3 with you -- and it's an entire
medium-power radio (up to 12 W) that's the size of other mobile rigs'
control heads.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Joe K2UF

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by smhamon

You might want to drive around the block for awhile in a used ford or chevy
before you jump into Ferrari (read as Elecraft). Put your extra money into
some good antenna hardware. After a few months you will have a better idea
of your operating habits and preferences. Meanwhile you will have a ball.

Good luck and congratulations. Welcome to our world.

73 Joe K2UF

No trees were harmed in the sending of this e-mail; however, many electrons
were inconvenienced.

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Steve Hamon
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 8:53 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Flex 3000 or KX3

Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I just
passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack." I have
heard fantastic, rave reviews about the Flex and also about the KX3. My
only concerns about the KX3 is that after putting out about $1,500 for the
basic KX3 and Tuner and Filter added, I still will only have a 10 watt
unit. I want it to be my mobile and my base unit. Will I have to chuck
out another thousand bucks for the 100 watt amp?

Thanks and 73s--Steve

--
Steve Hamon
______________________________________________________________
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by WE5ST

Jack,

Your apportionment makes a lot of sense for a "superstation", but
antennas for mobile operation are not something that you would apportion
by your formula - it does apply at the home station if you want the best
combination, although I would advocate a $40 antenna plus $40 radio and
$20 for other stuff in the budget - I believe we hams can build a lot of
our station accessories (remote antenna switches and the like) for less
than the prices of commercial equipment.

Your numbers are likely right for setting up a contesting station, but
for a first time ham station, I think my numbers are more realistic.
Consider that a beginning ham does not even know what bands will
interest him, and what of the various ham interests will become
important to the new ham. Some like DXing, some like contesting, some
like ragchewing, some like digital modes, others love CW and some are
SSB only type hams. A new ham has to find where he fits in this
tremendously wide range of interests hobby before making final
decisions. If the ham is happy to stick on 40 meters, then a high 40
meter dipole is not difficult or costly to construct, but if one wants
to be "top dog" in every 40 meter contest, a large tower and a full size
40 meter 3 or 4 element beam may be the goal. Yes, there are a few 80
meter beams in the world too, and those antennas cost a large sum of
money, while beams for 20 meters and up come more into the "affordable
by the average ham" category.

Based on your logic, Steve might want to consider a K2/10 with KIO2 as
the basic transceiver and a KPA100 and KAT100 in an external EC2
enclosure as an alternative solution to the KX3 and (not yet available)
KXPA3 and 100 watt tuner. Again one amp and tuner could live in the
vehicle while there is another at the home station. There us nothing
wrong with a K2, look at the Sherwood list - it is not very far down the
list even though it is 12 years old.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/2/2012 10:03 PM, Jack Berry wrote:

> Regardless of your budget, Steve, here's a formula that should apply pretty
> well. For every $100 you have to spend:
> $90 on antenna(s)
> $5 on radio
> $5 on everything else.
>
> We all make the same mistakes on our first shack. We buy the finest radio we can
> afford (or squeeze into our credit card) and make up the rest as we go along. We
> love shiny new radios with lots of lights.
> We are just coming into a not-so-hot solar cycle, so you are seeing things about
> as good as they will be for the next eleven years. To enjoy ham radio in the
> lean signal years you will need all the antenna you can get. It's much easier to
> find deals on used radios along the way than it is to redo your antennas once
> they are up - especially if you put up a tower.
>
> If you do buy new you can't beat the Elecraft combo - design, support and this
> reflector, regardless of which model you buy.
>
>

Richard-3

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3--budgets

In reply to this post by WE5ST

So, a new General, $500 to get started:

spend $450 on antennas
$ 25 on a radio, and
$ 25 on a used key or mic (OK, key)

Seems it might be better for a beginner to go:

$450 on a used radio with tuner (K1?)
$ 25 on wire
$ 25 on twin lead
Get on the air and make contacts, get experience, learn code. Save for
a better radio, better antenna, books, good key, amp, better QTH, 2nd
wife....

If one buys a $1500 radio, then the formula allows $1500 for accessories
and requires $27,000 for the antenna. Rational if you have $30,000, and
perhaps a goal for a marginally competitive station.
<Grin>

Rich
NU6T

On 4/2/2012 7:03 PM, Jack Berry wrote:

k6dgw

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by Joe K2UF

Congratulations on your new license Steve! Since you asked for advice,
mine would be, take it one step at a time. It never ceases to amaze me,
after 59 years in this hobby, that how I think I will use my new radio
stuff often doesn't turn out to be how I actually do use it when I get it.

I contest quite a bit. When I was planning for my K3, I watched the
[nearly interminable] thread on roofing filters and finally concluded I
would start with the "stock set," undoubtedly adding some later once I
got some experience with the radio. My K3 is S/N 642, I still have the
two stock filters and no others and I'm a very happy ham.

Fixed and mobile operation place very different demands on radios,
antennas, *and* the operator. I've used PC-based SDR's like the Flex's
and they don't "fit" me. I guess I'm a dinosaur but a radio is
something that sits on my desk with one, maybe two big knobs, and a lot
of little ones, a few of which I know how to use. I use the computer to
log in contests, and the connection to the radio makes sure that the
logger knows what band/mode I'm on. To tune, I grab "the big knob."

Until you know how *you* operate and use your radios, and trust me, it
won't be like I operate mine, it will be very hard to come up with a
universal solution, fixed and mobile, low and high power, that actually
fits you.

I think you live in Eureka CA. Ham radio microphones are exempt from
the "hands free cell phone law" in our state, but I sure wouldn't want
to have to argue with the CHP officer that a computer screen I was
looking at instead of the road while driving was "just like a mic."

Again, I'd tackle one thing at a time, and in this hobby, it's really
"Antennas, Antennas, Antennas."

Again, congratulations on your new license! Welcome to a whole bunch of
new sandboxes in the ham radio playground. :-)

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
- www.cqp.org

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Steve Hamon
> Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 8:53 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Flex 3000 or KX3
>
> Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I just
> passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack." I have
> heard fantastic, rave reviews about the Flex and also about the KX3. My
> only concerns about the KX3 is that after putting out about $1,500 for the
> basic KX3 and Tuner and Filter added, I still will only have a 10 watt
> unit. I want it to be my mobile and my base unit. Will I have to chuck
> out another thousand bucks for the 100 watt amp?

Mike Murphree

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by smhamon

Keep in mind that for any of the Flex radios, you will need a relatively
modern, fast computer as well with a Firewire interface. I would expect
that you'd spend at least $1000 for a computer good enough and still expect
to do some tweaking. A recent Mac will also work, but not under emulation.
BootCamp with a copy of Win 7 ($$) is suggested for a Mac.

73 Mike W4LNA

On Mon, Apr 2, 2012 at 7:52 PM, Steve Hamon <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I just
> passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack." I have
> heard fantastic, rave reviews about the Flex and also about the KX3. My
> only concerns about the KX3 is that after putting out about $1,500 for the
> basic KX3 and Tuner and Filter added, I still will only have a 10 watt
> unit. I want it to be my mobile and my base unit. Will I have to chuck
> out another thousand bucks for the 100 watt amp?
>
> Thanks and 73s--Steve
>
> --
> Steve Hamon
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

k6dgw

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3--budgets

In reply to this post by Richard-3

Inexperienced as I am in multiple and/or sequential wives, I'm assuming
that this would work provided #1 does not manage to get the house,
antennas, buried radial field, radios, *and* new radio budget. There
were times during all the teen years when the only reason we stayed
together is that neither of us would take the kids. Only now do I
realize that my radio account is intact as a result. :-)

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
- www.cqp.org

On 4/2/2012 7:53 PM, Richard wrote:

> Get on the air and make contacts, get experience, learn code. Save for
> a better radio, better antenna, books, good key, amp, better QTH, 2nd
> wife....

______________________________________________________________
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ny4g

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3--budgets

In reply to this post by Richard-3

My input and 2 cents worth as a new general is to operate 2m mobile and save the hf rig for the shack where you can dedicate serious antenna which is at least a full size dipole for 80m that is also a multibander like a G5RV. Hard to get that kind of efficiency on a mobile antenna. I got the first half of my worked all states with a used kenwood tube hybrid rig on phone and got the rest with a k2 and proceeded to get my 2nd WAS on CW with it. The k2 can go mobile but would prefer an ft897 since it has 2m capability. I was a General not to long ago in 2010 and happy with my k2 just getting me 114 DX towards DXCC. I would put my money in efficient antennas and a rig wid sensitive ears like a k2 and learn code.

This email was keyed in with morse keyer app in an iPhone instead of a keyboard.

Gud luck

Ariel NY4G

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 2, 2012, at 11:02 PM, "Richard" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> So, a new General, $500 to get started:
>
> spend $450 on antennas
> $ 25 on a radio, and
> $ 25 on a used key or mic (OK, key)
>
> Seems it might be better for a beginner to go:
>
> $450 on a used radio with tuner (K1?)
> $ 25 on wire
> $ 25 on twin lead
> Get on the air and make contacts, get experience, learn code. Save for
> a better radio, better antenna, books, good key, amp, better QTH, 2nd
> wife....
>
> If one buys a $1500 radio, then the formula allows $1500 for accessories
> and requires $27,000 for the antenna. Rational if you have $30,000, and
> perhaps a goal for a marginally competitive station.
> <Grin>
>
> Rich
> NU6T
>
> On 4/2/2012 7:03 PM, Jack Berry wrote:
>> Regardless of your budget, Steve, here's a formula that should apply pretty
>> well. For every $100 you have to spend:
>> $90 on antenna(s)
>> $5 on radio
>> $5 on everything else.
>>
>> We all make the same mistakes on our first shack. We buy the finest radio we can
>> afford (or squeeze into our credit card) and make up the rest as we go along. We
>> love shiny new radios with lots of lights.
>> We are just coming into a not-so-hot solar cycle, so you are seeing things about
>> as good as they will be for the next eleven years. To enjoy ham radio in the
>> lean signal years you will need all the antenna you can get. It's much easier to
>> find deals on used radios along the way than it is to redo your antennas once
>> they are up - especially if you put up a tower.
>>
>> If you do buy new you can't beat the Elecraft combo - design, support and this
>> reflector, regardless of which model you buy.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Jack - WE5ST
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ________________________________
>> From: Steve Hamon<[hidden email]>
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Sent: Mon, April 2, 2012 7:52:31 PM
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Flex 3000 or KX3
>>
>> Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I just
>> passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack."
>>
>> Thanks and 73s--Steve
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Tony Estep

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3--budgets

On Tue, Apr 3, 2012 at 5:57 AM, Ariel Jacala <[hidden email]> wrote:
> ....k2 can go mobile but would prefer an ft897...
============
Well Steve, by now you've seen that the consensus is very close to
what we discussed in previous emails. For your first rig you're gonna
want more than 10 watts, but the Flex is not the 100 watt radio that
fits your needs. For your first shack, it makes sense to buy something
that will do a bit of everything, even if it's not at the top of the
performance charts. A second-hand K2/100 or FT897 could serve as both
a mobile and base rig, and give you a chance to find out what you
really enjoy and want to pursue. As I mentioned, if you get an FT897
or similar, install a Collins IF filter. This brings the performance
and enjoyment factor way up.

Eventually you may want the top-of-the-line qrp or 100 watt radio, and
then it'll be time to spring for the K3 and/or KX3 plus amp.
Meanwhile, just get on the air and find out some of the splendid
vistas the hobby has to offer.

73,
Tony KT0NY

--
http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352
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Nr4c

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by Mike Murphree

I find it hard to imagine using the Elecraft reflector to send someone
to another brand radio. And, the Elecraft products are top of the line,
no doubt. But for someone who has just upgraded to General, and may not
be in a position to spend the money for a K3 or KX3, I would suggest a
Pre-loved radio from a ham who has upgraded and has a really nice,
fairly high-end model for sale at a good price. I do not recommend
buying a inexpensive 'entry level' radio. Id go for 'high end used'
rather than 'low end new'. Or, if you can afford it, go for a nice new
K3/10 or KX3. It's fund to build, and fun to operate. And it's
upgrdable as you gain more experience, and money. You'll enjoy ham
radio more, and if you find you don't like it, it should hold it's value
on the resale market.

And, don't forget, as many have indicated on this thread, there is no
better investment in ham radio than money spent on wire, rope and
feedline for an antenna. The five most important items in putting out a
signal are: ANTENNA, ANTENNA, ANTENNA, POWER, MODULATION!

Congratulatios on you upgrade, and best wishes on you exciting
adventure with HF radio.

...bill nr4c

> On Mon, Apr 2, 2012 at 7:52 PM, Steve Hamon <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
>> Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I
>> just
>> passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack." I
>> have
>> heard fantastic, rave reviews about the Flex and also about the KX3.
>> My
>> only concerns about the KX3 is that after putting out about $1,500
>> for the
>> basic KX3 and Tuner and Filter added, I still will only have a 10
>> watt
>> unit. I want it to be my mobile and my base unit. Will I have to
>> chuck
>> out another thousand bucks for the 100 watt amp?
>>
>> Thanks and 73s--Steve
>>
>> --
>> Steve Hamon
>> ______________________________________________________________

wayne burdick

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3 [how about an IC-730S?]

Administrator

In reply to this post by smhamon

Hi Steve,

I see you're in Eureka, less than a half-day drive from me (Belmont is
just south of SF). That gives me an idea for your first HF rig.

I have an Icom IC-730S transceiver in the attic that you can have it
you don't mind picking it up. It's a good, basic HF radio. It's the 10-
watt model, purchased by my dad in Hong Kong, not the 100-W standard
IC-730. As a mostly-QRP guy I found this to be a feature :) I worked
all over the world with this thing. Then I used it as a piece of test
equipment in the early days of Elecraft when Eric and and designed the
K2. I still have the matching power supply, speaker, and manual.

If you eventually get a different HF rig, you could donate the '730S
to another new licensee or a club.

Let me know if you're interested.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

Steve Hamon wrote:

> Hello--I am perplexed about the choice of which HF rig to get. I just
> passed my General and am trying to put together my first "shack." I
> have
> heard fantastic, rave reviews about the Flex and also about the
> KX3. My
> only concerns about the KX3 is that after putting out about $1,500
> for the
> basic KX3 and Tuner and Filter added, I still will only have a 10 watt
> unit. I want it to be my mobile and my base unit. Will I have to
> chuck
> out another thousand bucks for the 100 watt amp?

Keith Heimbold

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

In reply to this post by Nr4c

I think there are many possibilities for a rig in this price range. If portability is a requirement with a high quality receiver I would go with the KX3 and an external amplifier. I plan to use the KX3 in my shack and in my truck and when I travel on business.

I owned a 857D and I did not really like it as it was quite deaf compared to my old FT950 and not even close to the K3. I would not recommend it. The delta was huge when i got into the truck compared to my base station (which i know is to be expected, but i was completely underwhelmed).

If i had to make a recommendation, my choice would be the KX3. I do think you should do as much due diligence before purchasing and check out as many different rigs as possible.

Make sure for your base to put up the best antenna possible. I am a new ham (15 months) and started with a vertical then quickly moved to a hex beam and am now about to install a SteppIR three element this June. The antenna is 80-90% of the hobby. Without a good antenna you could have the most amazing rig and not communicate with your desired targets. Improving antennas has brought me many good contacts globally up to 225 entities in 15 months and still counting.

Good luck!

Keith
AG6AZ
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3

On 4/3/2012 8:24 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote:
> If i had to make a recommendation, my choice would be the KX3. I do think you should do as much due diligence before purchasing and check out as many different rigs as possible.

As an old timer, 55 years licensed, and more active now than I've ever
been, I STRONGLY agree with others who have recommended a high quality
pre-owned, vintage rig that runs 100W on the HF bands and includes an
antenna tuner. Most that fall into this category are designed to run on
12VDC, so they will work fine in your car. I've worked a lot of mobile,
both CW and SSB, using four different rigs at various times. I simply
put them on the passenger seat, tilted in such a way that I can read the
tuning dial and access the knobs. No, this arrangement doesn't work
when you have a passenger, but hams who intend to keep their spouses
don't work mobile when their spouse is in the car!

Two fine vintage100W rigs I've owned and loved are the Kenwood TS850 and
Icom 746. Either of them could be purchased used in the $700-$900
range. The 746 is also a decent 6M and 2M radio. The TS950, mentioned by
others, is also a fine rig.

> Make sure for your base to put up the best antenna possible. I am a new ham (15 months) and started with a vertical then quickly moved to a hex beam and am now about to install a SteppIR three element this June. The antenna is 80-90% of the hobby.

I also strongly agree with this advice. BUT -- before I did ANYTHING
with antennas,you should buy the ARRL Handbook and carefully study the
chapters on antennas. Very good antennas for the HF bands can be built
very inexpensively with wire and insulators, thrown into a tree, or
suspended between trees, buildings, even low cost TV mast if it's guyed
properly. For some ideas on how to build low cost antennas for limited
space, see http://audiosystemsgroup.com/publish.htm

The KX3 would be an excellent choice for a mobile rig, but you will want
the 100W amp and the 100W antenna tuner. Neither are yet available, and
they will certainly add to the cost. I'd let that be my second rig,
selling the vintage rig to buy it if necessary. QRP is fun with decent
antennas, but less so with poor ones, and because they are shorter than
full size antennas for the lower HF bands. You'll also do much better
running QRP on CW or digital modes than on SSB.

73, Jim K9YC

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k0wa@swbell.net

Re: Flex 3000 or KX3 [how about an IC-730S?]

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Now....this is a PRIME example of Ham Radio.....

Lee

________________________________
From: Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>
To: Steve Hamon <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Sent: Tue, April 3, 2012 10:00:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Flex 3000 or KX3 [how about an IC-730S?]

Hi Steve,

I see you're in Eureka, less than a half-day drive from me (Belmont is
just south of SF). That gives me an idea for your first HF rig.

I have an Icom IC-730S transceiver in the attic that you can have it
you don't mind picking it up. It's a good, basic HF radio. It's the 10-
watt model, purchased by my dad in Hong Kong, not the 100-W standard
IC-730. As a mostly-QRP guy I found this to be a feature :) I worked
all over the world with this thing. Then I used it as a piece of test
equipment in the early days of Elecraft when Eric and and designed the
K2. I still have the matching power supply, speaker, and manual.

If you eventually get a different HF rig, you could donate the '730S
to another new licensee or a club.

Let me know if you're interested.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

Steve Hamon wrote:

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