KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each..
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KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each..
 
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In addition to a few K3s, I also own a KX1, KX2, and KX3 and believe that I am in a position where I can make a few unbiased comparisons between the “KX” group. EI2CN asked today about weight comparisons between the three radios so I thought I would provide that info and add just a couple of my own thoughts about the three different radios.
My KX1 (4 band and tuner) with paddle and 6 lithium batteries weighs 14.6 oz. My KX2 (tuner and clock) with battery pack but without paddle weighs 20 oz. The battery pack alone weighs 5 ½ oz. Adding the KXPD3 (since the KXPD2 is still back ordered) adds about 1 oz to make the total package 21 oz. My KX3 (with all options and also with the 3rd party sidekick panels) and with 8 NIMH batteries, charger and KXPD3 weighs 35 oz. …. The NIMH batteries make up about 8 oz of that total. Since I own and have used all three radios, and really have no reason for bias, I thought I would share my thoughts relative to comparisons. For clarification these are MY opinions only … the way I feel about the three radios as an owner of each… and of course this is not an attempt to be any kind of in depth review or comparison…. I’m going to focus on the main encoder dial only. Here goes: To me, the KX2 has rendered the KX1 obsolete .... the KX2 has virtually every capability of the KX1 but also has much much more … is about the same size and weighs just 7 oz more. It’s the perfect radio for travelling light or backpacking for portable QRP operation. I prefer the KX3 over the KX2 .... mainly because of the main tuning knob …. It was apparently necessary to use a smaller encoder on the KX2 to keep the overall package small (and that has been accomplished). But to me it came at a significant price because it is really rather cumbersome to slowly tune the bands with the KX2 main dial when compared to doing so with the very nice encoder on the KX3. To me the main dial on the KX2 has the same feel as the dial on the KX1 ….. while the main dial on the KX3 is more like that on the K3 …… the KX3 wins on my scorecard on that comparison hands down, and it therefore remains my choice for most operating situations. There are workaround alternatives to make tuning easier on the KX2 .. for example it’s actually easier to tune up and down the bands using the MH3 up/down buttons than doing so with the main tuning knob …. But who really wants to tune a radio with mic buttons? …. Not me! Coarse tuning with the VFO B knob is the best option in my hands… and I have mine set for 0.5 khz on CW and 2.5 khz on SSB, which allows me to scan the band with coarse tuning and tweak with the main dial when I find a signal of interest. I will choose the KX3 for “in shack” use (but after the K3 of course) and for any portable use when I want to spend significant time with the radio and log lots of QSOs. ( FYI, our Field Day group operated 1A here in Utah using my KX3/KXPA100 at 100 watts , deep cycle battery, CrankIR and center fed zepp … and, with lots of off time and sleeping through the night we still managed to log over 600 CW qsos). I will pick the KX2 for portable QRP operation when I want to travel light and do not plan to spend hours on the air. I doubt that I will be using the KX1 in the future …. but it’s still a keeper as far as I’m concerned Just one man’s opinions … 73, Don, N5LZ ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
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Perhaps a smallish ergonomic hand held up-down tuning/band changing thumb operated tuning button for the KX2 and/or KX3?
Dan - NB1C ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: KX2 and KX3 Accessory Suggestion
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Sounds like an MH3?
-----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dan Boardman Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2016 8:58 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] KX2 and KX3 Accessory Suggestion Perhaps a smallish ergonomic hand held up-down tuning/band changing thumb operated tuning button for the KX2 and/or KX3? Dan - NB1C ______________________________________________________________ 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 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] |
Re: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each..
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In reply to this post by Don Butler
Don,
Re "it is really rather cumbersome to slowly tune the bands with the KX2 main dial ... ": I use the VFO B knob as a coarse VFO A tuner, set at 0.5 kHZ for CW and 1.0 kHz for SSB. Works great! Phil W7OX On 6/30/16 7:44 AM, Don Butler wrote: > In addition to a few K3s, I also own a KX1, KX2, and KX3 and believe that I am in a position where I can make a few unbiased comparisons between the “KX” group. EI2CN asked today about weight comparisons between the three radios so I thought I would provide that info and add just a couple of my own thoughts about the three different radios. > > My KX1 (4 band and tuner) with paddle and 6 lithium batteries weighs 14.6 oz. > > My KX2 (tuner and clock) with battery pack but without paddle weighs 20 oz. The battery pack alone weighs 5 ½ oz. Adding the KXPD3 (since the KXPD2 is still back ordered) adds about 1 oz to make the total package 21 oz. > > My KX3 (with all options and also with the 3rd party sidekick panels) and with 8 NIMH batteries, charger and KXPD3 weighs 35 oz. …. The NIMH batteries make up about 8 oz of that total. > > Since I own and have used all three radios, and really have no reason for bias, I thought I would share my thoughts relative to comparisons. For clarification these are MY opinions only … the way I feel about the three radios as an owner of each… and of course this is not an attempt to be any kind of in depth review or comparison…. I’m going to focus on the main encoder dial only. > > Here goes: > > To me, the KX2 has rendered the KX1 obsolete .... the KX2 has virtually every capability of the KX1 but also has much much more … is about the same size and weighs just 7 oz more. It’s the perfect radio for travelling light or backpacking for portable QRP operation. > > I prefer the KX3 over the KX2 .... mainly because of the main tuning knob …. It was apparently necessary to use a smaller encoder on the KX2 to keep the overall package small (and that has been accomplished). But to me it came at a significant price because it is really rather cumbersome to slowly tune the bands with the KX2 main dial when compared to doing so with the very nice encoder on the KX3. To me the main dial on the KX2 has the same feel as the dial on the KX1 ….. while the main dial on the KX3 is more like that on the K3 …… the KX3 wins on my scorecard on that comparison hands down, and it therefore remains my choice for most operating situations. > > There are workaround alternatives to make tuning easier on the KX2 .. for example it’s actually easier to tune up and down the bands using the MH3 up/down buttons than doing so with the main tuning knob …. But who really wants to tune a radio with mic buttons? …. Not me! Coarse tuning with the VFO B knob is the best option in my hands… and I have mine set for 0.5 khz on CW and 2.5 khz on SSB, which allows me to scan the band with coarse tuning and tweak with the main dial when I find a signal of interest. > > I will choose the KX3 for “in shack” use (but after the K3 of course) and for any portable use when I want to spend significant time with the radio and log lots of QSOs. ( FYI, our Field Day group operated 1A here in Utah using my KX3/KXPA100 at 100 watts , deep cycle battery, CrankIR and center fed zepp … and, with lots of off time and sleeping through the night we still managed to log over 600 CW qsos). I will pick the KX2 for portable QRP operation when I want to travel light and do not plan to spend hours on the air. I doubt that I will be using the KX1 in the future …. but it’s still a keeper as far as I’m concerned > > Just one man’s opinions … > > 73, > Don, N5LZ ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each..
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Phil if you had read down to the next paragraph you would have seen that I wrote that I do exactly the same thing using the VFO B knob for coarse tuning … except I prefer to use 2.5 khz for SSb.
From: Phil Wheeler [mailto:[hidden email]] Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2016 9:21 AM To: Don Butler; 'Doug Turnbull'; [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each.. Don, Re "it is really rather cumbersome to slowly tune the bands with the KX2 main dial ... ": I use the VFO B knob as a coarse VFO A tuner, set at 0.5 kHZ for CW and 1.0 kHz for SSB. Works great! Phil W7OX On 6/30/16 7:44 AM, Don Butler wrote: In addition to a few K3s, I also own a KX1, KX2, and KX3 and believe that I am in a position where I can make a few unbiased comparisons between the “KX” group. EI2CN asked today about weight comparisons between the three radios so I thought I would provide that info and add just a couple of my own thoughts about the three different radios. My KX1 (4 band and tuner) with paddle and 6 lithium batteries weighs 14.6 oz. My KX2 (tuner and clock) with battery pack but without paddle weighs 20 oz. The battery pack alone weighs 5 ½ oz. Adding the KXPD3 (since the KXPD2 is still back ordered) adds about 1 oz to make the total package 21 oz. My KX3 (with all options and also with the 3rd party sidekick panels) and with 8 NIMH batteries, charger and KXPD3 weighs 35 oz. …. The NIMH batteries make up about 8 oz of that total. Since I own and have used all three radios, and really have no reason for bias, I thought I would share my thoughts relative to comparisons. For clarification these are MY opinions only … the way I feel about the three radios as an owner of each… and of course this is not an attempt to be any kind of in depth review or comparison…. I’m going to focus on the main encoder dial only. Here goes: To me, the KX2 has rendered the KX1 obsolete .... the KX2 has virtually every capability of the KX1 but also has much much more … is about the same size and weighs just 7 oz more. It’s the perfect radio for travelling light or backpacking for portable QRP operation. I prefer the KX3 over the KX2 .... mainly because of the main tuning knob …. It was apparently necessary to use a smaller encoder on the KX2 to keep the overall package small (and that has been accomplished). But to me it came at a significant price because it is really rather cumbersome to slowly tune the bands with the KX2 main dial when compared to doing so with the very nice encoder on the KX3. To me the main dial on the KX2 has the same feel as the dial on the KX1 ….. while the main dial on the KX3 is more like that on the K3 …… the KX3 wins on my scorecard on that comparison hands down, and it therefore remains my choice for most operating situations. There are workaround alternatives to make tuning easier on the KX2 .. for example it’s actually easier to tune up and down the bands using the MH3 up/down buttons than doing so with the main tuning knob …. But who really wants to tune a radio with mic buttons? …. Not me! Coarse tuning with the VFO B knob is the best option in my hands… and I have mine set for 0.5 khz on CW and 2.5 khz on SSB, which allows me to scan the band with coarse tuning and tweak with the main dial when I find a signal of interest. I will choose the KX3 for “in shack” use (but after the K3 of course) and for any portable use when I want to spend significant time with the radio and log lots of QSOs. ( FYI, our Field Day group operated 1A here in Utah using my KX3/KXPA100 at 100 watts , deep cycle battery, CrankIR and center fed zepp … and, with lots of off time and sleeping through the night we still managed to log over 600 CW qsos). I will pick the KX2 for portable QRP operation when I want to travel light and do not plan to spend hours on the air. I doubt that I will be using the KX1 in the future …. but it’s still a keeper as far as I’m concerned J Just one man’s opinions … 73, Don, N5LZ ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each..
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In reply to this post by Don Butler
Don,
Thank you for this as it is most informative. Have you any rough idea as to battery life comparison for KX2 and KX3 - I realize this is a difficult question. Thank you once again. 73 Doug EI2CN -----Original Message----- From: Don Butler [mailto:[hidden email]] Sent: 30 June 2016 14:45 To: 'Doug Turnbull'; [hidden email] Subject: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each.. In addition to a few K3s, I also own a KX1, KX2, and KX3 and believe that I am in a position where I can make a few unbiased comparisons between the KX group. EI2CN asked today about weight comparisons between the three radios so I thought I would provide that info and add just a couple of my own thoughts about the three different radios. My KX1 (4 band and tuner) with paddle and 6 lithium batteries weighs 14.6 oz. My KX2 (tuner and clock) with battery pack but without paddle weighs 20 oz. The battery pack alone weighs 5 ½ oz. Adding the KXPD3 (since the KXPD2 is still back ordered) adds about 1 oz to make the total package 21 oz. My KX3 (with all options and also with the 3rd party sidekick panels) and with 8 NIMH batteries, charger and KXPD3 weighs 35 oz. . The NIMH batteries make up about 8 oz of that total. Since I own and have used all three radios, and really have no reason for bias, I thought I would share my thoughts relative to comparisons. For clarification these are MY opinions only the way I feel about the three radios as an owner of each and of course this is not an attempt to be any kind of in depth review or comparison . Im going to focus on the main encoder dial only. Here goes: To me, the KX2 has rendered the KX1 obsolete .... the KX2 has virtually every capability of the KX1 but also has much much more is about the same size and weighs just 7 oz more. Its the perfect radio for travelling light or backpacking for portable QRP operation. I prefer the KX3 over the KX2 .... mainly because of the main tuning knob . It was apparently necessary to use a smaller encoder on the KX2 to keep the overall package small (and that has been accomplished). But to me it came at a significant price because it is really rather cumbersome to slowly tune the bands with the KX2 main dial when compared to doing so with the very nice encoder on the KX3. To me the main dial on the KX2 has the same feel as the dial on the KX1 .. while the main dial on the KX3 is more like that on the K3 the KX3 wins on my scorecard on that comparison hands down, and it therefore remains my choice for most operating situations. There are workaround alternatives to make tuning easier on the KX2 .. for example its actually easier to tune up and down the bands using the MH3 up/down buttons than doing so with the main tuning knob . But who really wants to tune a radio with mic buttons? . Not me! Coarse tuning with the VFO B knob is the best option in my hands and I have mine set for 0.5 khz on CW and 2.5 khz on SSB, which allows me to scan the band with coarse tuning and tweak with the main dial when I find a signal of interest. I will choose the KX3 for in shack use (but after the K3 of course) and for any portable use when I want to spend significant time with the radio and log lots of QSOs. ( FYI, our Field Day group operated 1A here in Utah using my KX3/KXPA100 at 100 watts , deep cycle battery, CrankIR and center fed zepp and, with lots of off time and sleeping through the night we still managed to log over 600 CW qsos). I will pick the KX2 for portable QRP operation when I want to travel light and do not plan to spend hours on the air. I doubt that I will be using the KX1 in the future . but its still a keeper as far as Im concerned ? Just one mans opinions 73, Don, N5LZ ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each..
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Doug I have just run the KX2 battery pack through a couple partial recharge cycles thus far so cannot really comment yet. I did order a spare but it was back ordered along with the KXPD2. The KX2 does have a nifty Amp Hour monitor which can be used for various things like comparing battery packs … documenting the number of amp hours for various tasks, etc. The KX3 does not have that feature… but it will be a great way to provide the info you’re looking for .. at least on the KX2.
Don, N5LZ Sent from Mail for Windows 10 From: Doug Turnbull ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: KX2 and KX3 Accessory Suggestion
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In reply to this post by doberman
Own a soldering iron?
Make one yourself. Easy, a LOT cheaper than Elecraft could sell it to you for, AND you get the satisfaction of custom making something that does what YOU want it to do... Have fun! -Bruce, N!RX > Perhaps a smallish ergonomic hand held up-down tuning/band changing thumb operated tuning button for the KX2 and/or KX3? > Dan - NB1C ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Battery Life KX2 vs KX3, and Maximizing Battery Life
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In reply to this post by Doug Turnbull
On Thu,6/30/2016 11:43 AM, Doug Turnbull wrote:
> Have you any rough idea as to battery life comparison for KX2 and KX3 - I realize this is a difficult question. Looking at the specs, current draw for both TX and RX appear to be the same for both rigs, so I would expect battery life to be essentially the same for equal TX power and how much you TX. Some thoughts on maximizing battery life. (I know Doug knows this, but this is for others). First, S&P results in less TX time. Second, keep transmissions short. When calling someone, don't send his call, just send yours once or twice. If no response, call again. Third, when calling CQ, keep CQs short. For general operation, never do more than a 4x2 or 4x3 (that is, 4 CQs and sign your call two or three times). I NEVER answer a loooooong CQ. :) Fourth, NEVER sign /QRP. It wastes time, and burns battery. You're already weak, use your battery and propagation to send the important stuff, like your call, QTH, and contest exchange if any. And during a contest, few contesters are going answer a station signing /QRP. Fifth, NEVER send again anything that the other station has copied correctly. For example, if he has your call right, don't send it again (except at the end of a long QSO). Sixth, if you're mountain-topping or something similar, don't call CQ when you finish a QSO, just sign your call (and the summit ID if there is one) and see if anyone calls you. If no calls, THEN call CQ. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each..
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In reply to this post by Doug Turnbull
I'd be curious to know if the kx2 ends up being a kx1 slayer.
I'll admit to forlornly looking at mine from time to time since the kx2 came out, but then she reminds me that she was the last in a long line of trail radios I built, and a darn good one, and I'm guilted into keeping her. Tho she may need to make room for a kx2 soon. If only she could do 17. Scott ka9p Make something good happen! > On Jun 30, 2016, at 1:43 PM, Doug Turnbull <[hidden email]> wrote: > > Don, > Thank you for this as it is most informative. Have you any rough idea > as to battery life comparison for KX2 and KX3 - I realize this is a > difficult question. Thank you once again. > > 73 Doug EI2CN > > -----Original Message----- > From: Don Butler [mailto:[hidden email]] > Sent: 30 June 2016 14:45 > To: 'Doug Turnbull'; [hidden email] > Subject: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each.. > > In addition to a few K3s, I also own a KX1, KX2, and KX3 and believe that I > am in a position where I can make a few unbiased comparisons between the > “KX” group. EI2CN asked today about weight comparisons between the three > radios so I thought I would provide that info and add just a couple of my > own thoughts about the three different radios. > > My KX1 (4 band and tuner) with paddle and 6 lithium batteries weighs 14.6 > oz. > > My KX2 (tuner and clock) with battery pack but without paddle weighs 20 oz. > The battery pack alone weighs 5 ½ oz. Adding the KXPD3 (since the KXPD2 is > still back ordered) adds about 1 oz to make the total package 21 oz. > > My KX3 (with all options and also with the 3rd party sidekick panels) and > with 8 NIMH batteries, charger and KXPD3 weighs 35 oz. …. The NIMH > batteries make up about 8 oz of that total. > > Since I own and have used all three radios, and really have no reason for > bias, I thought I would share my thoughts relative to comparisons. For > clarification these are MY opinions only … the way I feel about the three > radios as an owner of each… and of course this is not an attempt to be any > kind of in depth review or comparison…. I’m going to focus on the main > encoder dial only. > > Here goes: > > To me, the KX2 has rendered the KX1 obsolete .... the KX2 has virtually > every capability of the KX1 but also has much much more … is about the same > size and weighs just 7 oz more. It’s the perfect radio for travelling light > or backpacking for portable QRP operation. > > I prefer the KX3 over the KX2 .... mainly because of the main tuning knob > …. It was apparently necessary to use a smaller encoder on the KX2 to keep > the overall package small (and that has been accomplished). But to me it > came at a significant price because it is really rather cumbersome to slowly > tune the bands with the KX2 main dial when compared to doing so with the > very nice encoder on the KX3. To me the main dial on the KX2 has the same > feel as the dial on the KX1 ….. while the main dial on the KX3 is more like > that on the K3 …… the KX3 wins on my scorecard on that comparison hands > down, and it therefore remains my choice for most operating situations. > > There are workaround alternatives to make tuning easier on the KX2 .. for > example it’s actually easier to tune up and down the bands using the MH3 > up/down buttons than doing so with the main tuning knob …. But who really > wants to tune a radio with mic buttons? …. Not me! Coarse tuning with the > VFO B knob is the best option in my hands… and I have mine set for 0.5 khz > on CW and 2.5 khz on SSB, which allows me to scan the band with coarse > tuning and tweak with the main dial when I find a signal of interest. > > I will choose the KX3 for “in shack” use (but after the K3 of course) and > for any portable use when I want to spend significant time with the radio > and log lots of QSOs. ( FYI, our Field Day group operated 1A here in Utah > using my KX3/KXPA100 at 100 watts , deep cycle battery, CrankIR and center > fed zepp … and, with lots of off time and sleeping through the night we > still managed to log over 600 CW qsos). I will pick the KX2 for portable > QRP operation when I want to travel light and do not plan to spend hours on > the air. I doubt that I will be using the KX1 in the future …. but it’s > still a keeper as far as I’m concerned ? > > Just one man’s opinions … > > 73, > Don, N5LZ > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 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] |
Re: KX2 and KX3 Accessory Suggestion
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In reply to this post by Don Butler
Yes, MH3 is a fine mic, *and* has the right
connector for the KX2/3! Few other mics have that 4-conductor plug. Phil W7OX On 6/30/16 8:08 AM, Don Butler wrote: > Sounds like an MH3? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dan > Boardman > Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2016 8:58 AM > To: [hidden email] > Subject: [Elecraft] KX2 and KX3 Accessory Suggestion > > Perhaps a smallish ergonomic hand held up-down tuning/band changing thumb > operated tuning button for the KX2 and/or KX3? > > > Dan - NB1C ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each..
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In reply to this post by Doug Turnbull
Nice review. I don't have an issue with the KX1 tuning rate, I was an FT
for KX3, and navigating both is an issue with learning to operate both, which Don has done, but I don't have issues with tuning rates or QSY with either. It does require some hand coordination which can be an issue with many operators. I just happen to be lucky and it is of no issue for me. The KX1 has lots of positives, price and weight being two big ones compared to the other KX'es. So consider all the options. I am considering selling my KX1 only because most of my operation is from the QTH and my past interest has been to own all the Elecraft equipment going back to my K2 days also as an FT #35. Yes that goes back to ~1998 or so. I don't recall and my old emails are saved somewhere, but have no interest to resurrect them. They have been saved through numerous system updates. I would not mind owning a KX2 but really do need to remove some other equipment sitting on idle, TS2000, IC7000, KAT500 and some older MFJ tuners so I can reduce the shack size in prep for moving. The KX3 and the amp do a lot. My K3 and P3 are super. They will also need to be replaced. My THP 2.5KFX puts me into the wild at any time. It too will need to go. The KX2 from all I have read: good radio even despite the knob size being like the KX1. I don't need a spinner. Use direct input, etc. But back on topic... All the KX's are super. Buy for what you need and don't be put off to use any of them as they work well. No offense intended to Don, but any work very well and are super fun. -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Doug Turnbull Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2016 1:43 PM To: 'Don Butler' <[hidden email]>; [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each.. Don, Thank you for this as it is most informative. Have you any rough idea as to battery life comparison for KX2 and KX3 - I realize this is a difficult question. Thank you once again. 73 Doug EI2CN -----Original Message----- From: Don Butler [mailto:[hidden email]] Sent: 30 June 2016 14:45 To: 'Doug Turnbull'; [hidden email] Subject: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each.. In addition to a few K3s, I also own a KX1, KX2, and KX3 and believe that I am in a position where I can make a few unbiased comparisons between the KX group. EI2CN asked today about weight comparisons between the three radios so I thought I would provide that info and add just a couple of my own thoughts about the three different radios. My KX1 (4 band and tuner) with paddle and 6 lithium batteries weighs 14.6 oz. My KX2 (tuner and clock) with battery pack but without paddle weighs 20 oz. The battery pack alone weighs 5 ½ oz. Adding the KXPD3 (since the KXPD2 is still back ordered) adds about 1 oz to make the total package 21 oz. My KX3 (with all options and also with the 3rd party sidekick panels) and with 8 NIMH batteries, charger and KXPD3 weighs 35 oz. . The NIMH batteries make up about 8 oz of that total. Since I own and have used all three radios, and really have no reason for bias, I thought I would share my thoughts relative to comparisons. For clarification these are MY opinions only the way I feel about the three radios as an owner of each and of course this is not an attempt to be any kind of in depth review or comparison . Im going to focus on the main encoder dial only. Here goes: To me, the KX2 has rendered the KX1 obsolete .... the KX2 has virtually every capability of the KX1 but also has much much more is about the same size and weighs just 7 oz more. Its the perfect radio for travelling light or backpacking for portable QRP operation. I prefer the KX3 over the KX2 .... mainly because of the main tuning knob . It was apparently necessary to use a smaller encoder on the KX2 to keep the overall package small (and that has been accomplished). But to me it came at a significant price because it is really rather cumbersome to slowly tune the bands with the KX2 main dial when compared to doing so with the very nice encoder on the KX3. To me the main dial on the KX2 has the same feel as the dial on the KX1 .. while the main dial on the KX3 is more like that on the K3 the KX3 wins on my scorecard on that comparison hands down, and it therefore remains my choice for most operating situations. There are workaround alternatives to make tuning easier on the KX2 .. for example its actually easier to tune up and down the bands using the MH3 up/down buttons than doing so with the main tuning knob . But who really wants to tune a radio with mic buttons? . Not me! Coarse tuning with the VFO B knob is the best option in my hands and I have mine set for 0.5 khz on CW and 2.5 khz on SSB, which allows me to scan the band with coarse tuning and tweak with the main dial when I find a signal of interest. I will choose the KX3 for in shack use (but after the K3 of course) and for any portable use when I want to spend significant time with the radio and log lots of QSOs. ( FYI, our Field Day group operated 1A here in Utah using my KX3/KXPA100 at 100 watts , deep cycle battery, CrankIR and center fed zepp and, with lots of off time and sleeping through the night we still managed to log over 600 CW qsos). I will pick the KX2 for portable QRP operation when I want to travel light and do not plan to spend hours on the air. I doubt that I will be using the KX1 in the future . but its still a keeper as far as Im concerned ? Just one mans opinions 73, Don, N5LZ ______________________________________________________________ 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 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] |
Re: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each..
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That should read KX1 vs KX3.
-----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bill Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2016 5:53 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each.. Nice review. I don't have an issue with the KX1 tuning rate, I was an FT for KX3, and navigating both is an issue with learning to operate both, which Don has done, but I don't have issues with tuning rates or QSY with either. It does require some hand coordination which can be an issue with many operators. I just happen to be lucky and it is of no issue for me. The KX1 has lots of positives, price and weight being two big ones compared to the other KX'es. So consider all the options. I am considering selling my KX1 only because most of my operation is from the QTH and my past interest has been to own all the Elecraft equipment going back to my K2 days also as an FT #35. Yes that goes back to ~1998 or so. I don't recall and my old emails are saved somewhere, but have no interest to resurrect them. They have been saved through numerous system updates. I would not mind owning a KX2 but really do need to remove some other equipment sitting on idle, TS2000, IC7000, KAT500 and some older MFJ tuners so I can reduce the shack size in prep for moving. The KX3 and the amp do a lot. My K3 and P3 are super. They will also need to be replaced. My THP 2.5KFX puts me into the wild at any time. It too will need to go. The KX2 from all I have read: good radio even despite the knob size being like the KX1. I don't need a spinner. Use direct input, etc. But back on topic... All the KX's are super. Buy for what you need and don't be put off to use any of them as they work well. No offense intended to Don, but any work very well and are super fun. -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Doug Turnbull Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2016 1:43 PM To: 'Don Butler' <[hidden email]>; [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each.. Don, Thank you for this as it is most informative. Have you any rough idea as to battery life comparison for KX2 and KX3 - I realize this is a difficult question. Thank you once again. 73 Doug EI2CN -----Original Message----- From: Don Butler [mailto:[hidden email]] Sent: 30 June 2016 14:45 To: 'Doug Turnbull'; [hidden email] Subject: KX1 vs KX2 vs KX3? from someone who owns one of each.. In addition to a few K3s, I also own a KX1, KX2, and KX3 and believe that I am in a position where I can make a few unbiased comparisons between the KX group. EI2CN asked today about weight comparisons between the three radios so I thought I would provide that info and add just a couple of my own thoughts about the three different radios. My KX1 (4 band and tuner) with paddle and 6 lithium batteries weighs 14.6 oz. My KX2 (tuner and clock) with battery pack but without paddle weighs 20 oz. The battery pack alone weighs 5 ½ oz. Adding the KXPD3 (since the KXPD2 is still back ordered) adds about 1 oz to make the total package 21 oz. My KX3 (with all options and also with the 3rd party sidekick panels) and with 8 NIMH batteries, charger and KXPD3 weighs 35 oz. . The NIMH batteries make up about 8 oz of that total. Since I own and have used all three radios, and really have no reason for bias, I thought I would share my thoughts relative to comparisons. For clarification these are MY opinions only the way I feel about the three radios as an owner of each and of course this is not an attempt to be any kind of in depth review or comparison . Im going to focus on the main encoder dial only. Here goes: To me, the KX2 has rendered the KX1 obsolete .... the KX2 has virtually every capability of the KX1 but also has much much more is about the same size and weighs just 7 oz more. Its the perfect radio for travelling light or backpacking for portable QRP operation. I prefer the KX3 over the KX2 .... mainly because of the main tuning knob . It was apparently necessary to use a smaller encoder on the KX2 to keep the overall package small (and that has been accomplished). But to me it came at a significant price because it is really rather cumbersome to slowly tune the bands with the KX2 main dial when compared to doing so with the very nice encoder on the KX3. To me the main dial on the KX2 has the same feel as the dial on the KX1 .. while the main dial on the KX3 is more like that on the K3 the KX3 wins on my scorecard on that comparison hands down, and it therefore remains my choice for most operating situations. There are workaround alternatives to make tuning easier on the KX2 .. for example its actually easier to tune up and down the bands using the MH3 up/down buttons than doing so with the main tuning knob . But who really wants to tune a radio with mic buttons? . Not me! Coarse tuning with the VFO B knob is the best option in my hands and I have mine set for 0.5 khz on CW and 2.5 khz on SSB, which allows me to scan the band with coarse tuning and tweak with the main dial when I find a signal of interest. I will choose the KX3 for in shack use (but after the K3 of course) and for any portable use when I want to spend significant time with the radio and log lots of QSOs. ( FYI, our Field Day group operated 1A here in Utah using my KX3/KXPA100 at 100 watts , deep cycle battery, CrankIR and center fed zepp and, with lots of off time and sleeping through the night we still managed to log over 600 CW qsos). I will pick the KX2 for portable QRP operation when I want to travel light and do not plan to spend hours on the air. I doubt that I will be using the KX1 in the future . but its still a keeper as far as Im concerned ? Just one mans opinions 73, Don, N5LZ ______________________________________________________________ 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 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 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] |
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