Elecraft

Re: Receiver K2, K3, KX3

Classic

List

Threaded

3 messages Options

Scott Gillen ZL1CHM

Re: Receiver K2, K3, KX3

Thanks Brad that is just the sort of info I was looking for.

73
Scott

N0HOK / ZL1CHM
Auckland New Zealandx

Sent from my iPhone

On 12/12/2015, at 9:30 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> Phil,
>
> I've had all three at the same time and in my opinion the KX3 is the winner simply because of what I consider
> to be a much lower noise floor. The K2 does not have the 1 Hz tuning capability so I would rule that out. As
> several folks on the reflector pointed out, it depends upon what you're operating habits are. I recently sold
> my K3 and kept the KX3 and added the 100 watt amp/tuner from Elecraft. I think that the receiver in the KX3 is
> much less tiring to listen to. One can turn the RF gain way down on the KX3 and virtually eliminate the noise
> and still hear the signal.
>
> Remember that the K2 is a 1999 design, the K3 is a 2007 design and the KX3 is a 2012 design. SO......KX3
> has the advantage of the latest in SDR advancements.
>
> Just my opinion. Hope that it sheds a little bit of light on your situation.
>
> Merry Christmas from New Hampshire!!!!
>
> 73 Brad W1XV

______________________________________________________________
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]

Ignacy

Re: Receiver K2, K3, KX3

KX3 is a pleasant rig if you don't need second ant, many memories accessed with few clicks, super tight receiver.... Indeed, KX3 seems more pleasant to listen to. However, if you care about the strength of SSB on transmit, K3 beats KX3 by a few db due to a better speech processor. So you won't win SSB contests with KX3.

K2 seems primitive compared to K3 and KX3 but seems to have a mystical property where weak signals are heard very well. It travelled with me across the world with lots of satisfaction, perhaps more than KX3. KX3 is half the size of K2, though.

Ignacy, NO9E

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Receiver K2, K3, KX3

There are many who prefer the analog design and performance of the K2.
The MDS and BDR of the K3 (K3S) and KX3 are a bit better, but only
marginally so.
Take the top 20 transceivers in the Sherwood listing and give them a
critical look. There will not be a lot of difference between them in
practical operating terms. Measurements are one thing, but actual
operating is another. Yes, there are pileup situations where a 1 or 2
dB of difference may make a contact or no contact situation, but those
are extreme situations not encountered by the typical operator.

The K3 (K3S) and the KX3 are near the top of the Sherwood list, and they
will be better in extremely crowded band conditions - listening to a DX
pileup for instance where you can 'saddle up' close to another station
and not have him bother you (that is what the 2 kHz rating is all about).

As for the K3 vs. the KX3, the K3 provides more "buttons at your
fingertips" than the KX3 and has a few extra "bells and whistled". My
recommendation is that if you are serious into contesting and DXing, the
K3 is the better choice. If you want portable operation, the KX3 is the
best choice, and the KX3 will provide a great showing in contesting and
DXing as well.

Bottom line, the K2, K3, K3S and the KX3 are all contest grade
transceivers - take your pick based on your preferences and you will not
be disappointed.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/12/2015 8:50 PM, Ignacy wrote:

> KX3 is a pleasant rig if you don't need second ant, many memories accessed
> with few clicks, super tight receiver.... Indeed, KX3 seems more pleasant to
> listen to. However, if you care about the strength of SSB on transmit, K3
> beats KX3 by a few db due to a better speech processor. So you won't win SSB
> contests with KX3.
>
> K2 seems primitive compared to K3 and KX3 but seems to have a mystical
> property where weak signals are heard very well. It travelled with me across
> the world with lots of satisfaction, perhaps more than KX3. KX3 is half the
> size of K2, though.
>
>