Second Configuration

[Edward R Cole]

I am seriously considering the KX3 to replace my FT-817 (early
version).  It will probably live in the shack most of the time and
only mobile if making a long trip.  I seem to recall seeing a bracket
attached to the back that looks like the radio would slip onto a
single metal bracket.  If so then buying two mounting brackets (one
for in the vehicle and other attached to the shelf in the shack would
provide the easy solution).  The bracket I saw in the photos looked
like it would make for fast install/removal.

Regarding connectors I did not see anything that would be a problem
for use in the shack.  I run two antenna cable to my FT-817 (432
antenna goes to the front BNC using a right angle male
connector).  144 antenna goes to the back SO-239.

The KX3 has a single BNC, I believe.  If 2m module is added it may
have a separate output connector (or not)?  I recently talked with
Wayne and they are currently working on the 2m unit.  He did not say
if it would get offered at the same time the KX3 is rolled
out.  Expectations for the KX3 is Christmas (?) so ordering might
start a bit before that (but I have no inside info regarding
that).  I will begin selling off some equipment to raise the
necessary cash (IC-V8000, D3010, FT-817, ...the neighbors noisy
dogs...the moose that trashed my eme antenna...).


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
======================================
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep [hidden email]
======================================

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[wayne burdick]

Edward R. Cole wrote:

> I am seriously considering the KX3 to replace my FT-817....

There you go, forcing me to compare the two :)  The KX3 is about 30%  
smaller and lighter, with over twice the front panel space, one third  
as much RX-mode current drain, nearly three times the max power  
output, 32-bit floating-point DSP, built-in paddle and tilt stand, and  
maybe 30 dB better RX dynamic range. (End of shameless promotion.)


> I seem to recall seeing a bracket
> attached to the back that looks like the radio would slip onto a
> single metal bracket.  ... The bracket I saw in the photos looked
> like it would make for fast install/removal.

That's the intent. It will have a hole pattern compatible with RAM-
mounts. As of right now it's still in the modeling phase, but we're  
hoping to get it finished early next year.


> Regarding connectors ...The KX3 has a single BNC, I believe.  If the  
> 2m module is added it may
> have a separate output connector (or not)?

Yes -- an SMA, about 1" from the BNC connector. You could have both  
antennas connected.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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[Edward R Cole]

Wayne,

Fair enough.  Seeing that the FT-817 is decade old technology, goes
without saying it is not really in the same "league" with the KX3.  I
originally bought the FT-817 to be the 1st IF (144-MHz) for my mw
transverters and was a good choice for the time (2000), but it never
lived up for battery operation with its high Rx current draw.

I suspect (expect) the Rx performance to be uncomparable for the KX3
and one (good) reason for considering the "upgrade".  Microwave
operation is a test of weak-signal performance and Elecraft has long
demonstrated doing this well.  Most "DX" shots on mw bands still is
via CW (though digital is making headway).

Before the announcement of the KX3, I had considered taking my K3/10
into the field for mw shots.  But I would be concerned about size and
exposure of the investment I have in it.  The KX3 will be appropriate
and its footprint looks like a good fit for that of the FT-817 (for
mounting on my portable mw rig).  The embedded 2m transverter is key to that.

But I expect the KX3 to put in a respectable performance on HF which
I never really used on the FT-817.  Of course adding a 100w PA for HF
mobile and a small PA for 2m mobile.  For trips on the airlines it
should pack very nice as a standalone QRP rig.

So "we" are all waiting for the announcement of when the KX3 will
become available (I signed up for that).

Thanks,
Ed - KL7UW
PS:  The K3/10 has replaced my FT-847 (which I sold) as the main
radio in the shack.

At 09:55 AM 10/20/2011, Wayne Burdick wrote:

>Edward R. Cole wrote:
>
>>I am seriously considering the KX3 to replace my FT-817....
>
>There you go, forcing me to compare the two :)  The KX3 is about 30%
>smaller and lighter, with over twice the front panel space, one third
>as much RX-mode current drain, nearly three times the max power
>output, 32-bit floating-point DSP, built-in paddle and tilt stand, and
>maybe 30 dB better RX dynamic range. (End of shameless promotion.)
>
>
>>I seem to recall seeing a bracket
>>attached to the back that looks like the radio would slip onto a
>>single metal bracket.  ... The bracket I saw in the photos looked
>>like it would make for fast install/removal.
>
>That's the intent. It will have a hole pattern compatible with RAM-
>mounts. As of right now it's still in the modeling phase, but we're
>hoping to get it finished early next year.
>
>
>>Regarding connectors ...The KX3 has a single BNC, I believe.  If the
>>2m module is added it may
>>have a separate output connector (or not)?
>
>Yes -- an SMA, about 1" from the BNC connector. You could have both
>antennas connected.
>
>73,
>Wayne
>N6KR

73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
======================================
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep [hidden email]
======================================

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