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The Cost Of Amateur Radios

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Ken Miller K6CTW

The Cost Of Amateur Radios

Doing a costing (while day-dreaming) of the K3/100 with all of the options (P3, K144Xv, K144RFLK, KTCXO3, KAT-3, KRX3, KBPF3, PR6-10 and all 8-pole filters in both the main and 2nd Rx) the cost came to about $6500. For a moment that seemed like a lot of money.

Then I considered the restoration of my Drake R4-A. The cost for that receiver was about $400, but that was 1966! In todays dollars that would be $3000! And that's just the receiver! Adding the T-4X (transmitter), AC-4 (separate transmitter power supply), MS-4 (speaker) and MN-4 (200 watt transmatch) and the total cost is well over that of the K3! Maybe I should also compare the cost to the Collins S-Line setup, but then my calculator would need extra digits ;-)

Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!

Just food for thought.

73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW

K2 #455

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Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

I came to the same conclusion that that the K3 and accessories really are not priced high at all.
And when you realize it's kept current with upgrades.... well that makes it quite a good deal.

From: Ken Miller K6CTW <[hidden email]>
To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2015 6:33 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] The Cost Of Amateur Radios

Doing a costing (while day-dreaming) of the K3/100 with all of the options (P3, K144Xv, K144RFLK, KTCXO3, KAT-3, KRX3, KBPF3, PR6-10 and all 8-pole filters in both the main and 2nd Rx) the cost came to about $6500. For a moment that seemed like a lot of money.

Then I considered the restoration of my Drake R4-A. The cost for that receiver was about $400, but that was 1966! In todays dollars that would be $3000! And that's just the receiver! Adding the T-4X (transmitter), AC-4 (separate transmitter power supply), MS-4 (speaker) and MN-4 (200 watt transmatch) and the total cost is well over that of the K3! Maybe I should also compare the cost to the Collins S-Line setup, but then my calculator would need extra digits ;-)

Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!

Just food for thought.

73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW

K2 #455

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Bill Turner-2

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Ken Miller K6CTW

------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)

On Thu, 9 Apr 2015 15:33:42 -0700 (GMT-07:00), you wrote:

>Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!
>
>Just food for thought.
>
>73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW

REPLY:

A bargain?

K3 is a good radio, no doubt, but for $2500 you can get a Flex 6300
which has nearly all the features and then some. You may want the
external VFO knob @ $99. ATU is optional.

A Software Defined Radio (SDR) not for everybody. It runs on your
computer and there are no knobs on the radio except for the power
button. If you like a radio with knobs for everything SDR's are not
for you.

6300 Pros:

1. Already 100 watts, no separate amp needed.
2. Panadaptor built in (bigger screen and more versatile than the P3)
3. No filters to buy, including no roofing filters. The A/D conversion
is done right at the antenna and bandwidth is adjustable to
practically anything you want on any mode.
4. Receives short wave with no options needed.
5. Doesn't require any com ports at all. Everything is done via
Ethernet port including PTT. Great for laptops without com ports.
6. No audio cables required for data modes. No Line In, Line Out, etc.
All via Ethernet.
6 Hand mike included.

Cons:

1. Doesn't do FSK, only AFSK.
2. Integrating with 3rd party programs is not easy but is doable. Some
pulling of hair is inevitable.
3. Steep learning curve. Can be frustrating till you figure it out,
but what radio isn't?.

I have always thought the K3 was overpriced for what you get.
Opinions will vary.

My K3 + P3 is for sale.

73, Bill W6WRT

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

I hope you live way out in the boonies with inefficient antennas
on 160/80/40 meters. If you don't that 6300 with no preselectors
will fold with all the strong signals during a contest on the low
bands. There is *nothing* to prevent the combination of strong
signals from generating A/D overflow ...

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2015-04-09 7:48 PM, Bill Turner wrote:

> ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)
>
> On Thu, 9 Apr 2015 15:33:42 -0700 (GMT-07:00), you wrote:
>
>> Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!
>>
>> Just food for thought.
>>
>> 73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW
>
> REPLY:
>
> A bargain?
>
> K3 is a good radio, no doubt, but for $2500 you can get a Flex 6300
> which has nearly all the features and then some. You may want the
> external VFO knob @ $99. ATU is optional.
>
> A Software Defined Radio (SDR) not for everybody. It runs on your
> computer and there are no knobs on the radio except for the power
> button. If you like a radio with knobs for everything SDR's are not
> for you.
>
> 6300 Pros:
>
> 1. Already 100 watts, no separate amp needed.
> 2. Panadaptor built in (bigger screen and more versatile than the P3)
> 3. No filters to buy, including no roofing filters. The A/D conversion
> is done right at the antenna and bandwidth is adjustable to
> practically anything you want on any mode.
> 4. Receives short wave with no options needed.
> 5. Doesn't require any com ports at all. Everything is done via
> Ethernet port including PTT. Great for laptops without com ports.
> 6. No audio cables required for data modes. No Line In, Line Out, etc.
> All via Ethernet.
> 6 Hand mike included.
>
> Cons:
>
> 1. Doesn't do FSK, only AFSK.
> 2. Integrating with 3rd party programs is not easy but is doable. Some
> pulling of hair is inevitable.
> 3. Steep learning curve. Can be frustrating till you figure it out,
> but what radio isn't?.
>
> I have always thought the K3 was overpriced for what you get.
> Opinions will vary.
>
> My K3 + P3 is for sale.
>
> 73, Bill W6WRT
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Ken Miller K6CTW

And you don't need to go for the K3 all at once.
Mine has one RX, no 2m capability (but probably
more xtal filters than I need). And the P3 is, for
me, a most vital accessory.

It replaced my K2/100 (#380) as my prime station
about a year ago, and I have NO regrets, Ken.

Phil W7OX (in the L.A. area)

On 4/9/15 3:33 PM, Ken Miller K6CTW wrote:

> Doing a costing (while day-dreaming) of the K3/100 with all of the options (P3, K144Xv, K144RFLK, KTCXO3, KAT-3, KRX3, KBPF3, PR6-10 and all 8-pole filters in both the main and 2nd Rx) the cost came to about $6500. For a moment that seemed like a lot of money.
>
> Then I considered the restoration of my Drake R4-A. The cost for that receiver was about $400, but that was 1966! In todays dollars that would be $3000! And that's just the receiver! Adding the T-4X (transmitter), AC-4 (separate transmitter power supply), MS-4 (speaker) and MN-4 (200 watt transmatch) and the total cost is well over that of the K3! Maybe I should also compare the cost to the Collins S-Line setup, but then my calculator would need extra digits ;-)
>
> Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!
>
> Just food for thought.
>
> 73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW
>
> K2 #455

joemoffatt

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

Trust me, I have had 4 Flex's and until you get to the $4500 6500 series, the K3 crushes them under heavy band usage and close in adjacent signals.

I have worked many contests and weak signal DX in pileups with each, including a 6500 and I would choose the K3 every time for a variety of reasons.

That is strictly my opinion, but for what I enjoy, I think the K3 is the best bang for the buck out there. My K3 isn't well loaded, but it does all I want until I get 2nd Rx or go so2r with another K3 which is likely.

The KX3 is also on my I will get someday list.

Joe

-------- Original message --------
From: Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]>
Date: 04/09/2015 7:28 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Cost Of Amateur Radios

And you don't need to go for the K3 all at once.
Mine has one RX, no 2m capability (but probably
more xtal filters than I need). And the P3 is, for
me, a most vital accessory.

It replaced my K2/100 (#380) as my prime station
about a year ago, and I have NO regrets, Ken.

Phil W7OX (in the L.A. area)

On 4/9/15 3:33 PM, Ken Miller K6CTW wrote:

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Tony Estep

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

On Thu, Apr 9, 2015 at 7:37 PM, Joe Moffatt <[hidden email]> wrote:

> ....I have had 4 Flex's... I would choose the K3 every time ...

============
I had written a long post but I think it's best to just say that I agree
with Joe. The first generation of Flexes were usable only by SSB
rag-chewers, that is until they were obsoleted by changes in the windows
computing environment. The current ones may be better, but for DX and
contests you can't operate with a mouse. To make a Flex competitive with a
K3, if it can be done, winds up making it cost more and you still have an
inferior operating experience.

Tony KT0NY
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Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Bill Turner-2

Oh but you forgot to include the charges for the software updates. Of course that assumes they will continue messing with the software.

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com

email: [hidden email]

> On Apr 9, 2015, at 7:48 PM, Bill Turner <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)
>
>> On Thu, 9 Apr 2015 15:33:42 -0700 (GMT-07:00), you wrote:
>>
>> Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!
>>
>> Just food for thought.
>>
>> 73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW
>
> REPLY:
>
> A bargain?
>
> K3 is a good radio, no doubt, but for $2500 you can get a Flex 6300
> which has nearly all the features and then some. You may want the
> external VFO knob @ $99. ATU is optional.
>
> A Software Defined Radio (SDR) not for everybody. It runs on your
> computer and there are no knobs on the radio except for the power
> button. If you like a radio with knobs for everything SDR's are not
> for you.
>
> 6300 Pros:
>
> 1. Already 100 watts, no separate amp needed.
> 2. Panadaptor built in (bigger screen and more versatile than the P3)
> 3. No filters to buy, including no roofing filters. The A/D conversion
> is done right at the antenna and bandwidth is adjustable to
> practically anything you want on any mode.
> 4. Receives short wave with no options needed.
> 5. Doesn't require any com ports at all. Everything is done via
> Ethernet port including PTT. Great for laptops without com ports.
> 6. No audio cables required for data modes. No Line In, Line Out, etc.
> All via Ethernet.
> 6 Hand mike included.
>
> Cons:
>
> 1. Doesn't do FSK, only AFSK.
> 2. Integrating with 3rd party programs is not easy but is doable. Some
> pulling of hair is inevitable.
> 3. Steep learning curve. Can be frustrating till you figure it out,
> but what radio isn't?.
>
> I have always thought the K3 was overpriced for what you get.
> Opinions will vary.
>
> My K3 + P3 is for sale.
>
> 73, Bill W6WRT
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Guy Olinger K2AV

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Bill Turner-2

Each to his own.

But the Flex equivalent of the K3 RX is the 6700, not the low end 6300. It
takes the preamps in the 6700 to get MDS equal to the K3. The cost of the
6700 is $7499, in particular due to the cost of the stuff to make the 6700
RX function work that well. I'm not at all sure that "all...and then some"
really applies to the 6300, particularly if high function RX parameters are
of use.

Good luck with your choices and druthers. And remember the place to crow
about Flex is on their reflector.

73, Guy.

On Thursday, April 9, 2015, Bill Turner <[hidden email]> wrote:

> ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)
>
> On Thu, 9 Apr 2015 15:33:42 -0700 (GMT-07:00), you wrote:
>
> >Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!
> >
> >Just food for thought.
> >
> >73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW
>
> REPLY:
>
> A bargain?
>
> K3 is a good radio, no doubt, but for $2500 you can get a Flex 6300
> which has nearly all the features and then some. You may want the
> external VFO knob @ $99. ATU is optional.
>
> A Software Defined Radio (SDR) not for everybody. It runs on your
> computer and there are no knobs on the radio except for the power
> button. If you like a radio with knobs for everything SDR's are not
> for you.
>
> 6300 Pros:
>
> 1. Already 100 watts, no separate amp needed.
> 2. Panadaptor built in (bigger screen and more versatile than the P3)
> 3. No filters to buy, including no roofing filters. The A/D conversion
> is done right at the antenna and bandwidth is adjustable to
> practically anything you want on any mode.
> 4. Receives short wave with no options needed.
> 5. Doesn't require any com ports at all. Everything is done via
> Ethernet port including PTT. Great for laptops without com ports.
> 6. No audio cables required for data modes. No Line In, Line Out, etc.
> All via Ethernet.
> 6 Hand mike included.
>
> Cons:
>
> 1. Doesn't do FSK, only AFSK.
> 2. Integrating with 3rd party programs is not easy but is doable. Some
> pulling of hair is inevitable.
> 3. Steep learning curve. Can be frustrating till you figure it out,
> but what radio isn't?.
>
> I have always thought the K3 was overpriced for what you get.
> Opinions will vary.
>
> My K3 + P3 is for sale.
>
> 73, Bill W6WRT
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

dmb@lightstream.net

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Bill Turner-2

If Diversity reception is desired -- now or down the road, neither the
6300 nor the 6500 will get you there. Our current slide down the wrong
side of the sunspot cycle makes diversity reception increasingly desirable
as we head to the lower frequency bands for a while. I've been using it
for years on 30m and 40m and it provides a dramatic improvement in
reception; even more so now with the new KSYN3A synthesizer.

73, Dale
WA8SRA

>>Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!
>>
>>Just food for thought.
>>
>>73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW
>
> REPLY:
>
> A bargain?
>
> K3 is a good radio, no doubt, but for $2500 you can get a Flex 6300
> which has nearly all the features and then some. You may want the
> external VFO knob @ $99. ATU is optional.
>
> A Software Defined Radio (SDR) not for everybody. It runs on your
> computer and there are no knobs on the radio except for the power
> button. If you like a radio with knobs for everything SDR's are not
> for you.
>
> 6300 Pros:
>
> 1. Already 100 watts, no separate amp needed.
> 2. Panadaptor built in (bigger screen and more versatile than the P3)
> 3. No filters to buy, including no roofing filters. The A/D conversion
> is done right at the antenna and bandwidth is adjustable to
> practically anything you want on any mode.
> 4. Receives short wave with no options needed.
> 5. Doesn't require any com ports at all. Everything is done via
> Ethernet port including PTT. Great for laptops without com ports.
> 6. No audio cables required for data modes. No Line In, Line Out, etc.
> All via Ethernet.
> 6 Hand mike included.
>
> Cons:
>
> 1. Doesn't do FSK, only AFSK.
> 2. Integrating with 3rd party programs is not easy but is doable. Some
> pulling of hair is inevitable.
> 3. Steep learning curve. Can be frustrating till you figure it out,
> but what radio isn't?.
>
> I have always thought the K3 was overpriced for what you get.
> Opinions will vary.
>
> My K3 + P3 is for sale.
>
> 73, Bill W6WRT

Bill Turner-2

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)

On Thu, 9 Apr 2015 21:01:04 -0400, you wrote:

>Oh but you forgot to include the charges for the software updates. Of course that assumes they will continue messing with the software.
>
>
>Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
>

REPLY:

They only charge for major upgrades, minor ones are free. As they
point out, the reason they charge is to pay for the time spent on it.
Don't think software or firmware upgrades are free - you pay for it
one way or another, and if you don't want it, there is no cost at all.
73, Bill W6WRT
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Bill Turner-2

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)

On Thu, 09 Apr 2015 20:18:48 -0400, you wrote:

>I hope you live way out in the boonies with inefficient antennas
>on 160/80/40 meters. If you don't that 6300 with no preselectors
>will fold with all the strong signals during a contest on the low
>bands. There is *nothing* to prevent the combination of strong
>signals from generating A/D overflow ...
>
>73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV

REPLY:

I haven't worked a contest yet so we will see.
I do live in the boonies, but the antennas are passable.

73, Bill W6WRT
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Bill Turner-2

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Bill Turner-2

------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)

On Thu, 09 Apr 2015 21:19:31 -0400, you wrote:

>Hi Bill:
>
>OK... but don't forget to add in the cost of the computer. And, for
>me... it would be a cost. I use Macs, so buying a PC would clearly
>add to the cost. And, I suspect I'd need something more than a cheap
>laptop to get enough horsepower to run the SDR.
>
>73 de Ray
>K2ULR
>KX3 #211

REPLY:

OK, you got me there, a PC is required. But as many have pointed out,
most of the heavy lifting is done in the radio, not on the PC.

73, Bill W6WRT
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Bill Turner-2

I had a Flex and it's not as good as deal as you think it is. (oh sure when I first got it I was enamored with it but quickly the came to an end).
It requires a computer, so you need to factor in that cost, and most likely an additional monitor and video card that will support it (more cost).
I found the lack of knobs extremely cumbersome, Having to be tied to a computer to use a radio became very tiresome, and impractical.
I had to dedicate 1 monitor just to the Flex, and as yo said having to mess around with all the virtual software for serial and audio was a pain
(I'm an IT guy for 25+ years so if it's a pain for me how about the guy who does not do it for a living)

I know some love the Flex, but honestly after owning one I'll never own another...
(well unless someone wants to gives me one so I can sell it to buy another K3 or Jeep Parts)

From: Bill Turner <[hidden email]>
To: Elecraft <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2015 7:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Cost Of Amateur Radios

------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)

On Thu, 9 Apr 2015 15:33:42 -0700 (GMT-07:00), you wrote:

>Hmmmmm..... maybe the K3 is really a bargain after all!
>
>Just food for thought.
>
>73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW

REPLY:

A bargain?

K3 is a good radio, no doubt, but for $2500 you can get a Flex 6300
which has nearly all the features and then some. You may want the
external VFO knob @ $99. ATU is optional.

A Software Defined Radio (SDR) not for everybody. It runs on your
computer and there are no knobs on the radio except for the power
button. If you like a radio with knobs for everything SDR's are not
for you.

6300 Pros:

1. Already 100 watts, no separate amp needed.
2. Panadaptor built in (bigger screen and more versatile than the P3)
3. No filters to buy, including no roofing filters. The A/D conversion
is done right at the antenna and bandwidth is adjustable to
practically anything you want on any mode.
4. Receives short wave with no options needed.
5. Doesn't require any com ports at all. Everything is done via
Ethernet port including PTT. Great for laptops without com ports.
6. No audio cables required for data modes. No Line In, Line Out, etc.
All via Ethernet.
6 Hand mike included.

Cons:

1. Doesn't do FSK, only AFSK.
2. Integrating with 3rd party programs is not easy but is doable. Some
pulling of hair is inevitable.
3. Steep learning curve. Can be frustrating till you figure it out,
but what radio isn't?.

I have always thought the K3 was overpriced for what you get.
Opinions will vary.

My K3 + P3 is for sale.

73, Bill W6WRT

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Bill Turner-2

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)

On Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:36:50 +0000 (UTC), Harry wrote:

>I know some love the Flex, but honestly after owning one I'll never own another...

REPLY:

I suspect you owned an older model. The 6000 series is a different
breed.

As I said in my original post, not everybody will love an SDR.
The main reason I like the 6300 is the panadaptor. The P3 is good, but
the 6300 is better.

My main response was to the fellow who said the K3 was a "bargain".

I still disagree on that. I have almost $4000 into my K3 and P3, and
that's without an ATU. Not much of a "bargain", IMO.

73, Bill W6WRT
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Vic Rosenthal

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Guy Olinger K2AV

I like reading pro and con posts! I dislike the phenomenon of 'opinion bubbles' in radio as well as politics.

Here is what I like about Elecraft above all: they fix things. Some of us hassled Wayne about CW QSK artifacts, and he fixed it. The synthesizer was suboptimal, and they fixed it. There are many similar examples.

Vic K2VCO/4X6GP

> On Apr 10, 2015, at 4:07 AM, Guy Olinger K2AV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Good luck with your choices and druthers. And remember the place to crow
> about Flex is on their reflector.
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Jim Brown-10

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Bill Turner-2

On Thu,4/9/2015 4:48 PM, Bill Turner wrote:
> Cons:

You left out the fact that the K3 is a MUCH cleaner rig than the 6300
tested by ARRL, the Flex radios have only one RF chain, so they cannot
do diversity, and the UI is something that only the programmer's mother
could love. :)

People buy radios for different uses. I would hate to use any of the
current crop of SDRs in a contest. Someone buying for casual operation
could reasonably make a very different decision.

I don't know how you operate, but I suggest you use that new box for a
while before selling your K3/P3.

73, Jim K9YC
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Chris Tate - N6WM

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

Isn't it great to have choices? :-).

FWIW

I have a K line, and a flex 6500. Flex has some more homework to do before their platform is fully contest ready. But they are working on it and I really see it as a work in development, many of the control knob and button issues have been addressed adequately with apps(ipad) and the flex control knob and the pan display is nothing short of amazing. I have gotten major contest loggers interfaced successfully.

The 6300 is an entry level rig and as such will not hold up too well in battle with its lack of preselectors. The 6500 has preselectors but only 1 FPGA spectral capture unit.. (e.g. no diversity) only the $7000+ 6700 has diversity capability but both the 6500 and 6700 can replace 2 K3's with various SO2R tasks and that could make it attractive and a possible good value.

Their most recent software update has supposedly cleaned up their tx..(I just committed tonight to bring my 6500 over to YC for a test)

After running the lot.. I still show up to a contest and do my serious dxing with my K-line. but the improved capability of the 6500 is quite intriguing.. (and it has improved significantly). Its ability to produce its feature set remotely is pretty far out as well. I think this thing could develop into a contest friendly rig with future updates.... or then again.. we shall see.

But hey it the operator and not the rig right? :-).

Summary:
Love and live by my Elecraft rigs. (Particularly my k-line. wont sell them.. no way no how)
Intrigued with my flex 6500 experiment.. could grow on me if they makes various specific improvements. Their eco-system(reflectors.. support) also need work along with the rig itself.

IMHO There are many lessons they could learn from the Elecraft eco-system in general.

73
Chris
N6WM

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2015 11:46 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Cost Of Amateur Radios

On Thu,4/9/2015 4:48 PM, Bill Turner wrote:
> Cons:

You left out the fact that the K3 is a MUCH cleaner rig than the 6300 tested by ARRL, the Flex radios have only one RF chain, so they cannot do diversity, and the UI is something that only the programmer's mother could love. :)

People buy radios for different uses. I would hate to use any of the current crop of SDRs in a contest. Someone buying for casual operation could reasonably make a very different decision.

I don't know how you operate, but I suggest you use that new box for a while before selling your K3/P3.

73, Jim K9YC
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MontyS

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

If you want a Flex 6700 at half the cost, check out the Anan 100D from
Apache labs. Gigaparts is their US dealer.
Monty K2DLJ

Isn't it great to have choices? :-).

The 6300 is an entry level rig and as such will not hold up too well in
battle with its lack of preselectors. The 6500 has preselectors but only 1
FPGA spectral capture unit.. (e.g. no diversity) only the $7000+ 6700 has
diversity capability but both the 6500 and 6700 can replace 2 K3's with
various SO2R tasks and that could make it attractive and a possible good
value.

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Bill Turner-2

Re: The Cost Of Amateur Radios

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)

On Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:45:53 -0700, you wrote:

>and the UI is something that only the programmer's mother
>could love. :)

REPLY:

Don't be so quick to dismiss the UI. For one, it shows the state of
most settings all the time. For example, on the K3, to see the power
level, you have to turn the knob and even then the power only flashes
on the screen for about a second. On the 6300 it's there all the time.
In other words, the K3's display is seriously limited in what it can
show. The 6300's is not.

Again, I didn't intend to get into a flame war between radios. I only
wanted to respond to the fellow who said the K3 was a "bargain" by
pointing out that the K3's features could be had for a lot less money.
In all fairness, I think the higher end SDR's are overpriced too.

73, Bill W6WRT
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