I came to the decision to buy a K3 "through the back door." At the time I made my decision, I was operating a Yaesu FT-897D transceiver (all mode HF + 2 meter and 70 cm). I was getting interested in VHF/UHF contesting, and looking primarily for a 222 mhz transverter to give me another band for contesting.
The reviews of the Elecraft transverter seemed interesting. As I began to prowl around the Elecraft web site and also to read about Elecraft transceivers as IF strips for VHF/UHF work, it became very clear to me that the Elecraft receiver was vastly superior to the Yaesu rig. The only choice was between a K2 (lower cost) and a K-3 (more capability). But after I added the cost of 6 meter and 2 meter transverters for the K2, the choice became clear: K3. I love this rig. Its flexible expandability exactly meets my budgetary needs. The receiver sensitivity and selectivity are soooo much better than the Yaesu that it's almost laughable. The only "down side" is that the transmitter is only 10 watts in my "barefoot" K3, and I have had higher priorities for expansion than the internal amplifier. (I'm contemplating an external 100 watt amp based on a Communications Concept design, and am in the midst of building a 200 watt amp from another of their kits for 6 and 2 meters.) With the addition of the PR-6 preamp for 6 meters and the internal 2 meter transverter, I have a very solid foundation for a VHF/UHF contest station. I'm also currently building the 70 cm transverter, and expect to add the 1.25 cm transverter later this year. The ability of the K3 to recognize and control multiple transverters is a big bonus. What I like about the K3 (besides the attributes mentioned above) are its light weight and compact size. It's slightly bigger than the FT-897, but not as heavy. Ergonomics are much better. Menu controls are much better. Support is light-years ahead of Yaesu. The user community is large, friendly and knowledgeable. Life is good as an Elecrafter! Lew K6LMP ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
