I would add to Dick's comments that the K3 "kit" is really just a mechanical assembly, installing pc boards in the enclosure. No soldering, calibration or alignment work need be done such as are common when assembling a kit from discrete components. All the boards are tested and any calibration needed is done at the factory.
Assembling the K3 kit does acquaint you with the construction that makes adding options easier since you know what's inside the radio. You can buy the unit equipped with what you know you want and then easily add other options - filters, ATU, etc. - later if you decide you want them. 73 Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Fjeld Sent: Monday, June 24, 2013 8:18 AM To: Rip R; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft and Ten Tec Roger, I went through the same decision process as you a few years ago. I had a Ten-Tec at the time. I bought my K3 kit sight unseen. As for the radio, I can't imagine anything better that my ears would notice. (I use a CM500 headset/boom mike.) I bought the 8-pole filters to give it the steepest skirts. I bought a few extras, but I did not stuff it full. I find the K3 QSK is excellent if you are wondering. Pretty much, everything about CW is user tailored. The CWT feature is great. I find operating conveniences are excellent. The chassis size has been fine for me. As for the menu question, it gives me no trouble, and using a menu is seldom needed. IMHO, the menu system is easy to use, and affords versatility to the radio. Your decision should include the future possibility of adding a P3 pan adapter. It adds flexibility and control to operating. Even if you only ragchew, it will show interference on the band and is a valuable aid for trouble shooting. All things are relative. I recommend you consider your vision if your plans are to build a kit. Dick, n0ce ----- Original Message ----- From: Rip R To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, June 22, 2013 6:30 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft and Ten Tec It is time for a new rig; actually my first "new" rig in many years since I typically buy a used rig from someone. I own both Elecraft and Ten Tec; K-1 and Omni 6 among others. The choice I am working on now is that of either the K-3 or the Eagle. The K-3 with one filter for CW will be more expensive than the Eagle with one filter (not by much) and of course the Eagle is not a kit. I operate mostly CW for rag chew, occasional contest, and DX. I do not think that I need all the options shown on the Elecraft website order form. I have never seen a K-3 up close, but I am concerned about the menu that some say takes a lot of getting used to. So several questions: is the menu concern not really an issue (?) or is it ; do I need anything else in the way of options (I have a good ATU) (?); and does the physical size of the control face pose a problem in your opinion. Please feel free to reply directly offline since I am sure the list has heard these questions many times. I would like to hear from you. 73s Roger W7RIP ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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
