There seems to be unanimous agreement here, but I beg to differ. In my opinion, the KX3 is not ideal for a typical beginning general class operator. I own a KX3 myself, and I think it's wonderful, and I doubt that I will ever part with it. It shines when it comes to portable operation .. That's why I bought it, that's what I use it for, and it's by far the best portable rig I've ever owned. I also have two K3s in my shack, and I use them when I'm operating there, which is the vast majority of the time. But let's face it, most beginning hams are forced to deal with budget limits, and a new KX3 is expensive. The last time I checked, the cost of a loaded KX3 with an outboard KXPA100 setup for HF only is well over $2300 plus tax and shipping, and that's without a power supply.
We know that the antenna system is the most important part of any station, and that an average transceiver with a great antenna will always outperform a state of the art transceiver with a bare bones wire antenna. Some will disagree, but I believe that a beginner will obtain more enjoyment and success with a 100 watt transmitter versus a 10 watt transmitter .. He'll be able to work most of the stations he can hear, which will not happen when he's QRP. QRP operation can be very, very frustrating (you know the saying .. "life is too short ...") There are many transceivers readily available on the used market . some for as little as $200 to $300. and, of course, they go on up from there. Forget about all of those high tech bench testing numbers.. a beginner simply needs a transceiver that works! I happen to have a $200 TS-520S (with internal power supply) in my shack that I fire up every once in awhile. I really doubt that most listeners can distinguish its 130 watt signal from that of my 100 watt KX3/KPA100. I would suggest that a beginner buy something like that and use the rest of his budget to build a good station and antenna system. He will likely opt to buy a new KX3, K3 or another excellent top of the line transceiver somewhere down the line, but by that time he'll have a much better idea about what he really wants, and the direction he wants to go in this wonderful hobby of ours. Don, N5LZ -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Edward R Cole Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2014 2:47 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is the KX3 a good choice for a new General? Actually, I would say its a good choice for any new ham (Tech or General License). It has both 10m and 6m for the Tech at 8w output which can work quite well when bands are open, and locally if not. Add the 2M module and you have 2m at 3w which will work nearby repeaters. But both 6m and 2m SSB or digital modes can also be used which offers increased diversity of operating. First step to increase usability is get a good antenna for any band considered, then maybe an amplifier. I have a HB 140w HF amp, a Mirage 125w 6m amp, and RFConcepts 35w 2m amp which the KX3 can drive. The whole lot can go mobile. The good part is when you advance in ham radio the KX3 has the capabilities to advance with you, so its not just a starter rig. Firmware improvements and additions preclude it becoming outdated technology. Quality and performance it is hard to beat for the bucks! Had I now already had a K3, the KX3 would probably be my first purchase. Of course I am not a new ham (56-years since I got my Novice: a week from tomorrow). So its a good new radio for an old timer - too! ;-) 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubus...@gmail.com ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to n...@comcast.net ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
