Wayne, Eric, et al., I am content with my K3. I *did* order the P3TX transmit monitor addition and *might* buy the KIO3B *if* it has an onboard audio chip and circuitry that keeps the NF down as well as my E-MU 0204. It would be great to have everything in one smaller footprint. That said, the modular aspect of Elecraft keeps the hobby within reach of so many more people More people can enjoy the ownership of Elecraft. I think it is a minority (albeit a vocal minority) who want a pan-adapter built into their radio. I do not. I suspect most don’t because of what Elecraft offers. Oh, just because *you* and one of your friends wants it does not mean *everyone* wants it. :)
Lots of people are trying to compare Elecraft to the other amateur radio manufacturers. Well, you’re comparing apples to oranges. Without exception, all three big manufacturers of amateur radios also have other divisions. Elecraft *just* builds for the amateur radio operator. So, while Icom may come out with the 7700 one year and upgrade it to the 7800 in five, they’ve got huge market share in other areas such as marine and commercial radios. The market research for those is different than it would be for the amateur market. That said, markets change over time. The K3 was (is) my dream rig. I wanted one for years. I finally got one. The advent of the K3S does not negate my value of my K3. There are those out there that will have to have the latest gee-whiz piece of equipment. I don’t. When I bought my K3, I compared it heavily to the TS-590. The K3 won on its weak signal specs and its modularity and Elecraft’s customer support (which plays a *huge* role for me). As for the comments about receive audio, I have no problems. However, I have listened to PRC-77s and PRC-104s at length while either on a hump or sitting in the FDC/COC of an artillery unit. Add an AN/GRA-39 over 1000 m of 26-pair cable and it’s even worse. That audio was piercing. As for some of the other upgrades, I just don’t know. I wasn’t enamored with the K3SYNTH upgrade. I just didn’t see where I’d use it. I can already regularly detect JT65 and JT9 at < -20. They might come in handy, but I just don’t know. I want someone with more experience (Ed, KL7UW or Jim, K9YC) to let me know what they think. The problem is that I’d have to buy two of them. If I have one regret regarding my K3 purchase it would be the additional receiver. I thought it was something I’d really use. Well, I rarely use it. I find the P3 *much* more useful. Will I sell the second receiver? Probably not. I appreciate what Elecraft does and how they do it. Thanks, Joel - W4JBB ______________________________________________________________ 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
