Hi All, Shortly after the KX3 was announced and described, I started contemplating just what radios I own that it could replace. Several radios I own were obvious candidates for replacement, but the FT-817 wasn't immediately that obvious. That was due to the exceptionally small size of the FT-817, plus it's equally exceptional "all band" capabilities. However, I did a rough calculation of volume for each radio, and I came up with approximately the same results that Wayne has posted (his calculations are surely more precise than mine). The KX3 is, indeed, smaller! It's perhaps a bit counter intuitive when you just look at the two, since the KX3 is wider and higher. The weight differential, which favors the KX3, is substantial. Performance wise, I'm sure the KX3 will blow the FT-817 away.
Different people will have different priorities, so there's no "right answer". For me, the FT-817 will probably lose 95% of it's appeal once I get my hands on a KX3. The concession will be access to VHF/UHF, but I find my HT to be more than adequate as a supplement, and what I use mostly anyway. Besides, I've always felt the FT-817 was almost too small--the display is hard to read, and the controls are difficult to access. I've never liked the menu system on most Yaesu's anyway. Still, my FT-817 has been a very frequent companion for me. It's been a relatively flawless performer for a good while, and well worth every nickel I spent on it. It's no surprise to me that this has been one of the most successful pieces of ham gear ever produced. Nevertheless, the KX3 looks to me like the perfect radio for QRP Field Day and similar activities. I will be most interested to see how the HF Packer folks respond to the KX3. I'm not one myself, but they are a very innovative group when it comes to implementing small radios. Since radios like the FT-817 and IC-703 are relative power hogs compared to the KX3, I suspect that will be another very significant factor. It's always a lot of fun watching these folks "do their thing", as was the case most recently at Pacificon. Bonnie, KQ6XA, was putting out a very potent signal with her setup at Pacificon, and knocking off contacts one right after another. She was getting better signal reports than I was using my 100 watt mobile setup! Anyway, I can already visualize how HF Packers will fabricate a way of mounting a KX3 in front of them and having substantially enhanced operating ergonomics in the process. As Terry, WA0ITP says, "I love this stuff!" Even as a spectator! Dave W7AQK ======= Email scanned by PC Tools - No viruses or spyware found. (Email Guard: 7.0.0.27, Virus/Spyware Database: 6.18570) http://www.pctools.com/ ======= ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
