Roger,
Your quandary reminds me somewhat the decisions I made in buying my
K3 three years ago. Hopefully I can provide some help.
The K3 is a fantastic radio, thus it has lots of operating features
(which I have to totally explore, yet). Initially there is a bit of
a learning curve to get accustomed to many of operating settings, but
the radio is ready to use out of the box. I figure it took me about
three weeks of playing with the radio with manual open to get to
where I could operate comfortably. But a radio with an on/off
switch, volume and VFO control would have lost my interest much
faster. I see the K3 challenges as part of its attraction (I
continually learn more about using it). I do endorse getting a copy
of the K3 manual from Fred Cady. He expands the description of
things to ease the learning process.
IF CW on HF/6m is all you will use the radio, then the standard
roofing filter and maybe a CW filter would suffice. The nice part of
the modular concept of the K3 is one can "add-on" later. You may
want a P3 or second receiver or more filters after having a chance to
use the radio.
I bought the K3/10 without ATU, with subreceiver and KRX3 transverter
interface because I mainly operate VHF and higher. Thus I got
filters for both the main and sub receivers. I like the size of the
radio and weight <8 lbs. Getting use to momentary push vs push-hold
multi function controls only takes a couple days to master. Using
the memory editor utility speeds loading memories with favorite frequencies.
I know nothing about the Eagle so not helpful in the basic decision,
but personally think the K3 beats the Eagle in performance. Owning
the K3, I feel no need to buy a "better" radio. The K3 is "it". So
I would not let these particular concerns of learning the radio put you off.
Look on my website if wanting to know a bit more what I enjoy:
http://www.kl7uw.com/
73, Ed - KL7UW
------snipped----
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
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
[email protected]
"Kits made by KL7UW"
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