Jim,
I bought my FT-847 in the first few months after it was introduced
in1998 and used it on satellite and eme for ten+ years. I agonized
for two years after getting K3 whether to sell. I needed funds to
buy two transverters so selling the FT-847 provided funds. But I
lost the 440-450 FM band and satellite crossband operation.
I think that many new techs do not get the elmering after getting a
license like was done 40-50 years ago when I was starting out. Also
many new hams are entering for the emcomm role of ham radio and do
not have the normal hobbly interest in radio, itself. I'm sure many
give up within a year when they find more interesting stuff in their
smart phone apps.
I chose to switch to the K3 exactly because of its superior
performance on CW. The low-noise DDS VFO and being transverter ready
with the KVX3, helped. This is the old standard of excellence for
weak-signal work so I went back to a good HF radio + transverters and
am very pleased with the result. The FT-847 was OK on SSB/FM on
VHF/UHF but not particularly good for HF. Its big attraction was
having everything under one hood.
I have an idea for Elecraft which might come halfway to having a
single do-it-all radio: Make an enclosure to match the K3 that will
take four transverters in slide-in slots, like was done with the
FT-736R, only in a box separate from the K3. Each transverter would
retain its own output antenna connection but have a common 28-MHz
input switch selectable. Also incorporate a sequencer board for
controlling accessories for four bands. Two coax to the K3 and two
control lines (One to ACC and one from KEYOUT). Provide 12v
distribution to the K3 so one 12v power cable would be needed.
One could chose four transverters of 50, 144, 222, 432, 1296 MHz
bands or install one and add others later. Edge connector interface
to the transverter except for RF output which could remain a BNC (or
N as option).
Taking the two package station portable or mobile would be fairly
easy. A similar concept could be used with the KX3, or make the
4-band transverter unit universal so it could be used with any 28-MHz
SSB radio.
73, Ed - KL7UW
At 10:45 AM 1/31/2014, you wrote:
Hi Ed,
I've stubbornly held onto my FT-847 because of the higher power on
2m and 432 MHz.
To get 222 capability, I purchased the Elecraft transverter kit, but
haven't had time to assemble it yet.
I thought I'd begin right after I order a 222 MHz Yagi from M2.
It's astounding that more Technician-class licensees don't make
better use of the tremendous spectrum and many modes available to them.
I have to wonder how many get their license, get tired of working
the repeaters, and never bother to renew - especially that first big
wave of no-coders.
About 10 years ago, the XYL, herself a Technician, set up a 6m/2m
demonstration station at Field Day.
It attracted a lot of attention, and at least one Tech upgraded to
Extra, back when we still had the code element to pass.
But most, as far as I know, didn't follow through.
Other than having everything all in one package, do you feel that
the K3 + transverters is superior to using the FT-847 with transverters?
It's nice to know that it will support 9 transverters! BTW, I do
have the transverter interface for my K3.
73 de Jim - AD6CW
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[email protected]
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