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:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
Edward
R Cole
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2014 2:47 PM
To: [email protected]
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:
[email protected]
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