I can compare the Orion 1 to the K3. Size - the Orion is a suitcase, the K3 is a lunch box -much smaller and lighter. As a result the K3s buttons and knobs are smaller and closer together. The K3 is portable, the Orion is not.
Bandscope - the Orion's may be primitive but it works. The K3s will be a separate unit and is still planned for the future. Someone may come up with a box to attach to a computer monitor. Price - you'll have to add that up yourself. Ease of use issues: Orion has one button band switching and 4 stacking registers. The K3 cycles through the bands and has memories. Orion is 2 button pushes to change mode, K3 cycles through modes. Orion has a low power tuning function that makes it easier to pre-tune your amplifier. This is a firmware upgrade planned for the K3. In my opinion, the K3s bandwidth adjustments are much easier to use. I have never gotten used to the Orion's. Some functions are not as handy on the K3 because they are in a menu but they are functions you don't tend to change much. Most functions in the Orion are no more than two button pushes and a knob adjustment. On the other hand, a lot of functions you do change are activated on the K3 by pushing the adjustment knob and that makes more sense and is easier to follow than the Orion's menu selection and multifunction knob. Firmware: Orion 1 had never been "right." It is better now as the mysterious crashing seems to be cured. The latest versions do not implement NR very well (if at all) and TT may be done with any further improvements. The K3 is very good as it is and Elecraft is working to add features. I feel better being on the edge of an improving product. Receiver I think the specs give the advantage to the K3 and I haven't had mine long enough to test it in all conditions. I do think the K3 sounds better. I have the 500hz roofing filter in the K3 and a 600hz in the Orion's 1khz slot (that is to solve another TT design issue that is too complicated to go into here but was fixed in the Orion 2). The K3 seems to resolve close-in loud interference better but the difference is marginal. Summary I think they are very close in performance. I give the edge to the K3 but it is slight. I would say the decision between the two is driven more by the "ease of use" issues. Both companies have reputations for good customer service but I would say Elecraft's is superior. k4ia Craig "Buck" Fredericksburg, Virginia USA **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001) _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
