W5WVO: >One thing that must be pointed out, however: When W4ZV posted in early October, the FLEX-5000A was quoted as having an IMD3 at 2 kHz of 96 dB. According to the current FLEX website, they are now claiming a 14 MHz IMD3 at 2 kHz spacing of >100 dB using ARRL measurement methods. This puts it 6 dB (or more) better than the K3 at 2 kHz spacing, assuming identical measurement methods. I think it's arguable whether even a 6 dB difference in IMD3 is meaningful when both are well above 90 dB, but there it is. Comments on this thought would be interesting.
The FLEX website has always claimed >100 dB...but so does Ten-Tec for Orion (101 dB) which has been measured by many independent testers in the 92-93 dB range. There are often differences in measurement equipment, methodologies, personnel, etc that cause such differences. This is why I pay little attention to manufacturers' claims and specs and wait for independent tests by ARRL, RSGB, Sherwood, W8JI, etc. Regarding 6 dB IMD...I would say that difference would be marginally noticeable. 2-3 dB is not significant and well within measurement error and sample variation. >10 dB is significant, which is the margin between rigs like the K3, Orion, Flex and the better up-conversion rigs (IC-7800, Omni VII, etc). I'll again state that I feel it is very disingenuous for Flex to tout their 2 tone IMD claim so boldly but not even mention BDR performance. It reminds me too much of Detroit automobile advertising... (Our Pinto has the same trunk space as a BMW 530). "The FLEX-5000™ is the Highest Performing HF + 6m Amateur Radio Transceiver Available at Any Price with a 3rd Order Dynamic Range Using a 2 KHz Spacing at 14 MHz Greater Than 100 dB*" * - Using ARRL Lab testing methods http://www.flex-radio.com/ Ten-Tec makes a similar since they measure 101 dB. (Also using ARRL methodology) "ORION II is NUMBER 1" IMD3 dynamic range: 101 dB typical, pre-amp off, 20-kHz and 5-kHz spacing. The SDR-5000, Orion and K3 are all excellent products but I wish manufacturers would give us credit for a little more intelligence than their marketing departments and advertising agencies seem to have. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-or-SDR-5000--tp14478034p14486447.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ 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
