I think it's almost better to get a much cheaper older rig first. In my latest
run as a ham I started with an old Kenwood TS140 for about $350. It worked
fine for what it could do. It couldn't break apart pileups but it allowed me
to make many QSOs. However, when I got my K3--wow! I don't
I agree that a less expensive rig may be a better way to go for a beginning
ham. That being said, I'm surprised the option of a K2 hasn't been mentioned.
It's a nice clean easy to use layout with an excellent RX in a compact
package which can be obtained (especially used) without breaking the
I tend to try to save a few bux by buying used older gear. My XYL always tells
me that's false economy because at some point I'll want newer/better and won't
get much out of the dented scratched boat-anchors.
She's SO wise.
73, Mike NF4L
On Dec 6, 2014, at 10:08 AM, Al Gulseth
Don,
$2000 to $4000???
A basic KX3 doesn't come close to $2000, and the upgrades can be added as money
becomes available! I sure wish the KX3 was around when I got my novice ticket!
Mark
KE6BB
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Sure Mark …. I’m of the opinion that QRP is NOT the best idea for a beginner
because it can often be very frustrating without an optimal antenna (which most
newbees do NOT have)….. so my estimate does not necessarily apply to those who
are willing to struggle with QRP. I don’t really know
OK, I am not a beginner, but having worked 253 DXCC with 5W and very
modest antennas on my K2 I would not agree with that statementAnd I
never find myself 'struggling', I just work the stuff.
73 Dave G3YMC
On 6 Dec 2014 at 12:45, Don Butler wrote:
TMm of the opinion that QRP is NOT the
Just for clarity, the original post asked only about the KX3 - which is
$899.95 kit price. That is only 20% to 45% of your stated $2K to $4K.
While the pros and cons of a new general class licensee using a
transceiver that produces 15 watts can be debated, my take is that --
1) Many new hams
Hi Elecrafters...
This is becoming redundant so will be my final post on this thread (I
apologize for the consumed bandwidth). Suffice to say that each of us will
develop an opinion of our own on this subject and it will likely differ from
that of many others, and that should be just fine.
Something new hams wrestle with is ... how much do I want to spend given
that I don't know where this will take me or if I'll even stick with
it? So the entry point price makes a difference. So does
resell-ability in case I want out.
The question of QRP operation is pertinent but not the
I agree, NIck. In past years I made a point of
giving older rigs away to a new ham so they can
start in the hobby without committing funds.
That's where early Kenwoods (TS-520S, TS-440SAT)
went and where my TS-570DG will go as soon as I
find a local ham with interest.
New hams seldom know
While I think an Elecraft rig is not a bad choice for a committed ham,
or even an unsure newbie (because they retain value in the second hand
market), this is a situation where a local club might help.
Sometimes, hams will leave their radio estate to the club, for the
purpose of providing
And that is a great way to go. However, the eye candy of a the newer rigs is a
big appeal to the uniformed and will likely be biased from then on and that's
all they want. Until the day (maybe it never comes) they realize that their rig
just doesn't seem to perform like someone else's,
Respectfully, 253 QRP DXCC is FAR easier from anywhere around the
northern Atlantic and Western EU than from many other parts of the
world. W6, for example. :)
On Sat,12/6/2014 12:49 PM, Dave Sergeant wrote:
but having worked 253 DXCC with 5W and very modest antennas on my K2 I would
not
I bought my K3 and KX3 in stages because I could not afford all at
once. I owned an IC-718, IC-706mkII and an IC-746 (all previously used)
as first radios. I decided to buy the K3 because of my first experience
with it. I got a late night shift during a contest and suddenly had to
figure it
I really have to agree. Simple is better to start with. I don't consider
the KX3 to be simple by any means. Having some immediate success is the
best way to keep a new ham interested. I keep several loaners around that
aren't worth very much on the used market but serve very well as
Yes, simple is better, but if that new ham is interested in having a
top-notch station, he will be well advised to consider Elecraft gear.
If for no other reason than the Elecraft gear is upgradable -- one does
not have to buy the whole ball of wax at the initial purchase time, it
can be
Don
You should add that the K3 has been around for quite awhile now so it has
proven not just its performance but adoption by many knowledgeable hams
around the world and has also proven very reliable operating in less than
ideal conditionsask me how i know this:-)
No better
Don, I totally agree that a KX3 or K3 would be an excellent choice for any
new licensee who can afford to spend $2000 to $4000 on his/her first ever
radio. I absolutely love mine. But there are many newbees who simply
cannot afford that luxury, and they need to know that there are suitable
used
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 ..
I must admit, my experience was quite different. I started as a
tech doing mostly 2M repeater contacts. When I upgraded my
license, I had an Icom 706M2G which I used with full size
dipoles. I discovered PSK31 at field day and started using the
Icom at QRP levels making many contacts on 20, 40,
Well... there we have it. After Wayne and David's cogent arguments,
I'll change my position, and say that the KX3 would be a good choice
for a new General. Case closed.
73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211
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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
Interesting thread. The dust appears to be settling, so I thought I'd weigh in.
Whether I'm biased or not is left as a study question for the reader ;)
We designed the KX3 specifically for new hams. Here are some considerations:
- The KX3's size and weight allows it to be used anywhere, and
I am a new ham, licensed this year (general). Wayne obviously has the
design perspective re: KX3 but I wanted to talk about my experience. I'm in
IT, and an engineer, so I research anything I am looking at purchasing
quite heavily prior to purchase. I won't talk about why my research lead me
to
Elecraft customer support is second to none. The KX3 is definitely a keeper
- you just don't see these things selling second hand. That's a pretty good
indicator of customer satisfaction. In my opinion the KX3 is a brilliant
bit of kit and something you'll never regret purchasing (and will keep
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