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Posted: 1/16/2015 11:16:04 PM EDT
[#1]
All the cool kids have one.
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Posted: 1/17/2015 5:28:49 AM EDT
[#2]
The kx3 has so many plug in options to add too your ham radio experience. An over sized water fall is one that is a nice option. Next is a 2m module. The bragging rights to a kx3 and the taste of its koi laid are good also. I'm sure there are many more ,but I'm to lazy to look and it's 430 in the morning here.
Also on 14.313 when you key up a kx3 it sends out a secret tone that makes all other stations quite down so your message can get through. 
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Posted: 1/17/2015 5:39:29 AM EDT
[#3]
No reason, other than the fact that HAM radio is like any other hobby. Part of the hobby is operating a radio and the other is playing with and getting new toys.
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Posted: 1/17/2015 9:34:15 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No reason, other than the fact that HAM radio is like any other hobby. Part of the hobby is operating a radio and the other is playing with and getting new toys. I can't really see any reason to buy one other than this. The KX3 is a great radio, but you don't need one. |
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Posted: 1/17/2015 11:55:58 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I have owned an Icom-703 plus since 2009. I have made contacts around the world on 10 watts. I can hear as well on this rig as my Kenwood TS820, Kenwood TS 520 and a littler better then my 897D -- convince me why I need an Elecraft KX3 over buying a Kenwwod 590 or Icom 7200!! hey OP, i don't mean to derail your thread but i was thinking that although i currently own a semi-auto 9mm, i might get another one just because. your thoughts on this? ar-jedi 
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Posted: 1/17/2015 12:51:58 PM EDT
[#6]
Nothing wrong with a 703. I got the KX3 because it is smaller and lighter for my portable ops.
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Posted: 1/17/2015 8:17:08 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No reason, other than the fact that HAM radio is like any other hobby. Part of the hobby is operating a radio and the other is playing with and getting new toys. +1 My newest toy 
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Posted: 1/18/2015 2:11:07 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No reason, other than the fact that HAM radio is like any other hobby. Part of the hobby is operating a radio and the other is playing with and getting new toys. +2. You won't gain much except getting a new toy to play with. I once considered buying a KX3, when I was looking for a small, portable QRP radio. I'm glad one of our club members had one and let me play with it. I ended up buying a new FT-817D with an optional 300Hz CW filter. FT-817 does everything I want and has VHF/UHF all mode capability. Mission accomplished and money saved for other toys. |
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Posted: 1/18/2015 2:43:33 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
I have owned an Icom-703 plus since 2009. I have made contacts around the world on 10 watts. I can hear as well on this rig as my Kenwood TS820, Kenwood TS 520 and a littler better then my 897D -- convince me why I need an Elecraft KX3 over buying a Kenwwod 590 or Icom 7200!! Because it's better than all the radios you listed? Especially if you plan on carrying it and a power source for any distance.
But it doesn't sound like your "needs" demand a KX3 or similar low-draw, do-everything radio. |
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Posted: 1/18/2015 3:34:42 AM EDT
[#10]
Would you guys have any interest in a keyboard interface? I downloaded the command set PDF and am working on an interface translator that you can plug a regular USB keyboard into and it would allow you to directly enter RTTY/ CW text and control commands. I have a few parts to pick up but I just now starting on trying to get it all together.
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Posted: 1/18/2015 9:43:33 AM EDT
[#11]
Please bear with me as I ask a few questions, probably using the wrong jargon to ask.
If my understanding is correct the KX3 can do digital modes (JT-65 etc) right out of the box. It has the necessary interface (USB?) to plug directly into your computer so all you need is a computer with the right software or tablet with the KX3Companion. Am I mistaken about this? Does the 703 have this capability? Does the OP even care about digital modes other than CW or RTTY? |
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Posted: 1/18/2015 10:07:52 AM EDT
[#12]
The Large Majority of my Guest on the Fo Time Podcast are KX3 owners...they usually mention this fact about 3 times per interview....I think it's a conspiracy
 
If I could afford one, I'd have it. It seems to be an amazingly capable rig. I'll add, that I'd not turn an IC-703 away either...or an 817!!!  what do they say..."just another tool in the tool box"
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Posted: 1/18/2015 10:49:02 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Please bear with me as I ask a few questions, probably using the wrong jargon to ask. If my understanding is correct the KX3 can do digital modes (JT-65 etc) right out of the box. It has the necessary interface (USB?) to plug directly into your computer so all you need is a computer with the right software or tablet with the KX3Companion. Am I mistaken about this? Does the 703 have this capability? Does the OP even care about digital modes other than CW or RTTY? |
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Posted: 1/18/2015 3:38:21 PM EDT
[#14]
If I had a 703 I wouldn't bother with the KX3 unless you needed to shed weight/size for man-portable ops. The capabilities are pretty similar, the KX3 is nicer and does a bit better in most categories, but I wouldn't feel bad owning a KX3.
FWIW I've got a 817 setup so my motivation to get a kx3 is minimal, it also cost me a fraction of the KX3, puts out 5x the power when I use the amp, the only minor downside is that its a bit heavier, but that also depends on the config I'm using. |
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Posted: 1/19/2015 2:52:45 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Would you guys have any interest in a keyboard interface? I downloaded the command set PDF and am working on an interface translator that you can plug a regular USB keyboard into and it would allow you to directly enter RTTY/ CW text and control commands. I have a few parts to pick up but I just now starting on trying to get it all together. Yes. Probably. I'm using a Note 3, Companion, and a BT mini keyboard to do basic RTTY and PSK work. I would be good with a single USB mini-keyboard and onboard scrolling display without having to jack with a phone/tablet and app. |
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Posted: 1/19/2015 4:52:23 PM EDT
[#16]
Buy whichever one makes you happy. When the KX3 first came out I drank the Kool-aid and thought it would be the perfect radio to fill my portable and compact base station needs. I sold a bunch of stuff to fund a fully loaded KX3, and owned it for about a year. For as much money as I had wrapped up in it I didn't use 50% of the available functions. I just wanted a radio to turn on and run, and not screw around with settings. I used it portable, but I was too scared of the long knobs and big shiny unsealed faceplate to take it on any hardcore adventures. To make up for it's fragile feel I put it in a Pelican case which negated any weight and size advantage it had over other radios.The filters are great for CW use, but for SSB the Noise Reduction and Noise Blanker features did very little for me, and the echo effect of the NR was just as bad as whatever noise I was trying to reduce. I thought it would be great for digital modes as you didn't need any fancy interface, but on slow modes like WSPR and JT65 it drifted way more than was acceptable for my uses. The 2M module was weak sauce and expensive so I never bought it. The lack of 70cm coverage was obvious.
I've since bought a fully loaded FT-817ND with DSP, speech processor, and dual filters and it meets 95% of my needs. The biggest things I miss about the KX3 is the stereo effect audio on SSB, and the built in tuner. IMHO the FT-817 BHI DSP works much better than the NR feature on the KX3. I like the rugged feel of the FT-817 and have even used it in mist & light rain and don't feel like I'm going to hurt it. I backpack with the radio and like being able to leave it in the radio pouch and still access the faceplate without removing the radio. My biggest dislike of the FT-817 is the 400ma standby power draw, but I compensated for that by running it with lightweight 5ah LiPo RC batteries. I picked up an Elecraft T1 tuner and while it's not as streamlined as a built in tuner, it gets the job done. On digital modes the FT-817 is rock steady, even during long, full power TX periods. I don't regret buying the KX3 as I learned a lot from it, and it helped me nail down the features that I really wanted and needed in a radio. |
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Posted: 1/19/2015 5:56:40 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
+1 My newest toy
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/44s_zps57f7d7d5.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/44s_zps57f7d7d5.jpg</a> Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
No reason, other than the fact that HAM radio is like any other hobby. Part of the hobby is operating a radio and the other is playing with and getting new toys. +1 My newest toy
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/44s_zps57f7d7d5.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/44s_zps57f7d7d5.jpg</a> Single 6? |
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Posted: 1/19/2015 6:55:11 PM EDT
[#18]
Super Blackhawk...
Nick |
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Posted: 1/19/2015 8:59:17 PM EDT
[#19]
5.5" Ruger SUPERBLACKHAWK .44magnum
massive home-brew LEE 315gr flat-point Gas-Checks loaded with a stout about of H-110 
( note 45ACP brass for size comparison )
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Posted: 1/19/2015 9:17:41 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
5.5" Ruger SUPERBLACKHAWK .44magnum <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/u_zpsdf09e8cd.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/u_zpsdf09e8cd.jpg</a> massive home-brew LEE 315gr flat-point Gas-Checks loaded with a stout about of H-110 <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/44310nn_zps111276ec.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/44310nn_zps111276ec.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/IMG_0565_zpsd920d285.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/IMG_0565_zpsd920d285.jpg</a> ( note 45ACP brass for size comparison ) Quoted because its unrelated?
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Posted: 1/19/2015 11:21:48 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
5.5" Ruger SUPERBLACKHAWK .44magnum <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/u_zpsdf09e8cd.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/u_zpsdf09e8cd.jpg</a> massive home-brew LEE 315gr flat-point Gas-Checks loaded with a stout about of H-110 <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/44310nn_zps111276ec.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/44310nn_zps111276ec.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/IMG_0565_zpsd920d285.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/IMG_0565_zpsd920d285.jpg</a> ( note 45ACP brass for size comparison ) I need one of those for bear protection. |
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Posted: 1/20/2015 12:19:34 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Buy whichever one makes you happy. When the KX3 first came out I drank the Kool-aid and thought it would be the perfect radio to fill my portable and compact base station needs. I sold a bunch of stuff to fund a fully loaded KX3, and owned it for about a year. For as much money as I had wrapped up in it I didn't use 50% of the available functions. I just wanted a radio to turn on and run, and not screw around with settings. I used it portable, but I was too scared of the long knobs and big shiny unsealed faceplate to take it on any hardcore adventures. To make up for it's fragile feel I put it in a Pelican case which negated any weight and size advantage it had over other radios.The filters are great for CW use, but for SSB the Noise Reduction and Noise Blanker features did very little for me, and the echo effect of the NR was just as bad as whatever noise I was trying to reduce. I thought it would be great for digital modes as you didn't need any fancy interface, but on slow modes like WSPR and JT65 it drifted way more than was acceptable for my uses. The 2M module was weak sauce and expensive so I never bought it. The lack of 70cm coverage was obvious. I've since bought a fully loaded FT-817ND with DSP, speech processor, and dual filters and it meets 95% of my needs. The biggest things I miss about the KX3 is the stereo effect audio on SSB, and the built in tuner. IMHO the FT-817 BHI DSP works much better than the NR feature on the KX3. I like the rugged feel of the FT-817 and have even used it in mist & light rain and don't feel like I'm going to hurt it. I backpack with the radio and like being able to leave it in the radio pouch and still access the faceplate without removing the radio. My biggest dislike of the FT-817 is the 400ma standby power draw, but I compensated for that by running it with lightweight 5ah LiPo RC batteries. I picked up an Elecraft T1 tuner and while it's not as streamlined as a built in tuner, it gets the job done. On digital modes the FT-817 is rock steady, even during long, full power TX periods. I don't regret buying the KX3 as I learned a lot from it, and it helped me nail down the features that I really wanted and needed in a radio. Thanks for posting this. I've been debating the KX3 for a long time and I just can't quite justify the cost based on my needs, this somewhat reinforced my opinion. I've calculated the weight and size savings and it is minimal compared to the 817. I'm particularly interested/surprised in your comparison of the BHI DSP vs the IF DSP of the KX3. Also 2 817 pointers if you haven't heard them before. You can cut the power draw to ~250 ma if you don't use the internal speaker (use earbuds) and turn off the display backlight (this saves alot). Also the windcamp 3Ah internal lithium is reviewed well if you want a better internal battery. |
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Posted: 1/20/2015 1:40:02 AM EDT
[#23]
I've always thought the little FT-817 was a cool rig. 
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Posted: 1/20/2015 11:23:38 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've always thought the little FT-817 was a cool rig. http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/0817.jpg Its a great all band rig, I just wish it had more power or an internal ATU, but then it probably wouldn't be little. I think the big advantage is versatility, it can easily be modded to do alot of things. I got mine for dirt cheap so modding it makes the most sense for me vs buying something like a kx3. |
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Posted: 1/20/2015 11:28:38 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
5.5" Ruger SUPERBLACKHAWK .44magnum <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/u_zpsdf09e8cd.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/u_zpsdf09e8cd.jpg</a> massive home-brew LEE 315gr flat-point Gas-Checks loaded with a stout about of H-110 <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/44310nn_zps111276ec.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/44310nn_zps111276ec.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/derek45/media/RUGER/IMG_0565_zpsd920d285.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/RUGER/IMG_0565_zpsd920d285.jpg</a> ( note 45ACP brass for size comparison ) Sry, was viewing on my phone...Dad gave me a Single 6 for my 40th last year and your pic caught my eye  looks 'almost' the same
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Posted: 1/20/2015 5:58:55 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've always thought the little FT-817 was a cool rig. http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/0817.jpg I love mine, but I paid very little for it as it was being sold as broken... It had the internal batteries exploded inside, bit of cleaning, new batteries, shiny new rig. Its definately in need of an update though. If I were king, I'd keep the form factor the same, add Lithium batts (like the windcamp pack), more TX power come on 20W isn't that much to ask for is it?, an actual SSB voice processor/kompressor. |
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