On 7/5/2013 2:52 AM, Barry N1EU wrote:
The form factor of the K3 limits it to a very small display, my main
objection. An Orion-size display is a huge advantage.
My 71 year old eyes ain't what they used to be, but I find the form
factor and the modularity of the K3 just about ideal. The P3 spectrum
analyzer is in a separate box that the same height and depth of the K3,
but less than half the width. This allows it to be placed on either side
of the K3, or on top, which is how I do it. The modularity allows me to
buy only as much radio as I need, and to add options later as I see the
need (or have the funds) to do so. That weight and form factor also make
it more likely that I drag it on an airplane for a DX trip -- W0YK had
soft cases specially made so that he can drag two of them for his
regular trips to the Caribbean that set RTTY contesting records.
The more compact form factor made a HUGE improvement on my operating
desk when the K3s replaced a pair of FT1000MPs (boats the size of the
Orion, somewhat different shape, no spectrum display).
The P3 spectrum analyzer can be set to any bandwidth between 2 kHz and
200 kHz, and for any full scale range between 6 and 72 dB. It also has
an option for display on a computer monitor. Both P3 and external
monitor can also display a waterfall, or waterfall plus spectrum. The
external monitor greatly increases the frequency resolution of the
spectrum display, as well as the time interval of the waterfall (the
longest setting displays a full minute). This is REALLY helpful when
you're trying to find an open frequency to call CQ during a contest, or
where to fit your call in a DX pileup, or to see band openings on 6M and
10M.
One advantage of the modularity is that you can choose which features
YOU need for your style of operation. If you're always going to be
driving an amp, you don't need the antenna tuner. For most everyday
operating, even for most contests, I find the P3 much more useful than
the second RX. The exception is for diversity reception on 160, 80, and
40M. Since the two options are in the same range of cost, it allows the
user to choose (and to add the other later).
73, Jim K9YC
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