[TenTec] K3 vs Orion One

[Dick Green WC1M]

I agree with Barry. I've got an Orion and a K3 in SO2R configuration here. These are the two best rigs available today (with the possible exception of the Flex/5000, which is still evolving and lacks physical controls.) The Orion and K3 are certainly more affordable than competing high-end radios from overseas, and an SDR offers the potential for significant new features without having to buy new hardware (if only Ten-Tec would commit itself to the future of the Orion.)

Yes, the K3 is new and is going through the same fine-tuning process we had with the Orion. As a long-time Orion beta tester, and a new K3 field tester, I find the experience to be night and day between the two companies in terms of commitment, quality, speed and overall results. Elecraft is performing at a very high level thus far. Unfortunately, by not addressing many outstanding firmware issues, I feel TT has basically abandoned a large group of loyal users. That's the primary reason I bought a K3. But despite TT's lamentable performance, I haven't sold my Orion. Yet. It's still an excellent radio, and I have hopes that someday TT will devote resources to it again. Hopefully, their recent survey isn't an indication that they've decided to move on. If that's the case, a second K3 is in my future.

Buying a K3 during this period is not for everyone. Though the radio works extremely well, there are still a number of features that haven't been released yet (such as the sub-receiver, which promises to dramatically outperform the Orion's sub.) I'm willing to go through the firmware evolution process because I want the performance offered by the radio today, and I'd like to have some input into how the features work. Elecraft is particularly good about listening to the suggestions of all its customers, not just the field testers.

I also agree that the size of the K3, and its much more limited display, will put off some users. It doesn't bother me one bit, but the requirements of contesters are very different from those of the general ham population. OTOH, if portable HF is your thing, the K3 can't be beat. It's the ideal DXpedition radio.

If a friend had $4K+ to spend on a new radio, I'd advise buying a K3. But for someone with a tighter budget, Barry is right: a used Orion-I is the best bargain in ham radio.

73, Dick WC1M

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Barry N1EU [mailto:barry.n1eu at gmail.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 9:35 AM
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] K3 vs Orion One
> 
> On Tue, May 13, 2008 at 9:02 AM, fraz1 <fraz1 at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> > Charles.....
> >
> >  Exactly why I sold my K3 and kept the Orion.  But, I could hear the
> > difference as well.  And, the s l o w and low SSB output was also an
> issue.
> 
> The K3 ssb output issue was fixed in the previous firmware release.
> 
> FWIW, I own both and enjoy using both rigs.  IMHO, the Orion does a
> few things better and the K3 does a few more things better.  The
> steady, rapid improvement of the K3 firmware has been most impressive.
>  The K3 is a small radio with a small display, and that alone will
> rule it out for many users.  If small is not a problem for you, the K3
> has too many positive things going for it to be ignored if you're
> considering a new radio.  If you're considering a used radio,  the
> Orion is unbeatable.
> 
> 73,
> Barry N1EU