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KX3 antenna failure
27 July 2014 | by I read on the M1KTA blog that an antenna lead on one of his Elecraft KX3 units has failed. I know these have seen some harsh portable field use but I would not have expected this. I have owned an FT817 for close on 14 years and, touch wood, it has never once failed me – still the same PA, same everything.
In my view, the KX3 is overpriced (over here in the UK) and not well built for rugged field use. I don’t doubt it has excellent features and an excellent receiver, but it is still over twice as much as an FT817ND which covers DC to blue light, out of the box ready built. The KX3 is a mess for leads, coming out all over the place. The FT817 is neat, rugged, and compact.
For me, the FT817 still wins.
2 Responses to “KX3 antenna failure”
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Based on price alone I can see where the FT817nd would be a radio of choice. I have had a total of 9 of them.. Really, starting with the very first one. There is a lot I like about the radio and since I again don’t have one, a few nits that causes me to keep trading them off. The last one about 30 days ago for a IC-7000. The one before that I gave to my 13 year old Grandson who just got his license. I have one early one with a blown final. I picked up one with a blow final. Easy fix. The ND is more stable. My issues with the radio is the RX, even with filters in not great. The TX really needs help too for SSB, like the W4RT big punch. Internal battery life is not great either. All of these are solved with the KX3 and more.
However for a general field radio the 817 is not bad. Having FM radio and vhf/uhf is nice too. I just find that it is no more or less rugged then the KX3. Having had both many times I have had a lot of hands on with both. However I am open and someday might have my 10th FT817 and not trade it off. Only time will tell. In the meantime I am having fun with the KX3 and looking forward to the PX3. With limited funds and being retired every penny spent has to be for long term quality and functionality. I am truly sorry that pricing, probably do to the dollar and VAT is a deal killer for you and others. Hopefully someday maybe that will change..
Just me 2 cents. KX3 wins here but the FT-817 is close behind and not only do I not fault others having this radio, I give it a thumbs up for those who can not swing a KX3 and want a good QRP alternative. You will have fun with it.
73 Harry
I love the 817, just LOVE it. But Yaesu, please please please, get on the ball and design and release an updated model. What are you waiting for?
73
Goody
K3NG