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[A. MeLek Wolde- SeLa'se]

Hello again,
As I draw nearer to taking my General Class test; I have
gotten bitten by the Elecraft K3 and TenTec Jupiter
bug.  I have been all over the net comparing and re-comparing the spec/performance reviews of these two
radios, while I can guess that portability is possible,
I still wonder as to how they would hold up in the environment of a tractor trl?                        What features would I be missing vs the TS480 or IC7000/706 II?
      Is the spectrum scope really that important?
Does the K3 or Jupiter cover 6m?  What about an antenna tuner?  Will the K3/Jup: receive SW radio or have SAT communication?  Can I monitor both 10m and 20m etc?
      Surprisingly both radios retail in the $12-1500 range.  Oh, would I need to buy extra filtering or the Voice Processor?  How does the stock mic perform?
I would be using a Scorpion 6160 antenna!  Thanks  73,

[K0BG]

You're trying to compare apples and oranges. The TenTec and K3 would be nice mobile, but they're really overkill in so many ways. I personally, with over 35 years of mobile under my belt, wouldn't consider either of them.

The TS-480Hx is a poor man's amplifier, and a decent radio. It does 6, but it doesn't do VHF/UHF. It's a little large for me, but not as large as a K3.

The IC-7000 does 160 through 70 cm. It is a consummate mobile radio, but it cannot be compared to any base radios. It is very small, and the main part, like the 480, can be tucked out of the way. Both, however, require very good ventilation around them.

Either of the latter two would be fine, depending on what it is you're looking for.

Go to my web site, and look under Miniature Radios.

Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com

[K5LXP]

Add about $500 to the K3 to make it 100W to be on par  TX wise with the other models.  Suddenly it's not comparable in price.

I'm with Alan, a high performance rig on a screwdriver antenna does seem a waste.  But if you've got the room, having a big display and knobs and buttons instead of a tiny screen and layers of menus might be a plus.  Just understand some of the performance features you're paying for you'll never see with a compromise antenna.


Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM

[W0FM]

I have the K3 and, in my opinion, it is best suited for stationary desk-top operation.  On the Elecraft reflector there have been questions asked about Elecraft coming out with a mobile mount for it.  That is not likely according to them.  So you would either have to fabricate a mount or strap it to the front seat to use the K3 mobile.

I also have a 706MkIIG and find it ideal for mobile work.  I'd go with that or the 7000 if you are serious about mobile operation.

73,

Terry, WØFM

[A. MeLek Wolde- SeLa'se]

K0BG, K5LXP, & W0FM
Thanks guys for all of your feedbacks.  I wish only to make a sound purchase on my first hf rig while limiting the I should have waited/regret that purchase syndrome.
      Furthermore, between my 60% cb radio ops and present 40% (and rising) D710 APRS ops, both mobile, I
am not looking to operate HF/6m while mobile, only when
stationary (from within the vehicle) or when off the road
      Forgive my lack of antenna knowledge, as I thought
the Scorpion antenna was a quality antenna for use mobile or as a base mount?
      Again, thank you for your professional insight(s)
and I will check out your (K0BG) website.  73