For truly portable mountaintop all-mode VHF operating, especially SOTA and VHF contests, the Yaesu FT-817ND has been my rig of choice. You might say that it is really the “only game in town” for a 6m/2m/70cm radio that fits in a backpack.
I’ve had my eye on the Elecraft KX3 transceiver ever since it was introduced, but really I have been waiting for the 2m module to become available. (The KX3 has HF plus 6m standard.) After being announced over a year ago, the 2m module is now shipping and radio amateurs are getting their hands on the unit.
I do enjoy getting on the HF bands but my radio passion has always been centered on 50 MHz and higher. For my purposes, the manufacturers could have left off the HF bands and just designed a portable rig that does 6m, 2m and 70 cm (and maybe 1.25m, too). Or how about a dualband HT that does SSB?
I’ve used my 817 for many portable operations, so I have quite a bit of stick time on that rig. I’ve not really used a KX3, other than to play with it at hamfests. I’ve also talked with a number of KX3 owners that really like the rig. I was a bit surprised that the KX3 output power on 2m is only 2.5W minimum (3W typical), compared to 5W with the FT-817. (Yeah, I know, that’s only 3 dB difference, blah, blah, blah.) One of the big complaints on the 817 is that it is a bit of a battery hog on receive (450 mA) but the KX3 is not that much better at 300 to 350 mA. Here’s my comparison table for the two radios — with the emphasis on VHF operation.
| FT-817ND | KX3 with 2m Module | |
| Bands | HF + 6m, 2m, 70cm | HF + 6m, 2m |
| 6m Power Out | 5W | 8W |
| 2m Power Out | 5W | 2.5 -3W |
| Standby rx current (2m) | 450mA | 300 to 350 mA |
| Transmit current (2m) | 2A | 1.7A |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs, 1.2 kg | 1.5 lbs, 0.7 kg |
| Price | $690 | KX3 assembled $900 Hand mic $60 2m module $260 Total: $1220 |
The price comparison is a bit tricky because the KX3 can be purchased in kit form for $100 less. Many hams will actually see the kit assembly as a plus, since they get the satisfaction of building their own radio. A microphone is not standard on the KX3, so I added that to the list. Also, there are several different variations on the 2m module, depending on whether the automatic antenna tuner for HF is installed and whether the factory installs the option. I just picked a price that was in middle of the range.
The table would lead you to conclude that the FT-817ND is the clear winner mostly based on price (and the 70cm band). But its not that simple. There is a lot to like about the KX3, including the nice big display and the trail friendly layout. It also has more features for CW, PSK31 and RTTY.
For me, the answer is clear: keep on keepin’ on with the 817, since there is not enough of an advantage to go to the KX3. But I will probably keep lusting after it anyway. This also raises the question: what does Yaesu have coming to replace the aging 817?
What do you think?
73, Bob K0NR
Well, I’ve been using FT-817s for various tasks for many years and they have never let me down. I own (2) nd models and they have been everywhere with me from my shack to deep wilderness hikes to mountain climbing to camping and even a 7000+ mile cross-country trip in 2012.
There are reasons why the FT-817 is still in production at 14 years later, and is still selling very well. I just checked current FT-817 price at HRO – $609 after $50 rebate. There really is no other radio which does so much so well for such a great price. Period.
I too thought about buying a KX3 awhile back but decided against it because to me, it seems fragile compared to the FT-817 and I don’t like the form factor at all – pretty much impossible to just slip it into a backpack pocket or sling it around your neck as I have had to do a few times.
In this day of new battery technology, the often mentioned current consumption of the FT-817 should not be a problem at all. It isn’t for me and never has been. Both of my 817s have 2500ma LiPo batteries installed, and I get a good 6-8 hours of operating time from them depending on TX duty cycle. When hiking long-range, I also carry (2) very small 12v AA packs in addition to the internal LiPo and I always have enough power for a couple of days.
As we all know, the KX3 doesn’t cover 70cm and probably never will. And the new 2m module is $200 if you install it yourself, higher as a factory option. Ouch!
I would much rather be outfitted with an FT-817 for wilderness and/or SAR work because of the overall ruggedness and extended frequency coverage – in an emergency, I might very well need that 70cm coverage to summon help.
I do like to support our US economy as much as anyone, but I just can’t justify spending twice as much money for a radio that isn’t as rugged nor capable as the FT-817.
The FT-817 is certainly an adequate+ performer on HF, and a very good performer on VHF/UHF as well.