[Yaesu] FT-817 vs Elecraft reduc

20 Jan 2002 05:58:11 -0500

Hi, Jim,
>> Well, it sounds like the Yaesu is a much better choice for the type of
> operating that you do. 

Precisely.
> In QRP circles, though, I doubt anyone would use
> "loser" and Elecraft in the same sentence.

Absolutely. There is no question that the Elecraft K2 is a superior
radio for the application it was designed for: kit builders who are
CW-oriented. However, for my application it absolutely is a loser,
because it doesn't do what I want the rig I buy to do.
> The receiver itself makes up for the downfalls you mention.

Not so. I am looking for a small mobile rig for my car. It *has* to do
2M FM because that is what I do most from the car. It *has* to fit
where I want to mount the rig, and the Elecraft doesn't. I also have
zero inclination to build a kit.
The problem here is that this is an apples and oranges comparison. To
stick with Yaesu, if I compared the performance of an FT-1000 Mark V
with that of an FT-817 well... of course the FT-1000 would win. In
Japan they make a QRP version of that radio, too. It still won't fit in
my car. This debate raged on the FT-817 reflector for a while too. The
fact remains that the rigs are not directly comparable except for the
fact that they are both QRP.
No one radio is "best". The FT-817 is clearly best for my application. 
I imagine that there are quite a few people on this list who would hate
the rig because it doesn't match their operating habits at all.
Let's put it another way. The debate for me as to what to buy wasn't
FT-817 vs Elecraft. It was FT-817 vs FT-90. I decided to sacrifice the
extra power for all those extra bands, SWL capability, and SSB
capability. 
73,
Caity
KU4QD