K3 versus Ten-Tec Orion

From Zerobeat

K4IA

I can compare the Orion 1 to the K3.

Size - the Orion is a suitcase, the K3 is a lunch box -much smaller and lighter. As a result the K3s buttons and knobs are smaller and closer together. The K3 is portable, the Orion is not.

Bandscope' - the Orion's may be primitive but it works. The K3s will be a separate unit and is still planned for the future. Someone may come up with a box to attach to a computer monitor.

Price - you'll have to add that up yourself.

Ease of use issues:

Orion has one button band switching and 4 stacking registers. The K3 cycles through the bands and has memories.

Orion is 2 button pushes to change mode, K3 cycles through modes.

Orion has a low power tuning function that makes it easier to pre-tune your amplifier. This is a firmware upgrade planned for the K3.

In my opinion, the K3s bandwidth adjustments are much easier to use. I have never gotten used to the Orion's.

Some functions are not as handy on the K3 because they are in a menu but they are functions you don't tend to change much. Most functions in the Orion are no more than two button pushes and a knob adjustment. On the other hand, a lot of functions you do change are activated on the K3 by pushing the adjustment knob and that makes more sense and is easier to follow than the Orion's menu selection and multifunction knob.

Firmware: Orion 1 had never been "right." It is better now as the mysterious crashing seems to be cured. The latest versions do not implement NR very well (if at all) and TT may be done with any further improvements. The K3 is very good as it is and Elecraft is working to add features. I feel better being on the edge of an improving product.

Receiver: I think the specs give the advantage to the K3 and I haven't had mine long enough to test it in all conditions. I do think the K3 sounds better. I have the 500hz roofing filter in the K3 and a 600hz in the Orion's 1khz slot (that is to solve another TT design issue that is too complicated to go into here but was fixed in the Orion 2). The K3 seems to resolve close-in loud interference better but the difference is marginal.

Summary: I think they are very close in performance. I give the edge to the K3 but it is slight. I would say the decision between the two is driven more by the "ease of use" issues. Both companies have reputations for good customer service but I would say Elecraft's is superior.

N1EU

(this review is frequently updated to reflect that latest status of these two radios)

What I like about the K3 (v2.67 fw):

 1. Look, feel, user interface are very well engineered with cleverness behind the control interface
 2. More responsive firmware support, product is being constantly improved, bugs are quickly fixed
 3. Frequency calibration is menu-adjustable
 4. Standard i.f. output provided for panadapter, "CW Skimmer" - Orion needs mod
 5. Adjustable AGC Slope yields excellent readability of individual signals in a pileup
 6. Subreceiver quality equal to main rx
 7. Superior AGC action in difficult condx
 8. Receiver seems to generate less internal noise, yielding slightly better readability of very weak signals
 9. Smoother QSK action with better sidetone
10. Amazingly clear ("transparent") ssb rx audio - best I've ever heard
11. Stereo Diversity is ergonomically supported via a special "diversity" mode of operation
12. Superb i.f. and dsp noise blanker - narrowband design allows use even with strong signals on the band
13. AF Limiter allows AGC-less reception without risking ear damage

What I like about the Orion I (v1.373b5 fw):

 1. Larger display provides substantially more onscreen info (e.g. BW/PBT/Mic/Comp/PWR) all the time 
 2. Better low-end extension of ssb rx/tx passband (rx down to 30hz versus 150hz for unmodified K3) 
 3. Wide filters are standard
 4. Ability to adjust slope (Taps) of dsp filtering
 5. More flexibility in assigning antennas/VFOs/LRaudio to tx/rx/subrx

The negatives with the K3 are the small display that lacks full time display of popular parameters such as width/shift/PBT/CMP/MIC/PWR as well as the subreceiver settings; and the small number of control knobs that engender complex key press sequences to accomplish some K3 functions. The main negatives for the Orion are the marginal subreceiver and questionable technical resources supporting any further Orion firmware development.

Bottom Line: Both rigs are excellent in pulling out weak signals in QRM with perhaps an edge in rx performance to the K3, but it's somewhat of a toss up. However, unless you need the larger form factor and simpler control interface of the Orion or you need the Orion's superior hi-fi SSB performance (the K3 can be modified for better hi-fi), the scales tip decidedly toward the K3 due to several factors: (1) it's an exciting, rapidly evolving product with an unquestioned commitment and engineering excellence behind it; there seems to be very little further development on the Orion (2) the availability of the superb K3 subreceiver, with identical performance to the main receiver; (3) rear panel i.f. output and development of new add-ons to take advantage of it (although the Orion can be modified to provide a similar output). The K3 is certainly a more exciting bandwagon to jump on, the best performing amateur transceiver available, and an excellent investment going forward; but it's also undeniable that a used Orion I is an incredible bargain at ~$2K.