Some good observations, Dale. A comparison with
the KX1 might also be pertinent, since that is the
radio in the Elecraft line I see it replacing.
One thing: You said "I can only guess at the
decreased capability of the optional ATU. The one
for the KX2 may still be sufficient for most
needs, but I just hate to see less capability.
Elecraft ATU's in the K3 and KX3 are great, and I
guess I just get nervous about less.". I've seen
nothing to suggest less capability in the ATU vs.
the KX3's ATU. The KX2 FAQ includes "7L/7C network
(KXAT2) - 8L/8C network (KXAT3)", but with fewer
bands I suspect the ATUs are equally capable --
and the spec in the FAQ says "matching range typ.
20:1 or higher" which seems good enough.
Would I want to lug and power my PX3 with the
KX2? Seems that would defeat the purpose of a
small, portable battery-operated rig. But for
portable ops with an AC supply, I'd take the KX3
so it doesn't matter to me. Clearly the KX2 is
not intended to replace the KX3 in the Elecraft
product line.
As to "So, how do you describe the difference in
ten words or less? Is the KX2 a stripped down
version of the KX3, or is the KX3 a deluxe KX2?",
perhaps a KX1 comparison would be more to the
point, Dale :-)
73, Phil W7OX
On 5/23/16 7:25 PM, w7aqk wrote:
Hi All,
The ink is barely dry on the release
announcement for the KX2, but it has created
quite a stir. A lot of people are very curious
about this rig, including me. As a KX3 owner
already, I'm not chomping at the bit to get a
KX2, but I am trying to discern just what the
meaningful differences are.
I think it is intriguing that Elecraft chose to
make it's new rig a "downsized" version of the
KX3. I can certainly see how this has
stimulated a lot of interest. What I'm trying
to figure out is whether or not it does anything
better than the KX3, or is it just a smaller,
and less capable, radio. At this point, I'm
inclined to think the latter. That's not
necessarily a bad thing, but that seems to be a
better generalization. Nonetheless, what you
give up with a KX2 may not outweigh what you
might gain with a KX3--it depends solely on the
user.
The KX2 is definitely smaller (about half the
volume) and lighter, although the footprint is
not quite that much different. The price is
lighter too! As a true portable radio, I see
this as a nice advantage. SOTA ops probably
will really appreciate this! You still have a
very competent radio with just about all the
features a portable op would want or need.
The things you give up are not insignificant.
There is a slight power differential, which may,
or may not, be a concern. Possibly more of a
concern might be not having roofing filters.
I've become a huge fan of having those. Also,
losing access to 160 and 6 meters may be
problematic for some. I'm not all that
concerned about no AM or FM, but others might
be. With the emphasis on being a "hand held"
radio, some may lament no VHF/UHF as well.
I can only guess at the decreased capability of
the optional ATU. The one for the KX2 may still
be sufficient for most needs, but I just hate to
see less capability. Elecraft ATU's in the K3
and KX3 are great, and I guess I just get
nervous about less. The ATU's in the KX1 and K1
were only moderately useful, and it was their
reduced size that caused that. Elecraft can
obviously put out superb ATU's, but they need
some room to do that.
I was disappointed to see that the PX3 would not
mate with the KX2. In their "FAQ's", Elecraft
sort of deflects that by simply suggesting that
capability is more appropriate for a larger rig,
like the KX3 or K3, but I'm still disappointed.
Personally, I think it would have been a big
plus if they could have made it work, but again,
just not enough room in that smaller package--or
I assume that was the problem. Or, maybe it was
to just hold the cost down???
I know a lot of K3 owners, who also have KX3's,
and have found the KX3 to be a very effective
substitute/back-up in their main station.
Lately I've been tinkering with that same
process, and it works pretty darned well.
However, I'm not sure the KX2 is nearly as good
a substitute, or back-up. The lesser
capabilities described above would explain much
of that. I still much prefer the K3, but I
don't give up all that much with the KX3. It's
a great reason to own both!
So, how do you describe the difference in ten
words or less? Is the KX2 a stripped down
version of the KX3, or is the KX3 a deluxe KX2?
In any event, there are sufficient differences
to require some analysis if you are trying to
pick one over the other. If I didn't already
have a KX3 I could probably get a headache
trying to make that decision. Either way you go
you are probably a "winner!" The "easy" way may
be to just conclude you want both, and
apparently some have already made that
decision! I'm not sure that would be my
decision, but hey, I haven't had my hands on a
KX2 yet either! Hi.
I'll be very interested in seeing some real
in-depth reviews of the KX2.
73,
Dave W7AQK
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