The KXAT2 can, over its target range of 80-10 m, match essentially the same load range as the KXAT3 on these bands.
The KXAT3 has one more L and C, improving matches on 160 m. In exactly 10 words, the KX2 is "the world's first all-HF-band, SSB/CW/data HT" :) 73, Wayne On May 23, 2016, at 7:56 PM, Phil Wheeler <w...@socal.rr.com> wrote: > 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 > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
