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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