Produce a KX4 with 2m, 70cm, and full-duplex capability and you'd consign the FT-81X line to the dustbin of history!
73, Paul, N8HM On Thu, Mar 1, 2018 at 12:31 PM, Wayne Burdick <n...@elecraft.com> wrote: > A number of customers considering the KX2 have asked us how it compares to > the newly announced Yaesu FT-818. The latter is an updated ‘817, with a bit > higher power output. > > In terms of form factor, the ‘818 is essentially unchanged from the ‘817. So > it’s worth asking again: just how “ultra portable” can an HF radio be? > > Here’s how the KX2 stacks up: > > > --- Half the size --- > > The KX2 occupies 24 cubic inches, vs. 52 cubic inches for the ‘818. With > dimensions about that of a medium-sized HT, the KX2 is truly pocket-sized. > > > --- Half the weight --- > > At just 13 ounces, the KX2 weighs 60% less than the ‘818. For hikers or > backpackers, this means well over a pound of total weight saved. The light > weight of the KX2 is also compatible with extended hand-held operation. > > > --- Twice the power output --- > > The KX2 puts out up to 12 watts on 80-20 m and 10 watts on 17-10 m. This > is roughly twice the FT-818’s max output (6 watts). The KX2 also includes > highly effective speech compression (not included with the ‘818). Taken > together, these advantages translate to more QSOs, especially in difficult > conditions. > > > --- 50% more battery power --- > > The FT-818’s internal battery, at 18 watt-hours, has more capacity than > the FT-817’s. But the KX2’s internal battery has still greater capacity -- 24 > watt-hours. This extra 50% allows you to operate longer between recharges. > > > --- One third the current drain --- > > Typical receive-mode current drain of the KX2 is 150 mA. The FT-818, at > about 400 mA, is nearly three times higher. The KX2’s lower current, combined > with the larger battery size, works out to over 4 times longer operating time > RX-only, or 2 to 3 times longer for typical transceive operation. > > > --- Built-in ATU --- > > The KX2 has a wide-range internal ATU option that allows multi-band use of > ad-hoc field antennas, whips, etc. There’s no need to carry a separate > antenna tuner, loading coils, or even coax: just attach a wire or collapsible > whip directly to the radio, and let the ATU do the work. > > > --- DSP --- > > Unlike the ‘818 or ‘817, the KX2 includes digital signal processing > (32-bit I.F. DSP). This provides a wide range of features typically found > only on desktop radios, including: adjustable noise reduction and noise > blanking, auto-notch, variable filter bandwidth/shift, audio peaking filter > for CW, full stereo receive, and RX/TX EQ. You can even listen on both VFO A > and B frequencies at the same time (dual watch). > > > --- Built-in data modes --- > > The KX2 offers built-in PSK31, PSK63, RTTY, and CW encode/decode, with > text displayed on its alphanumeric LCD. CW and data-mode QSOs can even be > logged internally, then sent to a PC when you return from a field outing. A > computer can be connected to the KX2 via the supplied USB cable (for text > display/keyboard) or via the headphone/mic jacks (for FT8 and other > audio-based data modes). > > > --- Built-in mic, keyer paddle, and tilt stand --- > > You can use either an external mic (MH4) or the KX2’s internal mic. The > internal mic is positioned optimally for HT-style operation. In CW and DATA > modes, you can use an external paddle, or directly attach our KXPD2, which > weighs only one ounce and uses the rig itself as the base. For table-top use, > the KX2 features a fold-out tilt-stand. This creates a 3-point mount that > also works well on rough surfaces (ground, rocks, etc.). > > > --- Large, easy-to-read display --- > > The KX2’s display is five times larger than the FT818’s, with separate VFO > A and B fields, S/RF-meter and DSP passband graphic, icons showing operating > state, and alphanumeric text capability. In addition, the KX2’s LCD is > transflective; it is highly readable in direct sunlight. The backlight is > highly efficient and can be turned off to further increase battery life. > > > The KX2 starts at $769, factory assembled. For additional details, see: > > http://www.elecraft.com/KX2/kx2.htm > > > A few notes on the KX3 > ---------------------- > > The KX3 is a bit larger than the KX2, though still smaller/lighter than > competing all-band portables. It includes the following additional features: > 160 and 6 meters; 2 or 4 meter optional internal transverter; nearly twice as > many direct controls; and RX I/Q outputs for use with our PX3 panadapter or > computer sound cards. The KX3 is available factory assembled or as a > no-soldering kit. > > KX3 details: > > http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm > > > * * * > > If you have any additional questions about the KX2 or KX3, feel free to email > me directly or contact Elecraft sales. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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...@arrl.net ______________________________________________________________ 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
