Just my $0.02, but I think there is a problem looming for Elecraft as it
concerns a new radio. The next logical step in terms of performance is a
contest grade K3 with SO2R capability to match the new amps. The major
problem with this is that is not compatible with a kit... IMHO. I just
don't see the big gun contesters spending months building a radio with
that kind of performance. It would have to be a kit in the same context
as the new amps... in other words, not really a kit. Of course, there is
no rule that says that all future Elecrafts have to be kits.
I think there is a KIT market for a new radio, with bigger form factor,
more knobs, fewer menus, but not all the bells and whistles of a contest
grade rig. Maybe there is a modular approach that could be offered,
with a motherboard and plug-in options... more like the venerable Drake
TR-7 in terms of physical layout of the boards... with a loaded price
tag of maybe $2,000.
Larry N8LP
Tom Althoff wrote:
As long as we are dreaming...I wish the KPA800 photo had a K2 or some
other way of determining the size/dimentions.
If the KPA800/1500 is not much larger than a Ten-Tec Orion then I
would love to see a K3 that matched the amp in size.
Make it modular and expandable. Have slots on the motherboard for 2nd
rcvr, 6M/2M/220/440 transverter modules etc.
Include FM, SSTV etc as an "Optional Mode Module". Perhaps include
decoding of SSTV and text from other digital modes for display on an
optional flat panel display.
Make the PA upgradable with choice of 20W or 200W output.
Make it a 12V for mobile/battery operation but include a built-in
quiet switching supply. Maybe have the 20W be 12VDC and the 200W have
a built-in 50V switching supply for running on 120VAC. Just thinking
out loud here.
And make some provision for split operation indicators such as putting
the sidetone into only one side of a stereo headphone so that
operators can HEAR the difference between when they are transmitting
split and when they are not. A visual indication such as having all
the frequency readouts turn red in transmit during split operation and
some other color when operating simplex. An operator would KNOW from
the first dit if he was intending to work a DXpedition split and
started to call simplex on the DX stations frequency. (Maybe a mild
shock to the keyer paddle is needed?)
A low end version would be a 20W 160-10M CW only rig (although I
suspect SSB would not add that much cost).
A high end version would run 200W with an internal AC supply and cover
160-microwave all modes including general coverage on 2 receivers and
auto-tuning on all bands below 144Mhz.
I think a K3 like that would be at least as expensive as adding up the
price of a 100W K2 with all accessories, options and converters and
doubling or tripling the total price.
Tom K2TA
----- Original Message ----- From: "Craig D. Smith"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <Elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 8:06 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft Products
I'm not interested in the amps, although they look great and hope
that they
are a big success. I really enjoy the test equipment kits such as
the XG-2
and noise source. Hopefully more specialized small test equipment
such as
this can be done w/o a really large R&D commitment.
Of the "big" projects being discussed, the K3 is the only one that
captures
my interest and enthusiasm. I love my K2 - best rig I've ever had -
but it
sits in my shack on its small footprint as I twiddle the small knobs and
drill down thru menus (if I can remember how) to operate it. My
ideal K3
would NOT need to be "contest grade" with 2 receivers, etc. But I would
like a larger self contained unit with less menus and more knobs and a
larger (color??) display. 12 V power, 100 W out, built in tuner, CW
& SSB,
IF DSP, spectrum display, and if possible 6 and 2 w/o external adapters.
Tall order I know, but what fun it would be to build and operate!!
73
... Craig AC0DS
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