Someday!
But the K3s is still new to the marketplace and Eric and Wayne (aka
Elecraft) are in a "for-profit" enterprise. I suspect their business
plan specifies a target number of sales to make a new product
"successful". Most likely that will be a few more years to arrive.
What could move-up that date would be emergence of competing products
with more advanced features/specs.
My guess the K4 will arrive with substantial different design - and
they are taking notes on the desires of the readership (no dummies,
they are). Obviously direct -conversion is one, when A/D technology
advances enough (and is fiscally reasonable) to do well. I'd say we
are there, now (KX3 and KX2).
Since I am involved in one of the most technical demanding aspect of
Ham radio (eme), folks should look at the advancements being done on eme.
Latest arrival is the UADC4 designed-for-ham radio four audio port
A/D convertor using USB computer interface. A perfect unit for
interface with SDR's. KX3 provides IQ that would use two
ports. This A/D has superior dynamic range and low noise floor when
compared to soundcards. Eme'rs will proof this new technology and I
expect it will begin to be adopted outside eme. Recent explosion of
FT8 is an example.
I bought my K3 in 2010 after thoroughly comparing the field. Phase
coherent dual receivers were the significant goal. I pair them with
two LP-Pan run from a single LO into a Delta44 soundcard (which will
be replaced by the UADC4). I updated the Synth boards when they
became available and modified the Gen Coverage BP filter to accept
630m. Did not need the new K3s USB I/F as line-in audio and
USB/RS232 conversion cables working fine. Some of the other
improvements not used in my particular applications.
Who knows if the K4 will encourage me to upgrade?
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
dubus...@gmail.com
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