Quite a post there Doug. Thanks for the comments & insight. ... But ...
That line of logic would have suggested the K2 would not have been successful. A QRP rig for $600? Gee, for that price we can get a full power rig from Asia. But as history has show, the risk has paid off and the K2 has indeed been a pretty successful rig both within and beyond the QRP community. If there were a K3 and if it offered enough improvements or changes to differentiate itself from the K2, then you'd see some pretty good sales. I suspect much of the sales would be to existing customers who already have a K2, K1 and/or KX1. We as a group have already shown that we're eager to buy multiple Elecraft offerings. After all there is substantial overlap between the 3 rigs (esp. K1 & KX1) yet many have all 3! Being a kit is a differentiator all it's own. With no Heathkit kits anymore, those who want to build are left rather unsatisfied. Let's say the K3 were a 100 watt HF rig with a full-size form factor, full size ergonomics and operating features similar to the K2. Further assume a price tag of, say $1000. I bet you'd see sales! Of course, as you point out, the trick is just what would a K3 be? Top notch contest rig? Bottom tier starter rig? DC to Daylight all mode rig? SDR? It makes my head spin just thinking about it. Which is why I personally favor a K2-B. K2 internals married with a larger front panel featuring more and larger knobs. Same basic K2 performance in a larger package with more base-station oriented ergonomics. Basically, I guess I'm thinking I don't really need a K3 at all. The K2's performance is all I require, but a bigger box and analog S-meter would be nice. 73! - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -----Original Message----- Wherefore at thou, K3? *snip* I think the dream of a K3 is something necessary to the group. I think the reality might be something different. I would love to be proven wrong!!!! _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
