I want to ask some questions to help me understand the thinking behind the
KX2 (and the KX3) because I am not fully understanding some things. I am a
current owner of an LNR MTR3B. 39 years in the hobby, but new to TRUE QRP.
Did I make a sub-optimal decision with the MTR3B? (Yes, I WANT a KX2. I
have drooled over the KX3 since it was first produced. And I used a
friend's K2, so I am a fan, but did I make the BEST choice?)
I see three use cases for the small QRP rig in this category:
* QRO home station, with an amplifier.
* QRP home station.
* QRP portable station (NOT FIELD DAY). This is where I get confused.
Why would someone purchase all those features in KX2/KX3?
I have the following REQUIREMENTS:
* Minimize the weight
* Simplify the operation
* Maximize the operating time
* Use efficient and easy-to-install antennas
* Maximize the possibility of a QSO, any QSO
I have the following OBJECTIVES:
* Have fun
* Improve my QRP skill
* Learn about station optimization
* See how far I can work
* See if I can get a few DX and as many states as possible
* Enrich my time outdoors by including my lifelong hobby of ham radio
Again, why buy a KX2 or KX3? Let's take PRICE out of the equation for this
thread. That's not a good metric for me in this QRP portable use case
analysis, because my SELECTION of FEATURES that fulfill the requirements
will dictate what I need to pay in order to MEET those requirements. (The
XYL sees it differently, but if the KX2 or KX3 meets the requirements best,
then that is what I want to purchase.) And let us call the weight, size and
battery consumption as even factors, none wins over the other for this
argument. So here goes the analysis:
* Why do I need all those bands with the KX2/KX3? I am not going to
erect an 80 meter end fed (too long) or a compromise 80 meter antenna for
QRP ops in the park, as that won't maximize my objectives. 40/30/20 should
do it. Anything higher than 20 will, in the coming sunspot lull (already
here?) render QRP operations quite difficult (not impossible, but a huge
investment of time for little return). Notwithstanding sporadic E, I don't
understand why those other bands would be of benefit now for QRP Portable
operation.
* Why do I need all those filters and awesome DSP capabilities with
the KX2/KX3? I plan to use CW only to maximize QSO possibility.and I am
going to only call the strongest stations that my rig will hear. Why would
I need to filter so I can hear weak signals that I won't be calling anyway?
And I don't see the benefit of chasing DX in a pileup, using an offset, when
I am QRP on an end-fed wire on a picnic bench in a park.
* Why do I need SSB with the KX2/KX3? See previous bullet item
regarding CW only.
* Who do I need digital modes with the KX2/KX3? (In fact, why does
Elecraft provide the two digital modes most susceptible to QSB, fading and
interference? (How many RTTY QRP operators do I know? None. The
old-timers I work on HF are all running high power. And many of the PSK QRP
guys have gone to JT65 or JT9. I get why Elecraft did this, because PSK and
RTTY have been around a long time, but why not add in some additional
digital modes that would increase my QSO chances with portable QRP?)
* Why do I need 10 watts with the KX2 or KX3, or SDR, or firmware
updates? It's no longer QRP at 10 watts, and QRP is why I am out on the
picnic bench with the end-fed and the rig in the first place. I won't have
a tablet with me. The rig is the rig, it is simple and no need for updates.
Use case #3 (and ONLY use case #3), QRP portable, I don't see why the KX2 or
KX3 is a better fit than the KX1 (or my MTR3B). Maybe KX2 or KX3 is better
BECAUSE IT COVERS more than one use case, but I already have a rig in my
shack with lots of nice features.
If we consider the Field Day use case, THAT is where the KX2 or KX3 is THE
RIG to have (filters, digital modes, antenna tuner). But that's not part of
my use case #3, it is a special one-off scenario that has its own set of
requirements and objectives that are DIFFERENT than the ones I listed above.
Comments/critiques welcome. Did I make a sub-optimal decision with my
MTR3B? Maybe I should get rid of all my other gear so I can get a KX2 or
KX3 so I can do it all with one rig?
Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
Greensboro, NC FM06be
wd4...@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
