[Elecraft] New Elecraft Products

[Larry Phipps]

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" 
> <craig at powersmith.net>
> To: <Elecraft at 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
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: Elecraft at 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 
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: Elecraft at 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
>
>
>