[Elecraft] KX-2 wish list

[Erik Basilier]

Much as I love my KX-1, I guess I wouldn't be a true Elecraft user if I
didn't wish for more.

 

What I miss most when portable is more power, and I don't mean just 5 watts.
In an age where Lithium batteries has suddenly made it practical to run
higher power from a lightweight setup, I feel that the 5 watts limit is an
obsolete idea founded mostly on qrp snobbery. Except for contesting, when I
operate lightweight portable, I just want to feel that I can make a contact
in the minimum time possible, in spite of mediocre antennas. 7, 10, 20 or
more watts would be great!

 

Here is my wish list in order of priority:

1.       More power: at least 5 watts at 9V and 10 watts at 13V.

2.       Better receive filtering, consisting of a 500 to 700 Hz square IF
filter followed by a good APF.

3.       Cover the high HF bands.

4.       Wider range tuner with balun.

5.       More display digits and more tuning step options such as 25 and 50
Hz.

6.       Optional internal capability for 4-cell rechargeable Lithium
battery or 8-cell AA.

 

Not so important:

1.       Case size. As long as the weight is light, double the case
footprint would not be a problem.

2.       Voice receive capability. It is useful to be able to receive voice,
but I have never actually needed it in the KX-1.

 

Keepers:

1.       Real tuning knob is nice.

2.       All in one box concept.

 

Perhaps part of the case volume could be used for either a tuner upgrade
option or the rechargeable, fatter-than-AA battery option.

 

73,

Erik K7TV