[Elecraft] KX-2 wish list

[KW4H]

As a frequent builder of the KX1, I'm kind of torn on the idea of
improvements.  The KX1 is, by almost anyone's account, the standard by which
other trail-friendly radios are measured, and when something is THAT popular
it's often not a good idea to start making a lot of changes (or create
something that directly competes with it).  Assuming that Elecraft can
continue obtaining parts for the KX1 for the foreseeable future, I would
vote to leave it as-is, with the possible exception of upping the power
output just a little -- the most that can be realistically squeezed out of
the KX1, even with the power output mod, is about 3.5 watts.

73,

Steve, KW4H



On Thu, Oct 28, 2010 at 3:38 AM, Erik Basilier <ebasilier at cox.net> wrote:

> 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
>
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