[Elecraft] KX3 Approx Cost/User Downloads/Dev

[John Westmoreland]

Hello Wayne,


On Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 7:36 AM, Wayne Burdick <n6kr at elecraft.com> wrote:

> John Westmoreland wrote:
>
>  What is the ballpark cost for the KX3?
>>
>
> Our target is still $799 for the basic 160-6 meter/10 watt/all-mode KX3
> kit, less options. Slightly higher when factory assembled. Prices were based
> on cost of parts in May, and everything is going up industry-wide, so it's
> possible prices may change by the time we start shipping.


Can I pre-order one today?  I will call, you can charge my CC, and I will
happily wait.


>
>
>  Will users be able to download their own code to the KX3?
>>
>
> Probably not. As with our other products, we carefully control all aspects
> of MCU and DSP firmware performance, based our very fast real-time operating
> system. Making the firmware open-source would create numerous customer
> support and design challenges.
>
>
Will you tell me what MCU and DSP you are using?

If users are allowed to experiment on their own, of course it will be at our
own peril.


> On the other hand, the KX3 will support the entire K3 remote-control
> command set, so all existing and future PC/Mac/Linux K3 applications will
> work with the KX3. Plenty of room for creativity in that domain. I'm
> picturing control via smart phones, netbooks, and iPads. The KX3's I/Q
> analog outputs could be used for panadapter apps, etc.
>
>
Backward compatibility isn't that important to me - but for existing users I
am sure they appreciate this.

I think the obvious selling points are that it is a handheld, and since I
suppose Mizuho there hasn't been anything new on the market that was a true
HF handheld.  And also since it is SDR, users should be able download new
code releases rather easily; even being able to experiment on their own.


> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
Thanks and 73's,
John W.
KJ6HCV