[Elecraft] KX3 Transverters

[Jim Lowman]

The greater LA area is somewhat unique in that there is probably less 
repeater
usage on 440 than other parts of the country.  Most of the repeaters on that
band are closed or private.  That's a fact, not a criticism.  I've yet 
to assemble
and put up my antenna to give it a go on SSB.  Glad that I kept my 
FT-847 all
these years, with its higher power out on that band.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 12/30/2011 4:14 PM, Dyarnes wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I'm glad (for some of you) that a 2 meter transverter will eventually be
> available for the KX3.  In my view, however, only having 2 meters really
> doesn't accomplish that much.  Yes, 2 meters probably still is the most
> significant VHF/UHF band, but it seems to me that 440 has become nearly
> equal, and even more important in some areas.  I don't know how much you can
> cram into the KX3, but unless I could get both 2 meters and 440 combined, it
> would still mean I have to have an alternative for those bands--it's like
> getting half a loaf.  A dual band HT does that for me.  If I need an HT for
> 440, I might as well use it for 2 meters as well, and skip the transverter.
> The trade-off, of course, is not being able to utilize all modes.
>
> More and more, both here locally and as I travel around a bit, I find that
> 440 has become quite preferential in many places.  I'm not that much into
> VHF/UHF anyway, so it's easy for me to be a bit blasé' about it.
> Nonetheless, it just seems to me that most folks who are serious about these
> bands, are probably serious about both of them (if not more), and thus are
> apt to have some sort of all mode multi-band VHF/UHF rig for that purpose.
> If you are primarily just an "FM'er" on those bands, as I tend to be, then
> maybe you will see my point.  I can certainly see some benefit of having 2
> meters built into the KX3, at hamfests, or operating mobile, etc., but I can
> do all I need to do with a simple dual bander, or tri-bander, many of which
> are available for less than the cost of a transverter.
>
> The purpose of this post is not to be critical of the KX3 accessory
> plans--not at all!  However, I guess I hope it might be food for thought to
> the folks in Watsonville about seriously considering whether or not they can
> expand the KX3 beyond just 2 meters.  If they can, that's pretty amazing!
> Wayne hinted it might be something they may consider, but he was very
> cautious about the possibility.  I'm just expressing my view as to why it
> might make sense, if it's possible at all.
>
> Dave W7AQK
>