[Elecraft] Why buy a 10w radio?

[WILLIS COOKE]

I tried to figure out how to mount my K3 in my F-150 but could not figure out a 
good way to mount it.  It is just a little bit larger than a Kenwood TS-440, so 
I tried to use a TS-440 mount, but it was just a bit small.  So, I mounted the 
TS-440 in the mobile and it worked fair, but it did not have the optional tuner 
and the dial was almost impossible to see in the sunlight.  It was really too 
big to mount on the front of the console and made me look down when driving.  I 
needed something else.

I looked at the Elecraft offerings and did not see a fit for me.  So, I bought a 
TS-480SAT which seemed to be the best fit for what I wanted.  I liked the split 
architecture for mobile use.  Now, just as I got the 480 installed the KX3 
appears.  I like the idea of a battery powered QRP rig with a separate amplifier 
which can be under the seat.  I have not seen the actual dimensions yet, but the 
main KX3 seems to be about the same size as the TS-480 control unit and in fact 
looks a lot like the TS-480.   I like the idea of an operator being able to 
drive to the camping area in his 100 watt mobile, removing the main KX3, putting 
it is his pack and hiking up the mountain for some QRP action, then bragging 
about it while driving home in the 100 watt mobile.  


I trust that the Elecraft gang will be able to equal and probably noticeably 
exceed the performance of a TS-480.  I am confident that the mounting hardware 
will be developed and offered.  The price in in the same range as the TS-480 if 
the prices that I have heard are close.  It seems like a product with the 
potential to make a lot of operators happy and fill a big need.  
 Willis 'Cookie' Cooke 
K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart