[Elecraft] New KX3 Owners

[Dyarnes]

Hi All,

I'm getting a really big kick out of all the excitement from those lucky 
enough to already have a KX3 in hand.  It's like a bunch of kids in a candy 
store!  Can't blame you!  I know how you feel, since all my other Elecraft 
rigs have pretty low serial numbers, except for "back-up" K2, which is a 
much later model.  Even though I'm fairly high up on the KX3 order time 
line, it looks like my KX3 is going to have a pretty high serial number. 
That's O.K. though, providing you early owners are diligent enough to report 
any early production glitches!  I'm not sure there will be that many, but be 
diligent nevertheless!

I'm kind of curious as to how many KX3 owners are also first time Elecraft 
owners.  Seems like, based on some of the conversation, it's a fairly high 
number.  I don't know exactly what to attribute that to, but I suspect more 
than a little of it is due to the success of the K3.  Seems like a lot of 
folks are viewing the KX3 as a "poor man's" K3, and perhaps rightfully so. 
The unique versatility of the KX3 has also drawn a lot of attention from 
those who previously thought rigs like the FT-817 and IC-703 best suited 
their preferences.  It isn't going to take them long to realize they got a 
whole bunch more than just a "new and improved" portable radio!  I honestly 
think this radio is going to mark the beginning of a whole new way of 
thinking about size versus capability.

There are already rumors about a KX3 look-alike from China.  Ten-Tec has a 
new QRP radio in the works, and a small amp as well.  I've even worked 
someone with a prototype.  Isn't it interesting how many manufacturers are 
following the lead from Elecraft!  Look what happened with the "down 
conversion" architecture.  Ten-Tec may have actually initiated it with the 
Orion, but Elecraft really went a lot further in trying to perfect it, and 
made it truly successful--mainly because they support their radios better!

I don't minimize the fact that some other manufacturers are rolling out some 
very nice products, but I know I'm having a bunch more fun just watching 
the Elecraft line progress.  This is where most of the real innovation seems 
to be occurring.  Stated differently, other manufacturers seem to be in a 
mode of mainly  "upscaling" their products--adding features to make their 
next model somewhat more attractive.  Elecraft, on the other hand, seems 
more innovative.  I think I know why that is, at least to some extent.  The 
designer/engineers and "Yaecomwood" sit around and think about how to add 
"fins, or a bigger engine, like Chrysler--maybe throw in a new twist or two, 
like a bandscope, and more button versatility.  That's good!  However, 
Elecraft folks think about "how can we make the radio perform better--even 
at the top of the scale!  That's what led to down conversion, incorporating 
powerful versatility and upgradeability through firmware enhancement, 
enhanced DSP capability, etc.  It's not about adding more buttons, but 
instead, adding more technology.  That may sound like an overstatement, but 
I defend it by pointing to the fact that other manufacturers are seemingly 
adopting the Elecraft approach in many instances--but after the fact!  The 
other big innovation is in SDR stuff, and the comparison is most intriguing.

The KX3 is a perfect example of this.  It's a total departure from where a 
lot of folks thought Elecraft was going.  There was all this talk about a 
K4!  Surprise!  Elecraft looks for niche's in the market, and then fills a 
perceived void with avengeance.  The KPA500 is another example of that. 
There are a plethora of 1 KW+ amps out there--and darned good ones--but few 
in the 500-700 watt range.  For many, that's more than enough extra oomph, 
and technically, it covers the best part of the cost/benefit curve.  Plus, 
it opened up new opportunities like offering the KAT500  as a matching 
accessory.

I just think the whole thing is fascinating!  Clearly not everyone will 
agree, not even with my premise, but I think it has merit.

Dave W7AQK