[Elecraft] New KX3 Owners

Tue May 1 09:10:32 EDT 2012

'...the rug is perfect for the beginner..."  LOL!
Did Elecraft sell you a flying carpet? Didn' t know that was one of the
many features!

Obviously, there's a typo and it's supposed to be "rig" not "rug," but I
couldn't resist.
Enjoy!

Art - N4PJ

On Tue, May 1, 2012 at 7:52 AM, <va3bxg at gmail.com> wrote:

> I am one of the 'new' elecraft owners of the KX3 #0033 to be exact. I am
> also a newbie to the hobby.
>
> What drew me in, was the idea that the rug is perfect for the beginner,
> yet has all the bell and whistles that one would expect for an HF for the
> well 'seasoned' ham ;-)
>
>
> Robert
>
> a 'kosher' ham
> Sent from my BlackBerry device
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Dyarnes" <w7aqk at cox.net>
> Sender: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> Date: Tue, 1 May 2012 00:01:11
> To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] New KX3 Owners
>
> 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
>
>
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