[Elecraft] Early report on IDXC, Visalia

[Jim Lowman]

After lunch today, we picked up our registration packets for the 2013 
International DX Convention in Visalia.
The organizers did a superb job.  The badges were even placed in the 
clear plastic holder.  Northern California DX Foundation provided nice 
lanyards for the badges.  The program booklet is in color, glossy and 
very professional looking.

Saw good friends Cam (N6GA) and Rich (KI6SN), who were working at the CQ 
booth.  Also Fried and Sandy Heyn, Dick Norton and Vern (W6MMA) the 
antenna guy, and Joe, the Wireman.

The Elecraft area was drawing the usual amount of attention.  As hoped, 
there was a prototype KXPA100 amplifier on display.

Rose Kopp and OM Ken were there with Rose's Elecraft covers.  The XYL 
ordered a carrying case for my KX3 as a birthday gift.  I should have it 
in about a month, which is fine.  Someone tried stuffing the new KX3 amp 
into a KX3 carrying case, but it was an inch or so too short.  Rose is 
already working on extending the case for that purpose.  Also, Fred Cady 
was there with a proof copy of his new book on the KX3, which he said 
will be ready about the middle of May - just in time for Dayton.  It 
will be available in both 8.5" x 11" format and also 6" x 9" as well.

If you're thinking of ordering a carrying case from Rose, and you think 
you will be buying either the KXPA100 or the smaller-size KX3 book, be 
sure to let Rose know when you order.  She will make the case about 1" 
taller at no extra cost.  That's the way that mine was ordered.

This is our first IDXC since about 2001, and it's much nicer having the 
facilities of the convention center, as opposed to the older Holiday Inn.
Word is that there were about 800 pre-registered, and another 100 
expected to register on site.

Tomorrow, one more trip to the vendor area and an afternoon of talks on 
recent DXpeditions.

72/73 de Jim - AD6CW