[Elecraft] K3 and whats next from Elecraft

[Stephen Selberg]

I realize it'll never happen because of the $32 cheapies on the market. I
was more dreaming about something I know wouldn't happen. To answer another
question someone asked, I'd probably pay $400-$500 for an Elecraft HT that
I know would be much higher in quality and workmanship, have great support
and customer service, and yes, a manual I could read. I'm sure there are
plenty of US hams who would pay more money for a quality made in the USA
HT.  My earlier statement was rhetorical with distant hopes of
possibility.

But for now I'll keep saving up my funds for a  kpa500 to compliment the
shack. I officially drank the kool-aid when I purchased my kx3 and hope to
replace everything in the shack with elecraft gear. Is there less expensive
equipment on the market? Yes, will it come with the support that Elecraft
provides? Probably not. I'm planning on getting the KAT500 this week. Could
I get the LDG at600 and save myself $300? I could...but I'd rather spend
the extra money for something I know will work and come with outstanding
support from not only the company, but a fine group of users as well.

To the original poster of this thread, IMHO, I say get the K3 and not worry
about a K4. I know I am just as soon as I get more funds as I hate using
credit cards. I know I won't have to replace the rig in 2 years as Elecraft
works very hard to fix whatever bugs the radio might have. I don't see that
support from the yaekencom people.  I like my 590, but there's some known
issues with it. Over the last 3 years, kenwood has not done much in my
opinion to fix them. Instead, I think they put all their time into the 990.
Based on my experience from this reflector, if someone has an issue or bug,
the Elecraft team immediately tries to duplicate and then fix that bug. If
only more companies operated like that. And that's why I'd pay extra for an
elecraft HT (I know, it won't happen). As was already mentioned, if a k4 or
whatever did come out, it'd probably have a different purpose or use than
the K3. So go for it! And get me one too! Hihi I can dream right?


73,

KS6PD

Sent from my iPhone. Forgive the grammar and typos

On Monday, August 19, 2013, Ray Sills wrote:

> HI Steve:
>
> Perhaps.  I have a feeling, however, that an HT would not be something
> that Elecraft would offer.  There simply are too many competitor products
> out there that do the job.  For example... the $32 Baofeng UV-5R, not to
> mention all the HTs made by Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, and Alinco.  The market
> is saturated with HTs.
>
> As nice as it would be to have the Elecraft brand on the front of an HT,
> ... I don't see it happening.  Elecraft has made it's mark by offering gear
> that -no one- is making.  And, making the best performing unit they can.
>  Consider the line: K2, K1, KX1, K3, KX3.  Does -any- other company offer a
> truly competitive (for features) unit?
>
> This is not to say that something might happen way down the road, maybe a
> digital voice HT, whenever a true DV standard is reached.
> But, for now, I really do not believe Elecraft would consider marketing an
> HT.
>
> 73 de Ray
> K2ULR
> KX3 #211
>
>
> On Aug 19, 2013, at 11:50 AM, Stephen Selberg wrote:
>
>  Giving the high quality of Elecraft products, and the phenomenal customer
>> service, not to mention the made in the USA stamp, I think an Elecraft
>> 2m/440 HT would be a huge success. I know I would be one of those people
>> camping out in front of the store for a week just be first in line to buy
>> one. Hopefully the Elecraft gods are listening.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Steve KS6PD
>>
>
>