[Elecraft] Wait For The K4 Direct RF Sampled SDR?

[Barry LaZar]

I'm sort of curious about what Flex is doing with their new radio. The 
heart of it has to be a very good A/D converter, but the best thing I'm 
aware of is an Analog Devices 16 bit, 100 Msp/s one that ain't exactly 
cheap. To approach the dynamic range in the KX3 and the K3, 16 bits may 
be a might short.

I, too, believe that direct sampling and high dynamic range is still a 
bit off particularly if you want to be able to afford one. I like the 
magic of my KX3 when used with NaP3 and a 24 bit, ASIO compliant sound 
card. As a practical matter, it serves for the 95% situations. those 
last five will include a lightning storm over my house or someone like 
W3LPL moving next door.

73,
Barry
K3NDM


On 3/13/2013 9:49 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> No need to speculate. There is no such project underway at Elecraft.
>
> Direct RF-sampling receivers, for all their technology, still lag well 
> behind the K3 in blocking dynamic range, and probably will continue to 
> for years to come. We're quite happy with our superhet architecture. 
> Also, any advancement we make to the K3 will be retrofittable to 
> existing K3s, so your investment is safe.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Mar 12, 2013, at 8:04 PM, Bob Schumacher wrote:
>
>> Given the advances in direct RF sampled SDRs (currently available 
>> QS1R, soon to be released Flex-6000, etc.), Elecraft must be quietly 
>> working on on an RF sampled K4 SDR. Maybe we will see an anouncement 
>> in May at Dayton? I am wondering if I should take the leap with the 
>> Flex or wait for Elecraft? I suspect that Elecraft will provide a 
>> higher value solution. Any speculation on this point by Elecraft fans?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> W9DBR
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