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

[wb4jfi at knology.net]

I love my K3/P3/SVGA and my KX3 as well.  I do want to mention that the new 
Flex 6000 series uses a 16-bit A/D, with over 245Ms/s sample clock, much 
better than 100Ms/s.  Processing gain is real, and should help the 16-bit 
range somewhat, but 16-bits is not really 16-bits in the real world.  Throw 
away at least 1/2 bit, and maybe more.

It will be very interesting to see what a Flex 6000 series finally does in 
various receive parameters, especially dynamic range.  They claim to handle 
a very large dynamic range, even without the various RF filters.

I can't wait to see the Sherwood report on the 6000 series.
73, Terry, WB4JFI


-----Original Message----- 
From: Barry LaZar
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 10:13 AM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Wait For The K4 Direct RF Sampled SDR?

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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