[Elecraft] [OT] [OT] [OT] K2a

Sat Apr 12 19:15:12 EDT 2014

I would rather continue to speculate on a K4.  The K2 is wonderful the 
way it is.  Last I heard Elecraft had a huge stockpile of parts for the 
K2.  So I would expect it to be around a few more years. What more could 
you ask for in a portable rig than the KX3 has to offer?

/If/ there is ever going to be a K4, I would imagine it would go to the 
top of the market. A 4" to 5" full color TFT display with waterfall and 
full digital information.  Built-in PSK, RTTY, CW and provisions for 
just about any future technology - including digital voice.  Perhaps a 
portion of the firmware can be user updated.  The user display for 
example. Built-in remote operation capability standard.  Built-in WiFi, 
Ethernet and Bluetooth.

Considering how far technology has progressed since the K2 was designed, 
the possibilities are mind-boggling.

Personally, I would love to see a K0.  A very small, single-band 
plug-able, digital-capable, lithium-polymer powered, micro-transceiver I 
can put in my coat pocket.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

Doug -- K0DXV

On 4/11/2014 11:40 PM, Michael Poteet wrote:
> Having noticed the recent semiannual K4 speculation I wanted to offer
> speculation in a different direction.
>
>   
>
> The K2 was originally offered as a true kit that, upon completion, provided
> a radio capable of both home use and trail use.
>
>   
>
> The trail/remote and home use capabilities have been supplanted by the other
> radios in the Elecraft stable.
>
>   
>
> The only really unique feature of the K2 is that it is a true kit; that
> said, it is a bit behind the curve in tech plus it is a major PITB to
> "align".
>
>   
>
> I would like to see Elecraft revisit the K2 (well, not exactly):
>
>   
>
>   
>
> 01) Keep it a kit as much as possible.  So maybe RF and AF sections could be
> kits (at least partially).
>
>   
>
> 02) Fully assembled as an option.
>
>   
>
> 03) Make the "middle" a high performance SDR; factory assembled and aligned.
>
>   
>
> 04) 6 KHz band pass filter in the first IF with the DSP doing the remaining
> filtering functions.
>
>   
>
> 05) Include a 12 volt to (say) 60 volt conversion to power a "high voltage"
> RF section.
>
>   
>
> 06) 100 watts output.
>
>   
>
> 07) No FM but add 6 meters.
>
>   
>
> 08) Include Digital Voice as a mode.  Pick one of the Open Source
> implementations.  Make it an "App"; Elecraft would maintain the latest
> source code and latest "compiled" App; anyone who wished could modify and
> install their own version; might be an area where Amateurs could contribute
> something meaningful.
>
>   
>
> 09) Competent single receiver (with RIT) but not necessarily (in Japanese
> radio jargon) "Competition Grade".
>
>   
>
> 10) Very competent transmit (with XIT): no splatter, no clicks, no noise.
>
>   
>
> 11) Put it all inside a "big" box in the style of the best looking piece of
> Ham Radio gear ever designed: the Collins 75A4.
>
>   
>
> 12) Real "Collins" style knobs , real "bat handle" toggle switches.
>
>   
>
> 13) Only a few radio functions need constant, easy access, tie those to the
> big knobs and toggle switches.
>
>   
>
> 14) Note the switches and controls would only tell a DSP or MCU to take some
> action.  I'm not talking multi-pole, multi-gang rotary switches.
>
>   
>
> 15) Preassembled wire bundles to attach the front panel controls and
> switches to the main unit (with quick disconnect to allow easy removal).
>
>   
>
> 16) Add a 5-inch color touch screen display (like my Garmin GPS) in the
> middle of the front panel with a nice size, high inertia tuning knob for
> freq control.
>
>   
>
> 17) Put the ancillary functions on the (multi-page) touch screen.
>
>   
>
> 18) The touch screen pages should be tab accessible; with user definable
> pages.
>
>   
>
> 19) Embed this all inside the "75A4 Cabinet": nice size box, mostly air
> inside but with room to add additional features (maybe even a decent
> speaker).
>
>   
>
> 20) This is not meant to be a DXpedition, mountaintop, contest box; just a
> desktop system that you could turn on with a (toggle) switch, select your
> band with a rotary switch, select your mode with a rotary switch, touch the
> tab on the touch screen to verify your audio/keyer/data settings then kick
> back and operate.  Toggle switches for AGC On/Off, AGC Fast/Slow, Noise
> Blanker On/Off, Noise Reduction On/Off, rotary controls for receive bandpass
> width and shift, so on. Touch screen pages to set/adjust the characteristics
> of the Noise Reduction, Noise Blanker, AGC, etc. Switched LCD meter to
> provide S-meter, power, audio level, whatever.
>
>   
>
>   
>
>   
>
> OK, OK, OK.I know it can never happen:
>
>   
>
> 1) No one would want one.
>
> 2) It would be too big.
>
> 3) It wouldn't be big enough.
>
> 4) Elecraft doesn't have the financial resources to develop such a device.
>
> 5) Purchase price would be too high.
>
> 6) Besides it would take engineering talent away from the development of the
> K4, the 1500 watt solid state amp, the VHF to near-infrared transceiver, the
> Elecraft EPad, etc.
>
>   
>
>   
>
> But, it would be a really neat rig: very "Retro" look with a high tech
> heart.
>
>   
>
> Mike     W5FTD
>
>   
>
>   
>
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