[Elecraft] Would anyone like to see an all-mode VHF/UHFoffering from Elecraft?

[w2bvh at comcast.net]

Hear hear! Also, if it was a modular rig, like the 736, they've got 30-40% of the work already done in the current product line. Pieces of the transverter designs + parts of the KX3 would be usable. 

Lenny 
W2BVH 

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Lemay" <john at carltonhouse.eclipse.co.uk> 
To: "Edward R Cole" <kl7uw at acsalaska.net>, Elecraft at mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2014 2:27:27 PM 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Would anyone like to see an all-mode VHF/UHFoffering from Elecraft? 

Ed and all 

Don't forget that the situation in Europe is somewhat different. In 6m and 
2m IARU Region 1 contests there is the potential for 600 to 800 contacts in 
a 24 hour period. On 70cms it's around 250 QSO's for the leading groups. And 
in the UK we have VHF evening activity contests where almost 200 Q's can be 
made in 2-1/2 hours. 

So, point number 1 is that activity is higher and therefore the potential 
sale of VHF rigs is different. 

Point 1 leads to Point 2: This level of activity brings with it a very 
demanding requirement on the receiver, to provide sensitivity for the 
smallest of signals, and good selectivity and extreme dynamic range to cope 
with your near neighbours. Elecraft know how to deal with big signals. 

The reason I would support Elecraft going the VHF route is because the 
performance of the current "shack in the box" multimode, multiband rigs is 
woefully inadequate in the criteria listed in my previous paragraph. 

See you on the Moon again sometime .......... 

Regards 

John G4ZTR 



-----Original Message----- 
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Edward R Cole 
Sent: 31 January 2014 19:02 
To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Would anyone like to see an all-mode VHF/UHFoffering 
from Elecraft? 

Ted, 

You really expected a VHF contest to sound like Field day on the HF 
bands? That tells me that you do not regularly operate VHF-ssb. 

I have been pleading with the FM repeater HT hams for years to 
explore the fun of VHF-ssb/cw/digital modes with multi types of 
propagation and the response is they don't have the time, the cash, 
the know-how, the property that allows antennas, etc. etc. 

There is plenty VHF multi-mode radios available plus a wide 
assortment of transverters, plus very economical surplus multi-modes 
from past years. Radio supply is not the problem. With the 
exception of 2m-eme using digital modes there is just not much 
interest by the usual VHF users and especially new hams. Satellite 
use has dwindled due to lack of cheap launch capability so new 
satellites are essentially orbiting repeaters for the most part. 

A radio with the capabilities you request will be in the $3000 class 
(If not more). A K3/10 + transverters will accomplish this if you 
want Elecraft equipment at less than that (I think). Or one could 
buy the KX3 and add the 2M module when it comes out. Then add 
transverters for 222, 432, 1296. 

In 2012, I sold my FT-847 to purchase a 222-28 and 432-28 transverter 
to go with my K3/10 which I already had 144-28 and 1296-28 
transverters. The K3 + transverters make a "way superior" combo than 
any multi-mode VHF/UHF that I have seen. 

I am QRV from 600m to 3cm! 

73, Ed - KL7UW 
PS: I worked three stations in the Jan. VHF Contest! 

From: Ted Edwards W3TB <w3tb.ted at gmail.com> 
To: Dave <dave at g0dja.co.uk> 
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net> 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Would anyone like to see an all-mode 
VHF/UHFoffering from Elecraft? 
Message-ID: 

<CAGhFmTjUQkp_3nCBYi32sUDe+5bHrqTQSzunUj7mvC5Uveusgg at mail.gmail.com> 
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 

Yes for CW. 
This would be a GREAT way to get our Techs beyond the limits of operating 
on the repeaters. 

Some years ago, I had expected the June/Sept VHF Contests to replace Field 
Day as the big participation event for local clubs as the new Techs would 
discover the many other ways to use their licenses. It didn't happen, but 
this might help move along greater participation on VHF/UHF. Good idea! 




73, Ed - KL7UW 
http://www.kl7uw.com 
"Kits made by KL7UW" 
Dubus Mag business: 
dubususa at gmail.com 

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