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

[Edward R Cole]

Jim,

I bought my FT-847 in the first few months after it was introduced 
in1998 and used it on satellite and eme for ten+ years.  I agonized 
for two years after getting K3 whether to sell.  I needed funds to 
buy two transverters so selling the FT-847 provided funds.  But I 
lost the 440-450 FM band and satellite crossband operation.

I think that many new techs do not get the elmering after getting a 
license like was done 40-50 years ago when I was starting out.  Also 
many new hams are entering for the emcomm role of ham radio and do 
not have the normal hobbly interest in radio, itself.  I'm sure many 
give up within a year when they find more interesting stuff in their 
smart phone apps.

I chose to switch to the K3 exactly because of its superior 
performance on CW.  The low-noise DDS VFO and being transverter ready 
with the KVX3, helped.  This is the old standard of excellence for 
weak-signal work so I went back to a good HF radio + transverters and 
am very pleased with the result.  The FT-847 was OK on SSB/FM on 
VHF/UHF but not particularly good for HF. Its big attraction was 
having everything under one hood.

I have an idea for Elecraft which might come halfway to having a 
single do-it-all radio:  Make an enclosure to match the K3 that will 
take four transverters in slide-in slots, like was done with the 
FT-736R, only in a box separate from the K3.  Each transverter would 
retain its own output antenna connection but have a common 28-MHz 
input switch selectable.  Also incorporate a sequencer board for 
controlling accessories for four bands.  Two coax to the K3 and two 
control lines (One to ACC and one from KEYOUT).  Provide 12v 
distribution to the K3 so one 12v power cable would be needed.

One could chose four transverters of 50, 144, 222, 432, 1296 MHz 
bands or install one and add others later.  Edge connector interface 
to the transverter except for RF output which could remain a BNC (or 
N as option).

Taking the two package station portable or mobile would be fairly 
easy.  A similar concept could be used with the KX3, or make the 
4-band transverter unit universal so it could be used with any 28-MHz 
SSB radio.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 10:45 AM 1/31/2014, you wrote:
>Hi Ed,
>
>I've stubbornly held onto my FT-847 because of the higher power on 
>2m and 432 MHz.
>To get 222 capability, I purchased the Elecraft transverter kit, but 
>haven't had time to assemble it yet.
>I thought I'd begin right after I order a 222 MHz Yagi from M2.
>
>It's astounding that more Technician-class licensees don't make 
>better use of the tremendous spectrum and many modes available to them.
>I have to wonder how many get their license, get tired of working 
>the repeaters, and never bother to renew - especially that first big 
>wave of no-coders.
>
>About 10 years ago, the XYL, herself a Technician, set up a 6m/2m 
>demonstration station at Field Day.
>It attracted a lot of attention, and at least one Tech upgraded to 
>Extra, back when we still had the code element to pass.
>But most, as far as I know, didn't follow through.
>
>Other than having everything all in one package, do you feel that 
>the K3 + transverters is superior to using the FT-847 with transverters?
>It's nice to know that it will support 9 transverters!  BTW, I do 
>have the transverter interface for my K3.
>
>73 de Jim - AD6CW

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