[Elecraft] Features wanted

[Doug Person via Elecraft]

If you review past posts regarding this subject, you'll find that it has 
been discussed in great detail.  Just search on "K4".  Many of us would 
like to see a full-size, no-holds-bared Elecraft radio with the function 
of the P3 built-in much like the Icom radios and the new Kenwood 
TS-990.  When and if that will ever happen remains a topic of pure 
speculation.  Hint: don't hold your breath.

73, Doug -- K0DXV

On 8/6/2015 12:50 PM, Greg wrote:
> In an earlier comment Wayne said that Elecraft takes comments made on this
> reflector into consideration for future improvement.  I have two K3's and
> don't really have any negative comments but I do have some things that I
> would like to see improved -- or perhaps a better word would be "different"
> in the next Elecraft radio.  While I recognize that the K3 was designed to
> be compact, light, and efficient for portability, I would like to see a
> version that is designed with style in mind.  I would pay more for better
> "finish".  I used a FT1000D for many years before switching to the K3.
> Performance-wise the K3 is superior...and performance is the primary
> criteria for me in choosing a radio.  However, with respect to "finish", the
> Yaesu radio is superior.  It "looks" and feels more expensive.  Not everyone
> wants or needs a radio that is designed to be portable (and most active hams
> have more than one radio anyway).  I'd like to see K3 performance come in a
> sleeker design...If you spin the tuning knob on the Yaesu, it is smooth and
> coasts along on ball bearings...the feel of the knobs and switches is
> better.  A larger cabinet would allow bandswitch buttons labeled as such and
> a larger cabinet would give more working space on the rear.  (With the
> preamp, KPA500, KAT500, RTTY, external keyer, etc, the back on the K3
> becomes a real kluge.)  A radio designed to be more "fixed station" could
> also have the power supply built in and perhaps even have 150 - 200 watt
> capability.  The P3 could be built in as well.  The display on an IC7800 is
> really nice (in my opinion)...Elecraft could do something of similar
> quality.
>
> I'm not suggesting that the K3 or K3S be "deleted" from the product line --
> just an alternate packaging solution that would compete more favorably with
> the Japanese look and feel.  I'd gladly pay significantly more for a radio
> with K3 performance and IC7800 look and feel... and based on comments I have
> heard from others, I think that Elecraft would find a market for it.  In
> fact I know some  people who don't own a K3 because of the "look".  For some
> price will always be the primary consideration.  For others, it is
> secondary.  If Elecraft were to come out with a K3S "Deluxe" I would
> probably own "both" radios...keeping the K3 for whatever portable
> opportunity might present itself.  I do miss the "feel" of the FT1000D.
>
> Also I would like to see the APF improved by allowing the peaking filter to
> be "tuned" as it was on the FT1000D.  I almost always used the APF on the
> Yaesu but end up turning it off when I try it on the K3.  I think the "peak"
> is too narrow.
>
> I realize I'm offering a lot of MY opinions here and not everyone will want
> or agree with my suggestions...but it is what it is -- my wish list.  I'm
> hoping that this subject does not start a lot of speculation on "what it
> would cost" because that's not the point.  If Elecraft were to consider a
> new design, they would have to determine the cost and its potential success
> in the market.
>
> Oh....one more thing -- tongue firmly in cheek -- a larger cabinet would
> look good next to that 1500 watt amplifier that Elecraft teased us with at
> Dayton some years ago...
>
> 73, Greg-N4CC
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