[Elecraft] The KX2

[EricJ]

Is a Miata a stripped down version of an F150 pickup?

Is an F150 a Miata with room to carry drywall?

It's pretty obvious from the announcement the KX2 serves a different 
purpose than the KX3. It's not a smaller anything. It's a different rig 
for a different purpose.

Looks to me its lineage is more KX1 and the preceding Trail Friendly 
Radios than anything else in the Elecraft line.

http://www.elecraft.com/KX1/N6KR_KX1_History.html

There's an evolution of rigs you should be comparing it to.

Eric KE6US




On 5/23/2016 7:25 PM, w7aqk wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> The ink is barely dry on the release announcement for the KX2, but it 
> has created quite a stir.  A lot of people are very curious about this 
> rig, including me.  As a KX3 owner already, I'm not chomping at the 
> bit to get a KX2, but I am trying to discern just what the meaningful 
> differences are.
>
> I think it is intriguing that Elecraft chose to make it's new rig a 
> "downsized" version of the KX3.  I can certainly see how this has 
> stimulated a lot of interest.  What I'm trying to figure out is 
> whether or not it does anything better than the KX3, or is it just a 
> smaller, and less capable, radio.  At this point, I'm inclined to 
> think the latter.  That's not necessarily a bad thing, but that seems 
> to be a better generalization. Nonetheless, what you give up with a 
> KX2 may not outweigh what you might gain with a KX3--it depends solely 
> on the user.
>
> The KX2 is definitely smaller (about half the volume) and lighter, 
> although the footprint is not quite that much different.  The price is 
> lighter too! As a true portable radio, I see this as a nice 
> advantage.  SOTA ops probably will really appreciate this! You still 
> have a very competent radio with just about all the features a 
> portable op would want or need.
>
> The things you give up are not insignificant.  There is a slight power 
> differential, which may, or may not, be a concern.  Possibly more of a 
> concern might be not having roofing filters.  I've become a huge fan 
> of having those.  Also, losing access to 160 and 6 meters may be 
> problematic for some.  I'm not all that concerned about no AM or FM, 
> but others might be.  With the emphasis on being a "hand held" radio, 
> some may lament no VHF/UHF as well.
>
> I can only guess at the decreased capability of the optional ATU. The 
> one for the KX2 may still be sufficient for most needs, but I just 
> hate to see less capability.  Elecraft ATU's in the K3 and KX3 are 
> great, and I guess I just get nervous about less.  The ATU's in the 
> KX1 and K1 were only moderately useful, and it was their reduced size 
> that caused that.  Elecraft can obviously put out superb ATU's, but 
> they need some room to do that.
>
> I was disappointed to see that the PX3 would not mate with the KX2.  
> In their "FAQ's", Elecraft sort of deflects that by simply suggesting 
> that capability is more appropriate for a larger rig, like the KX3 or 
> K3, but I'm still disappointed.  Personally, I think it would have 
> been a big plus if they could have made it work, but again, just not 
> enough room in that smaller package--or I assume that was the 
> problem.  Or, maybe it was to just hold the cost down???
>
> I know a lot of K3 owners, who also have KX3's, and have found the KX3 
> to be a very effective substitute/back-up in their main station.  
> Lately I've been tinkering with that same process, and it works pretty 
> darned well.  However, I'm not sure the KX2 is nearly as good a 
> substitute, or back-up.  The lesser capabilities described above would 
> explain much of that.  I still much prefer the K3, but I don't give up 
> all that much with the KX3.  It's a great reason to own both!
>
> So, how do you describe the difference in ten words or less?  Is the 
> KX2 a stripped down version of the KX3, or is the KX3 a deluxe KX2?  
> In any event, there are sufficient differences to require some 
> analysis if you are trying to pick one over the other.  If I didn't 
> already have a KX3 I could probably get a headache trying to make that 
> decision.  Either way you go you are probably a "winner!"  The "easy" 
> way may be to just conclude you want both, and apparently some have 
> already made that decision!  I'm not sure that would be my decision, 
> but hey, I haven't had my hands on a KX2 yet either! Hi.
>
> I'll be very interested in seeing some real in-depth reviews of the KX2.
>
> 73,
>
> Dave W7AQK
>
>
>
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>
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