[Elecraft] The KX2

[Phil Wheeler]

Some good observations, Dale.  A comparison with 
the KX1 might also be pertinent, since that is the 
radio in the Elecraft line I see it replacing.

One thing: You said "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.". I've seen 
nothing to suggest less capability in the ATU vs. 
the KX3's ATU. The KX2 FAQ includes "7L/7C network 
(KXAT2) - 8L/8C network (KXAT3)", but with fewer 
bands I suspect the ATUs are equally capable -- 
and the spec in the FAQ says "matching range typ. 
20:1 or higher" which seems good enough.

Would I want to lug and power my PX3 with the 
KX2?  Seems that would defeat the purpose of a 
small, portable battery-operated rig. But for 
portable ops with an AC supply, I'd take the KX3 
so it doesn't matter to me.  Clearly the KX2 is 
not intended to replace the KX3 in the Elecraft 
product line.

As to "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?", 
perhaps a KX1 comparison would be more to the 
point, Dale :-)

73, Phil W7OX

On 5/23/16 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