[Elecraft] KX2 Satellite Derivative? (Was: Re: The KX2)

Barry Baines bbaines at mac.com
Tue May 24 13:56:52 EDT 2016


Ed:

Please allow me to second your suggestion for a “KXV3Sat”, though a KX2 derivative with FM + VHF + UHF and full duplex would certainly be another option that would be very intriguing. Whether such a design built into a K2/K3 footprint (with or without HF) is feasible from an engineering/cost of production perspective is something else… 

Given the rapid growth of the amateur satellite ’fleet,’ there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of such a product for satellite operations.  AMSAT-NA’s AO-85 (FM) was placed in service in October, 2015.  Between now and January there will be three more FM Cubesats built by AMSAT-NA that will be launched.  In addition, AMSAT-NA is building a 30 KHz wide linear transponder satellite (Fox-1E).  AMSAT-UK launched FunCube-1 (AO-73) which is also a linear transponder satellite.  The Chinese placed a number of sats last fall in orbit on one launcher  with a variety of capabilities, including liner transponder.  These satellites, coupled with FO-29 and AO-7 are certainly candidates for operating with a low power, SSB/CW capable transceiver operating duplex.

As you know, a number of satellite operators are working these satellites in the field using an Arrow or Elk Antenna with the FT-817x class transceivers which to my knowledge is the only backpack size QRP-capable HF-VHF-UHF multimode radio with built-in battery for portable operation in the field currently on the market.  The FT-817x is not full duplex, so satellite operators use two of these radios to be able to hear their downlink when working the linear transponder satellites.  While the FT-817x does work well for this type of operation, it does have a confusing set of options in the menu and in my opinion is  more difficult to learn to operate than what Elecraft offers in their firmware architecture;  having to use for FT-817s for full duplex adds to the complexity and cost of such operations. Interest in satellite operations is increasing and such a product would spur further growth.  It seems to me that an Elecraft-designed radio capable of FM + UHF + VHF + full duplex in an integrated package with the footprint of a KX2 or the KX3 would be a winner; a HT-size transceiver (KX2) capable of working the linear satellites plus the FM sates would be a game changer for satellite operators.
  
FWIW,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Westborough, MA
(Currently in Deshler, OH after ’surviving’ Hamvention)




> On May 24, 2016, at 1:11 PM, Edward R Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net> wrote:
> 
> One type of radio that Elecraft has avoided making to date:
> multi-band, multi-mode VHF/UHF, cross-band duplex radio.
> 
> I recently bought a (not new) radio that, at its time, was considered one of the finest radios for this:
> Yaesu FT-736R.  It is still held in considerable respect.
> 
> I wanted a VHF/UHF multi-mode radio capable of satellite operation and had considered a cross-band duplex-capable FM mobile radio, but it would have limited me to FM.  For approximately $200 more I obtained a "cherry" FT-736R with basic 2m/70cm capability.
> 
> The radio is capable of expansion to two more bands via installation of internal modules for 6m, 220, and 1.2 GHz.  Quite a remarkable model of adaptability for its time.
> 
> I previously owned its successor, the  FT-847, which was HF, 6m, 2m, 70cm.  But on used market cost double what I spent on the FT-736R.
> 
> Had Elecraft offered a VHF/UHF cross-band duplex multi-mode radio I would have considered it.  Nothing on the current market equals the Elecraft radio quality (my opinion).  I chose the K3/10 plus transverters for eme, but the K3 is not capable of duplex operation.
> 
> If a KVX3sat were produced - I think the market is there.  Current competitors: IC-9100 and TS2000X;Yaesu is out of the satellite radio market.
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
>    "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
>    dubususa at gmail.com
> 
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