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

[Phil Wheeler]

Ed, re "Who will build it?": It seems the market 
must be large enough to justify the investment. I 
wonder if it really is?

73, Phil W7OX

On 5/24/16 2:33 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> I replied in depth to Barry but let me share 
> that more briefly with the List:
>
> My vision for a "KXV3sat" would be based on a 
> 50-MHz direct conversion SDR (if that is 
> practical at this time).
> That would establish the IF for other bands 
> which would be accomplished with transverters.   
> HF would be unnecessary and just take up 
> valuable real estate inside the radio.
>
> To keep a KX3 sized concept power would likely 
> be held to 10w on 2m and 70cm.  The radio would 
> have IQ baseband access for running other sw on 
> external computers.  Similar I/F for Line in 
> audio and computer PTT would enable use of   sw 
> other than the internal DSP.  SDR means any 
> number of modes could be accommodated.  Stable 
> LO would be required for NB digital modes and 
> use with mw.  Full cross-band duplex plus 
> computer tuning of both VFO's to enable 
> satellite auto-tune from external sw.  BNC would 
> suffice for ANT connections since power is low.  
> Battery operation (option).
>
> An option would be a K3 sized transverter 
> housing which modules for 222, 432, 902, and 1.2 
> GHz that could be added making a complete 
> 50-1296 package, or just what you want.  The 
> KXV3sat would dock to this "console" for 'no 
> external interconnect' wiring package.  Probably 
> modules would be 10w or maybe 25w.  If enough 
> room, 60-80w PA boards might be included for 
> 6m/2m/70cm.  Though there are ext. PA's 
> available from the ham community.
>
> Keeping the power down in the KXV3sat would make 
> it usable for portable operating and keep it 
> light.  Also 100w linears would likely add $300 
> per band to the total price.
>
> Design considerations would emcompass VHF/UHF 
> SSB/CW/FM plus digital modes.  Interconnection 
> for ext amps, ext freq. source, ext computer 
> I/F, Panadaptor.  One could operate satellite in 
> full-duplex and operating eme/ms/weak-signal 
> modes.  Perhaps optional Rx antenna ports could 
> be incorporated as options.
>
> My belief there is a large market for such a 
> radio.  Satellite population is on the rise, so 
> is small-scale eme.  VHF/eme Dxpeditions are on 
> the rise for which a small footprint is 
> desirable for airline baggage.
>
> Who will build it?
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
>     "Kits made by KL7UW"
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>     dubususa at gmail.com