[Elecraft] Future KX3/KX2 accessories?

[Barry Baines]

Paul:

Well said!  Along with the challenges inherent in having to manage two FT-817s to manage a satellite contact, there is also the relative degree of difficulty in managing the FT-817’s menu settings which can be very confusing to new users.  On the other hand, in my opinion Elecraft’s menu management of settings is much easier to understand and implement, enhancing the user experience.  In addition, the quality of user support provided by this forum is a significant service as well, enhancing the Elecraft brand.  

Bottom line is that a KX2 or KX3 style radio capable of 2M/70 cm with full duplex would be an awesome product as the number of amateur satellites in orbit will continue to increase over the next couple of years…

Barry
WD4ASW


> On Mar 30, 2017, at 7:55 AM, Paul Stoetzer <n8hm at arrl.net> wrote:
> 
> A KX2 or KX3 sized full-duplex 2m/70cm radio would be amazing and fill a
> big hole in current product availability.
> 
> Lots of satellite ops currently use an "FT-1634" or "FT-1674" (2 FT-817s or
> 1 FT-817 & 1 FT-857) for this purpose.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Paul, N8HM
> 
> On Thu, Mar 30, 2017 at 00:00 Ryan Noguchi via Elecraft <
> elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
>>> Here's your chance to get us back into the lab :)  What future
>> accessories, antennas, etc. would you like to see for the KX-line?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I'd like a 2M and 70CM transverter for working the linear satellites.
>> Ideally it would be capable of full-duplex operation with reverse VFO
>> tracking, but I'd settle for being able to use it half-duplex. A lot of
>> folks use one or two FT-817NDs as the foundation for their portable
>> satellite station, and it would be nice to be able to do that with the KX3
>> or KX2. While an internal unit would be more convenient, an external unit
>> would offer the possibility of working with both the KX3 and KX2, and a
>> larger connector (BNC, N, or SO239) for use with typical beam antennas.
>> 
>> I might buy an iambic or single-lever paddle that connects to the KX3 with
>> the paddles pointing to the left. To use the KXPD3 without my wrist
>> cramping up, I'd have to turn the KX3 90 degrees to the left.
>> 
>> More programmable function keys for storing macros or menu items would be
>> useful on the KX3. Maybe hold PF2 then press any other button to access the
>> programmable function stored there. The same approach could be taken with
>> the KX2's single PF button.
>> 
>> More DVR memories would be useful, even if they draw from the same memory
>> storage, e.g., if the total stored time for all messages was limited to 30
>> seconds or less. Even just one more memory would be incredibly helpful for
>> Field Day and other contests:  call, CQ, and exchange.
>> 
>> 73, Ryan AI6DO
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