[Elecraft] [KX3] New Product: SPX3 External Speaker

Fri Apr 13 16:55:09 EDT 2018

Hi Fred, 

Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it very much. I guess I didn't
make it clear enough in the long description. The SPX3 already has
support for exactly what you're requesting. Just like the Elecraft SP3
and other similar desktop radio speakers, it splits the right channel
and sends it out the left channel of the output stereo jack. The right
channel of the output is unused. (or did I split off the left channel?
same difference) That way, two identical speakers can be used in stereo
when daisy-chained. 

Since the SPX3 tilts to have the driver cone aimed up at an angle, I
find it more easily puts my ears in the listening sweet spot than having
to prop up a forward facing speaker on a shelf. At any rate, the dual
watch and stereo effects features of the KX3 can be enjoyed using a pair
of SPX3s; likely as SPX3A and SPX3P. Also, the amplified SPX3 or SPX3A
can be powered externally, with or without the internal battery. 

This brings us to a big question. Should I sell the SPX3A and SPX3P as a
pair, or separately? 

Thanks and 73,
Robert (AG6ZZ)

On 2018-04-13 13:23, Cady, Fred wrote:

> Hi Robert, 
> 
> I'm thinking you could greatly expand your potential market by having two speakers and supporting stereo audio.  That way people could use the KX3 dual watch feature without having to plug in headphones.  It might also be attractive for K3 users (like me) suffering from a space problem.  I use the West Mountain speakers and love them but would like something smaller. 
> 
> Just a thought. 
> 
> Good luck. 
> 
> 73, 
> 
> Fred KE7X 
> 
> -------------------------
> 
> FROM: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of John Gibson <gibson at alma.edu>
> SENT: Friday, April 13, 2018 12:32 PM
> TO: Robert J. Morris; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> SUBJECT: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] New Product: SPX3 External Speaker 
> 
> Hi Robert,
> 
> Your proposed speaker looks interesting. Thank you for offering it.
> 
> My need is a little different. I want to use a KX2 for portable emergency communication, powering it directly from a 12V lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. For this application I would like to power an external amplified speaker directly from the same 12V LFP battery. I would be rather not have to recharge an amplified speaker's internal battery.
> 
> 73,
> John, no8v
> 
> ________________________________________
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Robert J. Morris <ag6zz at iloc.com>
> Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2018 1:06:25 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] New Product: SPX3 External Speaker
> 
> I've built a prototype powered external speaker for the KX3, and would
> like some feedback on what folks would desire in terms of features, and
> whether folks would want to own one.
> 
> The speaker currently is designed to match the overall look of the KX3
> and PX3, and accept similar third-party panels and covers as for the KX
> line. Presently, it uses the same legs and feet as the KX3 and PX3, and
> is the same height and depth as those. There is one USB port for
> charging the internal lithium battery, and input and output stereo
> jacks. The speaker is mono. The output jack redirects the right channel
> from the stereo input for a second speaker, just like with the Elecraft
> SP3 and other similar external speakers. The speaker is amplified.
> 
> The SPX3 puts out a maximum of 3W, and is about as loud as any external
> radio speaker gets. Volume is adjusted by the KX3. It plugs into the KX3
> PHONES jack. There is a built-in low pass filter to reduce noise and
> improve the listening experience.
> 
> The prototype, as you'll see in pictures in the links below, is slightly
> narrower than the expected finished product. The speaker driver and
> on/off switch are both waterproof, but - just like the KX3 and PX3 - the
> case isn't. So, don't drop it in a lake. It will handle all conditions
> appropriate for the KX3, and is meant for indoor and outdoor use. Having
> matched the case design so closely to the KX3, it isn't as airtight as
> I'd like it, so the next prototype will have the case halves join in a
> more customary way, but remain the same dimensions and overall look.
> This will also improve ingress protection.
> 
> You'll see the speaker is not a polished finished product yet, as it's a
> rough first prototype made by hand. Your feedback will assure the final
> product is what you want gracing your portable shack.
> 
> Please note, the KX3 in the photo is only to demonstrate the speaker.
> 
> All feedback is welcome. Please let me know which reasonable
> enhancements or simplifications you'd like to see.
> Examples:
> * Would you want an output USB port to use the speaker to charge your
> phone?
> * Would you want to dispense with the built-in battery, and run it
> entirely from external power?
> * Would you want a second passive speaker driven by the first to save on
> weight and cost? That is, a SPX3A (active, with battery, charger, and
> amp) and SPX3P (passive, with only speaker driver)
> * If you're a KX2 user, would you like me to produce the SPX2 (also in
> development)?
> 
> Pictures:
> SPX3 with KX3: http://www.iloc.com/ag6zz/SPX3/AG6ZZ_SPX3_KX3.JPG
> SPX3 Left Oblique:
> http://www.iloc.com/ag6zz/SPX3/AG6ZZ_SPX3_LeftOblique.JPG
> SPX3 Right Oblique:
> http://www.iloc.com/ag6zz/SPX3/AG6ZZ_SPX3_RightOblique.JPG
> 
> 73,
> Robert (AG6ZZ)
> 
> SPX2, SPX2A, SPX2P, SPX3, SPX3A, and SPX3P are Trademarks (TM) of Robert
> J. Morris
> SPX2, SPX2A, SPX2P, SPX3, SPX3A, and SPX3P are Copyright (C) 2018 by
> Robert J. Morris
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