[Elecraft] Will there be a K4

[Jim Brown]

On 3/24/2019 11:13 AM, Alan Corbeth wrote:
> I really want to join the Elecraft Family, but the K3 is aging and I feel a major upgrade must be on the table.  Icom, Flex, and now Yaesu have recently introduced new high tech models.

Gee -- the two K3s I bought in 2008 were updated about 3 years ago by 
the substitution of several modules designed for the K3S. They are 
plug-in compatible in the radios I paid $3K for, the upgrade cost me 
about $600, and the radios blow away anything from Icom, Yaesu, or 
Kenwood. And if you want to upgrade those radios you have to buy a new one.

There's nothing "low tech" about Elecraft rigs, nor "high tech" about 
the expensive rigs (or SDR rigs) from other mfrs. Except for the top 
line Flex rigs, it's nothing more than needing to have the latest, 
flashiest model in the driveway. Indeed, the only competing rig that's 
anywhere near being in the same class as a K3 is the Flex 6700, and it's 
been recognized by both serious contesters and solid engineers as a very 
good radio.

My advice -- if you want a K3, buy one of the used ones that come up 
from time to time on this reflector. They usually sell at half the cost 
of a new K3S, still blow away the competition, and can be upgraded to 
90% of a K3S for under $800.

73, Jim K9YC