[Elecraft] Will there be a K4

[Edward R Cole]

Someday!

But the K3s is still new to the marketplace and Eric and Wayne (aka 
Elecraft) are in a "for-profit" enterprise.  I suspect their business 
plan specifies a target number of sales to make a new product 
"successful".  Most likely that will be a few more years to arrive.

What could move-up that date would be emergence of competing products 
with more advanced features/specs.

My guess the K4 will arrive with substantial different design - and 
they are taking notes on the desires of the readership (no dummies, 
they are).  Obviously direct -conversion is one, when A/D technology 
advances enough (and is fiscally reasonable) to do well.  I'd say we 
are there, now (KX3 and KX2).

Since I am involved in one of the most technical demanding aspect of 
Ham radio (eme), folks should look at the advancements being done on eme.

Latest arrival is the UADC4 designed-for-ham radio four audio port 
A/D convertor using USB computer interface.  A perfect unit for 
interface with SDR's.  KX3 provides IQ that would use two 
ports.  This A/D has superior dynamic range and low noise floor when 
compared to soundcards.  Eme'rs will proof this new technology and I 
expect it will begin to be adopted outside eme.  Recent explosion of 
FT8 is an example.

I bought my K3 in 2010 after thoroughly comparing the field.  Phase 
coherent dual receivers were the significant goal.  I pair them with 
two LP-Pan run from a single LO into a Delta44 soundcard (which will 
be replaced by the UADC4).  I updated the Synth boards when they 
became available and modified the Gen Coverage BP filter to accept 
630m.  Did not need the new K3s USB I/F as line-in audio and 
USB/RS232 conversion cables working fine.  Some of the other 
improvements not used in my particular applications.

Who knows if the K4 will encourage me to upgrade?

73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
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