[Elecraft] K4 Observations

[Buck]

The following is offered based on my observations and discussions at the 
Elecraft booth.  I am *not* an official, or even unofficial, Elecraft 
spokesman and stand willing to be corrected.

First, this is going to be another game-changer from Elecraft.  The 
radio will have outstanding performance figures and an interface to die 
for.  The screen is beautiful and functions can be controlled from 
either buttons or the touch-screen.  There is band-stacking on the touch 
screen, a nit people have complained about on the K3.

The radio is full SDR as opposed to the analog front end of the K3. 
However an option, the K4HD, is a superhet receive function.  Like 
previous Elecraft radios, this can be added later if you think you need 
it.  Preliminary is that it will not be necessary unless you operate in 
the presence of strong stations (multi-multi).

Another option has a second set of band pass filters and ADC module that 
will allow the two receivers to operate on different bands or antennas 
(K4D).

The radio contains a Linux computer so all this magic does not require 
an external computer except for logging or audio input. The rig will be 
addressable locally or over the internet with no additional software.  I 
saw it operated from an iPad and Android is coming.  The iPad screen 
looked exactly like the front panel, including the panadapter.

There are multiple USB ports, an Ethernet port, RS232 and an HDMI port 
so you can project the front panel, or parts of it, to an external 
monitor.  The panadapter looks awesome on the external monitor and you 
will be able to point and click to QSY the radio.

The prices are targets but I got the impression the final will be very 
close.  The cost is less than a fully loaded K3s. The kit version will 
be cheaper than factory-assembled and ship several months later to allow 
time to write the assembly manual.  Target for the factory version is 
November.

I suspect the K4 will replace the K3 series as K3s sales are sure to 
suffer because of product age and competition from the K4.  I did not 
hear any talk about sun-setting the K3s when the K4 comes out.  I am 
sure there are many people who will want to buy the basic K3s and 
upgrade over time (or not) rather than plunk down $4,000 for the K4.

What does this do to the value of a K3 or K3s?  I expect there will be 
some coming on the market.  Anyone who buys, or retains, a K3 or K3s 
will still have one of the finest radios ever made.  We are at the point 
where the difference among the top 5 or so on Sherwood's charts is a 
decibel or two, almost within the margin of error and certainly beyond 
the ability of the human ear to discern.  So, don't panic.  The demand 
for the K3 series will be strong for many years to come.

Keep an eye on the website as more information comes from Watsonville.


-- 
Buck, k4ia
Honor Roll
8BDXCC
EasyWayHamBooks.com