[Elecraft] [Elecraft-K3] K3S to be discontinued

[David Gilbert]

I guess I still don't understand that choice, particularly since the 
bulk of the new features that separate the K4 from the K3s seem geared 
more toward fixed station use than portable operation.  You could have 
kept the K3s (which is still a world class rig) for anyone actually 
needing portable capability while making the K4 a much cleaner rig than 
it now will be.  I'd be surprised if very many DXpeditions or contesters 
are going to feel the need to upgrade from a K3s to a K4, and if so I'd 
be interested in hearing why.   I'd also bet that the great majority of 
K4 users will never take their rig outside the house or need to run it 
off emergency power, yet all of them are now going to have signals at 
least 10 db less clean than was technically practical.

Like it or not, Sherwood's recent QST article applies to Elecraft.

Dave   AB7E



On 11/4/2019 4:20 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> We've chosen to have the K4 continue to be a field-capable radio, inheriting the characteristics that have always made the K3/K3S (and the K2 before it) the preferred rig for FD, DXpeditions, and multi-transmitter stations. Thanks to a lightweight but rigid internal aluminum frame, the K4 weighs only slightly more than the K3/K3S, while integrating in a large LCD in a way that increases width by less than 3 inches. (Unlike on many rigs, our front panel includes separate optical encoders for VFO A, VFO B, and RIT/XIT.)
>
> Current drain of the K4 is half that of most competing high-performance desktop radios, so it can be used with emergency power. At home, use 13.8 to 14.2 V for lowest IMD. In the field, the K3 (and now, the K4) automatically scales maximum power output based on supply voltage, and can run down to as low as 11 V.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>> On Nov 4, 2019, at 3:07 PM, Buck <radiok4ia at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Perhaps the K4 should have been a 40V radio and the K3S remain as the 12V "portable" or "field" version.
>>
>> k4ia, Buck
>> K3# 101
>> Honor Roll  8B DXCC
>> EasyWayHamBooks.com
>
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