[Elecraft] Copy cat - no way

[Barry Baines]

Wayne et al:

> On Sep 3, 2019, at 12:03 PM, Wayne Burdick <n6kr at elecraft.com> wrote:
> 
> 
>> On Aug 31, 2019, at 3:25 PM, Charlie T <pincon at erols.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Well, it IS some significant competition, especially since the "PX3" is built-in eh?
>> 
>> 
>> Charlie k3ICH
>> 
> 
> It's an interesting radio for those who need built-in VHF/UHF.
> 
> But there are major differences between the KX2/KX3 and '705 for those doing lightweight outdoor operation:
> 
> - KX3 is half the size and 33% lighter; KX2 is one-third the size and weight
> - KX3 has max power out of 15 W, KX2 12 W (vs. 10 W); KX2 can put out 10 W on internal battery
> - the KX3/KX2 LCD is very high contrast, easily readable in bright sunlight
>    (I've seen the '7300 display in sunlight, and it's almost completely washed out)
> - both KX-line rigs have a built-in wide-range ATU (not mentioned in the '705 brochure)
> - both work with an attached keyer paddle
> - both have far lower current drain (0.15-0.25 A vs. estimated 0.8-1.0 amps)
> - the '705s internal battery is only 2 AH/7.4 V = 14.8 WH; the KX2's is
>  2.5 AH and 11 V = 27.5 WH, and the KX3 can be used with 8x Lithium AA, 3A @ 12V = 36 WH
> 
> The other head-scratching design choice is the lack of any sort of tilt stand for angled use. If you use it as shown on a desktop, with the display at 90 degrees and no feet, it will be very hard to push buttons, and when you do, the rig will slide backwards. If you place it on its back with the display facing up, operation would be awkward in many field situations. Hand-held operation also seems unlikely (something you can easily do with a KX2 or even a KX3).


Another question is whether the IC-705 will support full duplex operation (e.g. UHF/VHF) that satellite operators need for working linear and FM satellites.  I’m not aware of any current field radio that does UHF/VHF full duplex.  Most satellite operators typically end up using two radios for linear satellite contacts which adds complexity and bulk.

A second question is how it might work as a mobile rig.  It isn’t clear from the photos I’ve seen whether there is a mounting arrangement that would work well in a vehicle.  The fact that the new model is a ‘705’ suggests a connection to the IC-706, which works well as a mobile rig with an easy-to-mount control head and a base that provides 100 watts.  One has to wonder if Icom will eventually provide for the IC-705 a 100 watt HF option or a UHF/VHF option as an external amplifier for mobile use.  


FWIW.

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
(Currently in Boston, MA)


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