[Elecraft] Giving Up

[Bob Wilson, N6TV]

Doug,

You didn't mention what rig you are going to buy instead.  Be sure to be
aware of its limitations before you buy it.

For example, the FTdx101MP has three show-stoppers (for a CW op like me),
despite it's impressive numbers in the Sherwood table:

   - Poor QSK performance (the clicking keying relay cannot be disabled,
   same problem as the IC-7300)
   - No CW sidetone output on USB Audio CODEC-- cannot record both ends of
   your QSOs (a contest requirement in some contests)
   - Mouse wheel is not supported for fine tuning or RIT (I think).  K4
   supports this very well

As for comparing the K4 to the K3, despite the K3's "superior" numbers in
the Sherwood table, the K4 SOUNDS so much better than any K3.  The K4 audio
is just SO CLEAN compared to the K3, which makes a big difference when a
pileup calls.  That quality is not captured by any subjective measurement.
The narrow DSP filters (down to 50 Hz) also seem to work so much better in
the K4 than the narrow 250 or 200 Hz crystal filters in the K3 -- no
ringing.

73,
Bob, N6TV


On Mon, Jun 7, 2021 at 7:34 PM Doug Person <doug at k0dxv.com> wrote:

> Sadly, I've decided to give up waiting for the K4. I'm probably far down
> the list anyway. Their are numerous reason for this decision. First,
> there is the cost. With a tuner the price is $4600 making it one of the
> most expensive transceivers on the market. I fully realize that the K4
> is feature rich and extremely well designed. I would never take anything
> away from Elecraft's engineering ability. The K3 set a new standard of
> performance that made the other manufacturers substantially up their
> game - which they did. But is the K4 going to do the same thing the K3
> did? To me, it doesn't look like it. Innovative in some, perhaps many
> ways - yes. A new trend setter? I'm not so sure. When the K3 came out it
> was very competitively priced. I'm not sure I would describe the K4 with
> the same words. It is unquestionably an expensive radio. At this point
> the price/performance just isn't there for me. I sold my very complete
> K3 station several years ago in anticipation of the K4. But now the
> waiting has left me thinking about how much I'm willing to invest and
> whether or not another brand whose transceivers are as much as $1500
> less and whose performance seems quite impressive will meet my needs.
> After literally several years of contemplation I conclude that, for me,
> the K4 is not worth the price. $3600 (with the tuner since every other
> significant radio includes one) would seem competitive and I would jump
> on it at this price. But as it is? Can't see doing it. I apologize if
> feelings are hurt or I've made anyone angry. I'm leaving the list since
> I'm no longer waiting patiently for what we once called Vaporware.
>
> Good luck to everyone on their current and future K4s.
>
> Doug -- K0DXV
>
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