[Elecraft] Software Update for KX3

[Geert Jan de Groot]

Elecraft sells its optional features using additional hardware boards.
The optional antenna tuner. The optional filter board. The optional 
2m/4m transverter, the optional charger board. You get the feature if 
you install the board.

Every KX2 and KX3 radio has a unique serial number that cannot be 
changed. I have suggested before that a feature like CESSB can be sold 
using firmware where the CESSB feature is disabled by default but can be 
enabled using a code that is dependent on the serial number.
You'd buy the CESSB feature, you get the code to unlock the feature on 
your serial number. That is not that different from installing an 
additional board.

Doing this mechanism releases funds immediately for Elecraft to fund 
developers to do the KX3 CESSB feature. I understand they are currently 
"on other projects" but I think this mechanism would allow Elecraft to 
hire the additional developers to build CESSB on the KX2/KX3.

I note that Elecraft customers are willing to pay for this. And the 
alternative, which is how it is now - "you do not have the feature and 
we do not have developer resources to build it" is quite worse than a 
payable unlock code to enable the feature.

At the end of day, it is an Elecraft business decision, but so is my 
decision to buy Elecraft or to buy something else. And the clock is 
ticking, and I wonder if that is in Elecraft's favor.

Sorry for the harsh opinion.

73, Geert Jan PE1HZG