Elecraft

Future Kradio?

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Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: [OT] American Beer, was: 2M module

Administrator

We drifting a little -too- far OT. Let's close this thread at this time.

73,

Eric
elecraft.com

On 8/23/2013 9:37 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:

> Wow, talk about off topic...well
> As a young man growing up in Michigan it was Carling and Shlitz and rhymed
> with .... OK, I'll keep it clean!
> I never cared for beer in those years (because all that we had was American
> beer).
>
> Now I enjoy an occasional dark beer or ale. Alaska has pretty active group of
> micro-brewers.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW

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Bayard Coolidge, N1HO

Re: Future K-radio?

In reply to this post by Lewis Phelps

Lew Phelps, N6LEW, mentioned the FT-736R.

I have one, and used it for many years when I was living on top of a decent hill in New Hampshire.

I briefly flirted with the idea of buying an IC-9100 to replace my IC-746Pro AND the FT-736R, but
after reading many review articles, as well as the discussions on this list, I bought a K3 kit. I love it
for HF work, but I'd also like to see an integrated desktop replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m)
through 23cm (or perhaps 13cm?). The FT-736R was touted as a satellite radio, but I'm not personally
interested in the more esoteric satellite features (such as reverse VFO tracking), as I preferred to do
weak-signal work, with some cross-mode and FM operating. I still have the "brick" amplifiers for
2, 222 and 432 MHz that I used with the FT-736R, and they're still currently available, so I'm thinking
that the envisioned Elecraft product only needs to put out 5-10W, but should have separate per-band
relay keying lines.

Just my 20 millidollars' worth of daydreaming...

Brandy, N1HO
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Fred Smith-2

Re: Future K-radio?

When I changed over to all Elecraft gear one radio I did keep was my IC-9100
for all my UHF/VHF even though one of my K3's does have the 2m module in it.
It still remains my main radio for 2-12m over my K3 with the 6/10 preamp.
IMHO a better receiver on those frequencies plus the added power up to 100w
on 2m to drive one of my larger amps that needs a 50w exciter.

On HF it falls short of the K3 quickly as most all other radios do but all
things considered it really isn't that bad there either. We have just become
to expect more receiver wise (HF) after owning our K2/K3/KX3's just makes us
to critical at times of our radios.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bayard Coolidge, N1HO
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 12:30 PM
To: [hidden email] List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Future K-radio?

Lew Phelps, N6LEW, mentioned the FT-736R.

I have one, and used it for many years when I was living on top of a decent
hill in New Hampshire.

I briefly flirted with the idea of buying an IC-9100 to replace my IC-746Pro
AND the FT-736R, but after reading many review articles, as well as the
discussions on this list, I bought a K3 kit. I love it for HF work, but I'd
also like to see an integrated desktop replacement for the FT-736R to cover
6m (or 2m) through 23cm (or perhaps 13cm?). The FT-736R was touted as a
satellite radio, but I'm not personally interested in the more esoteric
satellite features (such as reverse VFO tracking), as I preferred to do
weak-signal work, with some cross-mode and FM operating. I still have the
"brick" amplifiers for 2, 222 and 432 MHz that I used with the FT-736R, and
they're still currently available, so I'm thinking that the envisioned
Elecraft product only needs to put out 5-10W, but should have separate
per-band relay keying lines.

Just my 20 millidollars' worth of daydreaming...

Brandy, N1HO
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Jim Low man

Re: 2M module

In reply to this post by Fred Smith-2

I agree, Fred.

Maybe I missed hearing the tentative price of the 2m option for the KX3,
but if it's anything like the same option for the K3, you're looking at
$300.
That much money for a meager 3-5w output. Certainly you would need to
buy an amp
for any serious weak-signal work.

Since I ordered the kit version, I don't expect to have the KXPA100+ATU
until sometime
in October, but that's okay, since I have no interest in the 2m module.

I will stop short of asking why so many guys are so anxious to get the
2m module.
When I questioned why anyone would want 160m at the QRP level in the
Ten-Tec Argonaut VI,
I definitely got schooled!

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 8/22/2013 11:04 PM, Fred Smith wrote:

> I think they went with the right option first the amp and tuner to make the
> KX3 a full blown desktop radio a smart move IMHO. It also will produce the
> greatest amount of return good business since and profitability. The 2m
> mogul I think will not have nearly as many buyers as the amp/tuner because
> of the power output on 2m with the KX3. If you must have a QRP rig with 2m
> buy an old FT-817 non D model there cheap and have a backup radio then when
> you think you really need 2m take it with you. I have one sitting here in
> the shack right now.
>
> I guess if I die before it ships that I really didn't need one anyway 8>).
>
>
> 73,
> Fred/N0AZZ
> K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 2573--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100
> P3/SVGA--KPA500--KAT500--W2
>

Jim Low man

Re: 2M module

In reply to this post by Stewart@twinwood

Obviously you haven't been to an American microbrewery.
I won't drink that mass-produced American swill, anyway.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 8/22/2013 11:53 PM, Stewart wrote:
> It's an acceptable alternative to American Beer...
>
> :-)
>
> 73
> Stewart G3RXQ
>

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Future K-radio?

In reply to this post by Bayard Coolidge, N1HO

> I bought a K3 kit. I love it for HF work, but I'd also like to see an
> integrated desktop replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m)
> through 23cm (or perhaps 13cm?).

Does not the K3 with XV-144, XV-220 and VX-432 already answer that
need through 70 cm? If so, would not the answer seem to be in added
transverters for 900 MHZ, 1.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz? It seems that the K3
can already address up to 9 transverters/transverter bands ... even
if it were necessary to use more than one "band" to cover the needed
spectrum, I would think a K3/10 with six transverters would more than
sufficient as a 1.8 MHz to 2.4 GHz platform.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 8/23/2013 1:30 PM, Bayard Coolidge, N1HO wrote:

> Lew Phelps, N6LEW, mentioned the FT-736R.
>
> I have one, and used it for many years when I was living on top of a
> decent hill in New Hampshire.
>
> I briefly flirted with the idea of buying an IC-9100 to replace my
> IC-746Pro AND the FT-736R, but after reading many review articles, as
> well as the discussions on this list, I bought a K3 kit. I love it
> for HF work, but I'd also like to see an integrated desktop
> replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m) through 23cm (or
> perhaps 13cm?). The FT-736R was touted as a satellite radio, but I'm
> not personally interested in the more esoteric satellite features
> (such as reverse VFO tracking), as I preferred to do weak-signal
> work, with some cross-mode and FM operating. I still have the "brick"
> amplifiers for 2, 222 and 432 MHz that I used with the FT-736R, and
> they're still currently available, so I'm thinking that the
> envisioned Elecraft product only needs to put out 5-10W, but should
> have separate per-band relay keying lines.
>
> Just my 20 millidollars' worth of daydreaming...
>
> Brandy, N1HO
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list Home:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:
> mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
> email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Jim Low man

Re: [OT] American Beer, was: 2M module

In reply to this post by Keith Heimbold

Stone products are enjoying very widespread distribution today.
I noticed them on restaurant menus back in Michigan and Ohio a few
months ago, when we were there for Dayton and to visit the in-laws.

I can remember when Stone was headquartered in an small industrial park
in San Marcos.
Now the brewery is in Escondido and is quite large. There are tours of
the brewery and there is a gift shop.
There is also an excellent restaurant and beer garden, and I understand
there are plans for a hotel and a farmers' market on the premises.
Look for the new Palomar Hospital on the hill. You can see it for
miles. Stone is their neighbor (or, rather, the hospital is Stone's
neighbor; Stone having been in that relatively-undeveloped part of town
first).

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 8/23/2013 8:51 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote:
> Got to comment on a local San Diego brewery that may or may not be well known called Stone brewery. They have some great beers in the IPA realm; Arrogant Bastard, Self Righteous, Ruination to name a few. Pliny the elder from Russian River Northern California is a superb IPA too.
>
> Keith
> AK6ZZ
>
>

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Jim Low man

Re: [OT] American Beer, was: 2M module

In reply to this post by Edward R Cole

Okay, Ed, I won't hold it against you that you're a MSU grad. :-)
Go Blue! Can't wait for the football season to begin next week.

Another lousy beer that we had in Michigan was Strohs. Spelled backward
it's "Shorts," and tastes like that was the filter!
Now there is a microbrewery named Shorts Brewing.
Grand Rapids was named beer capital USA when we were there this year.
We stopped at Arcadia in Battle Creek and Founders in Grand Rapids for
lunch and beer to go.
Also hit up Bell's General Store in Kalamazoo and a small microbrewery
in Sparta that had beer and wine tasting and sales.

When we were in Fairbanks and Anchorage in 1997, I fell in love with
your Alaskan Amber.
We used to have to go to northern California to buy it, but now I can
get it locally.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 8/23/2013 9:37 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:

> Wow, talk about off topic...well
> As a young man growing up in Michigan it was Carling and Shlitz and
> rhymed with .... OK, I'll keep it clean!
> I never cared for beer in those years (because all that we had was
> American beer).
>
> Now I enjoy an occasional dark beer or ale. Alaska has pretty active
> group of micro-brewers.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
> [hidden email]
> "Kits made by KL7UW"

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: [OT] American Beer, was: 2M module

Administrator

Folks, we closed this way OT thread earlier today.

73,

Eric
List Moderator
elecraft.com
_..._

On Aug 23, 2013, at 1:13 PM, Jim Lowman <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Okay, Ed, I won't hold it against you that you're a MSU grad. :-)
> Go Blue! Can't wait for the football season to begin next week.
>
> Another lousy beer that we had in Michigan was Strohs. Spelled backward it's "Shorts," and tastes like that was the filter!
>
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Jim Low man

Re: Future K-radio?

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Yes, certainly, Joe. I have not removed the XV-220 from consideration.
The only obstacles are the lack of 222 MHz activity in the greater LA
area and the need to add the KXV3A to my K3.
Being a kit is not a problem - I love to build through-hole kits, going
way back to Heathkits and also my K2.
SMD kit assembly is not one of the skills that I'm anxious to learn.

As far as 900 MHZ and 1.2 GHZ, DEM still has transverters, both
assembled and in kit form, for those bands.
I'm sure that someone on here has interfaced the K3 with DEM transverters.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 8/23/2013 12:02 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
>> I bought a K3 kit. I love it for HF work, but I'd also like to see an
>> integrated desktop replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m)
>> through 23cm (or perhaps 13cm?).
>
> Does not the K3 with XV-144, XV-220 and VX-432 already answer that
> need through 70 cm? If so, would not the answer seem to be in added
> transverters for 900 MHZ, 1.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz? It seems that the K3
> can already address up to 9 transverters/transverter bands ... even
> if it were necessary to use more than one "band" to cover the needed
> spectrum, I would think a K3/10 with six transverters would more than
> sufficient as a 1.8 MHz to 2.4 GHz platform.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV

~BG~

Re: Future K-radio?

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Personally I'd like something more portable than a K3/10 with a pile of
transverters though. More like a KX3 but strictly an all-mode VHF/UHF rig,
no HF. 6m, 2m, 70cm, 1.2 GHz, and perhaps 2.4 GHz in the box, perhaps with
4m, 1.25cm, and 900 MHz as options. I'd be on the fence about general
coverage reception (my R20 already covers that sort of). 1-2 BNC
connections on the side along with an SMA, so you can run at least two
antennas (e.g. rubber ducky + a hand-held yagi, or backpack mounted
vertical + a UHF bullet). Perhaps being able to optionally bypass the
internal DSP for processing and use laptop to do all your processing
(somewhat like a USRP, but more portable, granted this would start putting
the radio in to Flex territory), or plug in a USB cam and do some simple
ATV broadcasts (although the radio would need a fair amount of memory and
processing power for this).

Once you get smaller than the IC-703/7000 form-factor you're pretty much
stuck in the realm of FM only, and that kind of blows. Granted it seems
like a pretty small niche, but I kind of wonder if there's a chunk of
potential users out there who are apartment dwellers and are turned off by
the logistics of running a home HF base station. Plus to me, Elecraft at
it's heart is more about small, portable radios...

./ben
W6MCM

On Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 12:02 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> I bought a K3 kit. I love it for HF work, but I'd also like to see an
>> integrated desktop replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m)
>> through 23cm (or perhaps 13cm?).
>>
>
> Does not the K3 with XV-144, XV-220 and VX-432 already answer that
> need through 70 cm? If so, would not the answer seem to be in added
> transverters for 900 MHZ, 1.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz? It seems that the K3
> can already address up to 9 transverters/transverter bands ... even
> if it were necessary to use more than one "band" to cover the needed
> spectrum, I would think a K3/10 with six transverters would more than
> sufficient as a 1.8 MHz to 2.4 GHz platform.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>
> On 8/23/2013 1:30 PM, Bayard Coolidge, N1HO wrote:
>
>> Lew Phelps, N6LEW, mentioned the FT-736R.
>>
>> I have one, and used it for many years when I was living on top of a
>> decent hill in New Hampshire.
>>
>> I briefly flirted with the idea of buying an IC-9100 to replace my
>> IC-746Pro AND the FT-736R, but after reading many review articles, as
>> well as the discussions on this list, I bought a K3 kit. I love it
>> for HF work, but I'd also like to see an integrated desktop
>> replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m) through 23cm (or
>> perhaps 13cm?). The FT-736R was touted as a satellite radio, but I'm
>> not personally interested in the more esoteric satellite features
>> (such as reverse VFO tracking), as I preferred to do weak-signal
>> work, with some cross-mode and FM operating. I still have the "brick"
>> amplifiers for 2, 222 and 432 MHz that I used with the FT-736R, and
>> they're still currently available, so I'm thinking that the
>> envisioned Elecraft product only needs to put out 5-10W, but should
>> have separate per-band relay keying lines.
>>
>> Just my 20 millidollars' worth of daydreaming...
>>
>> Brandy, N1HO
>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>> Elecraft mailing list Home:
>> http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>Help:
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>Post:
>> mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>> email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm<http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
> Post: mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Gary K9GS

Re: Future K-radio?

I think something like a back-plane box where you can install various
"band modules" for whatever VHF/UHF/Microwave modules you want. For
really esoteric bands like laser communications make it open source so
others could design modules that Elecraft wouldn't be interested in
because the volume is too low. You could even have a Lowfer module.

Some of the modules could accommodate either an optional internal
amplifier (like 100W+ for 2M) or be able to drive an external
amplifier. Outputs could be provided for relay control of an external
amp, sequencer, mast mounted preamp, etc. Maybe make the back-plane
boxes "daisy-chain-able" in case you really want to go nuts. Power the
back-plane box from an external 12V DC supply so it could be used by rovers.

The back-plane box could be controlled by a K3, KX3, K3-0, remotely
through Rig-Remote, etc.

On 8/23/2013 4:16 PM, ~BG~ wrote:

> Personally I'd like something more portable than a K3/10 with a pile of
> transverters though. More like a KX3 but strictly an all-mode VHF/UHF rig,
> no HF. 6m, 2m, 70cm, 1.2 GHz, and perhaps 2.4 GHz in the box, perhaps with
> 4m, 1.25cm, and 900 MHz as options. I'd be on the fence about general
> coverage reception (my R20 already covers that sort of). 1-2 BNC
> connections on the side along with an SMA, so you can run at least two
> antennas (e.g. rubber ducky + a hand-held yagi, or backpack mounted
> vertical + a UHF bullet). Perhaps being able to optionally bypass the
> internal DSP for processing and use laptop to do all your processing
> (somewhat like a USRP, but more portable, granted this would start putting
> the radio in to Flex territory), or plug in a USB cam and do some simple
> ATV broadcasts (although the radio would need a fair amount of memory and
> processing power for this).
>
> Once you get smaller than the IC-703/7000 form-factor you're pretty much
> stuck in the realm of FM only, and that kind of blows. Granted it seems
> like a pretty small niche, but I kind of wonder if there's a chunk of
> potential users out there who are apartment dwellers and are turned off by
> the logistics of running a home HF base station. Plus to me, Elecraft at
> it's heart is more about small, portable radios...
>
>
> ./ben
> W6MCM
>
>
> On Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 12:02 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I bought a K3 kit. I love it for HF work, but I'd also like to see an
>>> integrated desktop replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m)
>>> through 23cm (or perhaps 13cm?).
>>>
>> Does not the K3 with XV-144, XV-220 and VX-432 already answer that
>> need through 70 cm? If so, would not the answer seem to be in added
>> transverters for 900 MHZ, 1.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz? It seems that the K3
>> can already address up to 9 transverters/transverter bands ... even
>> if it were necessary to use more than one "band" to cover the needed
>> spectrum, I would think a K3/10 with six transverters would more than
>> sufficient as a 1.8 MHz to 2.4 GHz platform.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>>
>> On 8/23/2013 1:30 PM, Bayard Coolidge, N1HO wrote:
>>
>>> Lew Phelps, N6LEW, mentioned the FT-736R.
>>>
>>> I have one, and used it for many years when I was living on top of a
>>> decent hill in New Hampshire.
>>>
>>> I briefly flirted with the idea of buying an IC-9100 to replace my
>>> IC-746Pro AND the FT-736R, but after reading many review articles, as
>>> well as the discussions on this list, I bought a K3 kit. I love it
>>> for HF work, but I'd also like to see an integrated desktop
>>> replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m) through 23cm (or
>>> perhaps 13cm?). The FT-736R was touted as a satellite radio, but I'm
>>> not personally interested in the more esoteric satellite features
>>> (such as reverse VFO tracking), as I preferred to do weak-signal
>>> work, with some cross-mode and FM operating. I still have the "brick"
>>> amplifiers for 2, 222 and 432 MHz that I used with the FT-736R, and
>>> they're still currently available, so I'm thinking that the
>>> envisioned Elecraft product only needs to put out 5-10W, but should
>>> have separate per-band relay keying lines.
>>>
>>> Just my 20 millidollars' worth of daydreaming...
>>>
>>> Brandy, N1HO
>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>>> Elecraft mailing list Home:
>>> http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>Help:
>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>Post:
>>> mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>>
>>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>>> email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>
>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home:http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
>> Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm<http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
>> Post:mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>
>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
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--

73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association:http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters:http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032http://www.cwops.org

************************************************

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Future K-radio?

The problem here is cost/development time vs. potential demand. Quite
frankly the market for a K3/10 with slots for VHF/UHF modules is likely
to be too small to justify the development time. That's one reason the
"open backplane" provided by the daisy chain design of the XV series.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 8/23/2013 5:39 PM, Gary K9GS wrote:

> I think something like a back-plane box where you can install various
> "band modules" for whatever VHF/UHF/Microwave modules you want. For
> really esoteric bands like laser communications make it open source so
> others could design modules that Elecraft wouldn't be interested in
> because the volume is too low. You could even have a Lowfer module.
>
> Some of the modules could accommodate either an optional internal
> amplifier (like 100W+ for 2M) or be able to drive an external
> amplifier. Outputs could be provided for relay control of an external
> amp, sequencer, mast mounted preamp, etc. Maybe make the back-plane
> boxes "daisy-chain-able" in case you really want to go nuts. Power the
> back-plane box from an external 12V DC supply so it could be used by
> rovers.
>
> The back-plane box could be controlled by a K3, KX3, K3-0, remotely
> through Rig-Remote, etc.
>
>
> On 8/23/2013 4:16 PM, ~BG~ wrote:
>> Personally I'd like something more portable than a K3/10 with a pile of
>> transverters though. More like a KX3 but strictly an all-mode VHF/UHF
>> rig,
>> no HF. 6m, 2m, 70cm, 1.2 GHz, and perhaps 2.4 GHz in the box, perhaps
>> with
>> 4m, 1.25cm, and 900 MHz as options. I'd be on the fence about general
>> coverage reception (my R20 already covers that sort of). 1-2 BNC
>> connections on the side along with an SMA, so you can run at least two
>> antennas (e.g. rubber ducky + a hand-held yagi, or backpack mounted
>> vertical + a UHF bullet). Perhaps being able to optionally bypass the
>> internal DSP for processing and use laptop to do all your processing
>> (somewhat like a USRP, but more portable, granted this would start
>> putting
>> the radio in to Flex territory), or plug in a USB cam and do some simple
>> ATV broadcasts (although the radio would need a fair amount of memory and
>> processing power for this).
>>
>> Once you get smaller than the IC-703/7000 form-factor you're pretty much
>> stuck in the realm of FM only, and that kind of blows. Granted it seems
>> like a pretty small niche, but I kind of wonder if there's a chunk of
>> potential users out there who are apartment dwellers and are turned
>> off by
>> the logistics of running a home HF base station. Plus to me, Elecraft at
>> it's heart is more about small, portable radios...
>>
>>
>> ./ben
>> W6MCM
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 12:02 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV<[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I bought a K3 kit. I love it for HF work, but I'd also like to see an
>>>> integrated desktop replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m)
>>>> through 23cm (or perhaps 13cm?).
>>>>
>>> Does not the K3 with XV-144, XV-220 and VX-432 already answer that
>>> need through 70 cm? If so, would not the answer seem to be in added
>>> transverters for 900 MHZ, 1.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz? It seems that the K3
>>> can already address up to 9 transverters/transverter bands ... even
>>> if it were necessary to use more than one "band" to cover the needed
>>> spectrum, I would think a K3/10 with six transverters would more than
>>> sufficient as a 1.8 MHz to 2.4 GHz platform.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 8/23/2013 1:30 PM, Bayard Coolidge, N1HO wrote:
>>>
>>>> Lew Phelps, N6LEW, mentioned the FT-736R.
>>>>
>>>> I have one, and used it for many years when I was living on top of a
>>>> decent hill in New Hampshire.
>>>>
>>>> I briefly flirted with the idea of buying an IC-9100 to replace my
>>>> IC-746Pro AND the FT-736R, but after reading many review articles, as
>>>> well as the discussions on this list, I bought a K3 kit. I love it
>>>> for HF work, but I'd also like to see an integrated desktop
>>>> replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m) through 23cm (or
>>>> perhaps 13cm?). The FT-736R was touted as a satellite radio, but I'm
>>>> not personally interested in the more esoteric satellite features
>>>> (such as reverse VFO tracking), as I preferred to do weak-signal
>>>> work, with some cross-mode and FM operating. I still have the "brick"
>>>> amplifiers for 2, 222 and 432 MHz that I used with the FT-736R, and
>>>> they're still currently available, so I'm thinking that the
>>>> envisioned Elecraft product only needs to put out 5-10W, but should
>>>> have separate per-band relay keying lines.
>>>>
>>>> Just my 20 millidollars' worth of daydreaming...
>>>>
>>>> Brandy, N1HO
>>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>>>> Elecraft mailing list Home:
>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>Help:
>>>>
>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm
>>>> <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>Post:
>>>> mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>>>> email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home:http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
>>>
>>> Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm<http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
>>>
>>> Post:mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>>
>>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post:mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>

Gary K9GS

Re: Future K-radio?

Hi Joe,

Well, I never said anything about a K3/10 with slots for VHF/UHF modules.

What I was envisioning is a box...no display/front panel/speaker. A
blank box. Just something to install modules into. It would be
CONTROLLED by the K3..saving on cost.

Yes, the demand might be low if the modules were just for weak signal
VHF/UHF ops. But add in FM, digital modes, satellite ops and the market
expands.

Small market is also why I mentioned an open source architecture.
Elecraft would provide the box with standardized slots (think like a
PC-ie slot in a computer) and others could provide the module. Elecraft
could still offer the high volume modules,say for 2M, 432, etc. But if
you wanted a 9cm band module maybe an enterprising microwave op or a
company like Down East Microwave could offer one that matched the
Elecraft slot and control architecture.

The problem with separate transverters, besides having multiple boxes,
is the cost. Some of that cost could be eliminated by placing the
common control circuitry in the back-plane box, instead of the
duplication with separate transverters. Right now, if I wanted to buy
transverters for 2M, 220 and 432 we're talking $1200. If I could get a
box that I could install three modules into for $800 or $1200 to add
1296 MHz or a full duplex satellite module, it starts to get
attractive. Especially compared to what ICOM or others is offering.

On 8/23/2013 5:53 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
> The problem here is cost/development time vs. potential demand. Quite
> frankly the market for a K3/10 with slots for VHF/UHF modules is likely
> to be too small to justify the development time. That's one reason the
> "open backplane" provided by the daisy chain design of the XV series.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 8/23/2013 5:39 PM, Gary K9GS wrote:
>> I think something like a back-plane box where you can install various
>> "band modules" for whatever VHF/UHF/Microwave modules you want. For
>> really esoteric bands like laser communications make it open source so
>> others could design modules that Elecraft wouldn't be interested in
>> because the volume is too low. You could even have a Lowfer module.
>>
>> Some of the modules could accommodate either an optional internal
>> amplifier (like 100W+ for 2M) or be able to drive an external
>> amplifier. Outputs could be provided for relay control of an external
>> amp, sequencer, mast mounted preamp, etc. Maybe make the back-plane
>> boxes "daisy-chain-able" in case you really want to go nuts. Power the
>> back-plane box from an external 12V DC supply so it could be used by
>> rovers.
>>
>> The back-plane box could be controlled by a K3, KX3, K3-0, remotely
>> through Rig-Remote, etc.
>>
>>
>> On 8/23/2013 4:16 PM, ~BG~ wrote:
>>> Personally I'd like something more portable than a K3/10 with a pile of
>>> transverters though. More like a KX3 but strictly an all-mode VHF/UHF
>>> rig,
>>> no HF. 6m, 2m, 70cm, 1.2 GHz, and perhaps 2.4 GHz in the box, perhaps
>>> with
>>> 4m, 1.25cm, and 900 MHz as options. I'd be on the fence about general
>>> coverage reception (my R20 already covers that sort of). 1-2 BNC
>>> connections on the side along with an SMA, so you can run at least two
>>> antennas (e.g. rubber ducky + a hand-held yagi, or backpack mounted
>>> vertical + a UHF bullet). Perhaps being able to optionally bypass the
>>> internal DSP for processing and use laptop to do all your processing
>>> (somewhat like a USRP, but more portable, granted this would start
>>> putting
>>> the radio in to Flex territory), or plug in a USB cam and do some
>>> simple
>>> ATV broadcasts (although the radio would need a fair amount of
>>> memory and
>>> processing power for this).
>>>
>>> Once you get smaller than the IC-703/7000 form-factor you're pretty
>>> much
>>> stuck in the realm of FM only, and that kind of blows. Granted it seems
>>> like a pretty small niche, but I kind of wonder if there's a chunk of
>>> potential users out there who are apartment dwellers and are turned
>>> off by
>>> the logistics of running a home HF base station. Plus to me,
>>> Elecraft at
>>> it's heart is more about small, portable radios...
>>>
>>>
>>> ./ben
>>> W6MCM
>>>
>>>
>>> On Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 12:02 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV<[hidden email]>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I bought a K3 kit. I love it for HF work, but I'd also like to
>>>> see an
>>>>> integrated desktop replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m)
>>>>> through 23cm (or perhaps 13cm?).
>>>>>
>>>> Does not the K3 with XV-144, XV-220 and VX-432 already answer that
>>>> need through 70 cm? If so, would not the answer seem to be in added
>>>> transverters for 900 MHZ, 1.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz? It seems that the K3
>>>> can already address up to 9 transverters/transverter bands ... even
>>>> if it were necessary to use more than one "band" to cover the needed
>>>> spectrum, I would think a K3/10 with six transverters would more than
>>>> sufficient as a 1.8 MHz to 2.4 GHz platform.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>>
>>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 8/23/2013 1:30 PM, Bayard Coolidge, N1HO wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Lew Phelps, N6LEW, mentioned the FT-736R.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have one, and used it for many years when I was living on top of a
>>>>> decent hill in New Hampshire.
>>>>>
>>>>> I briefly flirted with the idea of buying an IC-9100 to replace my
>>>>> IC-746Pro AND the FT-736R, but after reading many review articles, as
>>>>> well as the discussions on this list, I bought a K3 kit. I love it
>>>>> for HF work, but I'd also like to see an integrated desktop
>>>>> replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m) through 23cm (or
>>>>> perhaps 13cm?). The FT-736R was touted as a satellite radio, but I'm
>>>>> not personally interested in the more esoteric satellite features
>>>>> (such as reverse VFO tracking), as I preferred to do weak-signal
>>>>> work, with some cross-mode and FM operating. I still have the "brick"
>>>>> amplifiers for 2, 222 and 432 MHz that I used with the FT-736R, and
>>>>> they're still currently available, so I'm thinking that the
>>>>> envisioned Elecraft product only needs to put out 5-10W, but should
>>>>> have separate per-band relay keying lines.
>>>>>
>>>>> Just my 20 millidollars' worth of daydreaming...
>>>>>
>>>>> Brandy, N1HO
>>>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>>>>> Elecraft mailing list Home:
>>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>Help:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm
>>>>> <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>Post:
>>>>> mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>>>>
>>>>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>>>>> email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>
>>>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home:http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm<http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Post:mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post:mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

--

73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032 http://www.cwops.org

************************************************

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Future K-radio?

> The problem with separate transverters, besides having multiple
> boxes, is the cost. Some of that cost could be eliminated by placing
> the common control circuitry in the back-plane box, instead of the
> duplication with separate transverters.

Studying the schematics shows very little, if any, duplicated (common)
control circuitry. I certainly doubt there is enough to be saved in
repackaging the existing transverters to offset the cost of a new
housing/backplane.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 8/23/2013 9:07 PM, Gary K9GS wrote:

> Hi Joe,
>
> Well, I never said anything about a K3/10 with slots for VHF/UHF modules.
>
> What I was envisioning is a box...no display/front panel/speaker. A
> blank box. Just something to install modules into. It would be
> CONTROLLED by the K3..saving on cost.
>
> Yes, the demand might be low if the modules were just for weak signal
> VHF/UHF ops. But add in FM, digital modes, satellite ops and the market
> expands.
>
> Small market is also why I mentioned an open source architecture.
> Elecraft would provide the box with standardized slots (think like a
> PC-ie slot in a computer) and others could provide the module. Elecraft
> could still offer the high volume modules,say for 2M, 432, etc. But if
> you wanted a 9cm band module maybe an enterprising microwave op or a
> company like Down East Microwave could offer one that matched the
> Elecraft slot and control architecture.
>
> The problem with separate transverters, besides having multiple boxes,
> is the cost. Some of that cost could be eliminated by placing the
> common control circuitry in the back-plane box, instead of the
> duplication with separate transverters. Right now, if I wanted to buy
> transverters for 2M, 220 and 432 we're talking $1200. If I could get a
> box that I could install three modules into for $800 or $1200 to add
> 1296 MHz or a full duplex satellite module, it starts to get
> attractive. Especially compared to what ICOM or others is offering.
>
>
>
> On 8/23/2013 5:53 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>
>> The problem here is cost/development time vs. potential demand. Quite
>> frankly the market for a K3/10 with slots for VHF/UHF modules is likely
>> to be too small to justify the development time. That's one reason the
>> "open backplane" provided by the daisy chain design of the XV series.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>> On 8/23/2013 5:39 PM, Gary K9GS wrote:
>>> I think something like a back-plane box where you can install various
>>> "band modules" for whatever VHF/UHF/Microwave modules you want. For
>>> really esoteric bands like laser communications make it open source so
>>> others could design modules that Elecraft wouldn't be interested in
>>> because the volume is too low. You could even have a Lowfer module.
>>>
>>> Some of the modules could accommodate either an optional internal
>>> amplifier (like 100W+ for 2M) or be able to drive an external
>>> amplifier. Outputs could be provided for relay control of an external
>>> amp, sequencer, mast mounted preamp, etc. Maybe make the back-plane
>>> boxes "daisy-chain-able" in case you really want to go nuts. Power the
>>> back-plane box from an external 12V DC supply so it could be used by
>>> rovers.
>>>
>>> The back-plane box could be controlled by a K3, KX3, K3-0, remotely
>>> through Rig-Remote, etc.
>>>
>>>
>>> On 8/23/2013 4:16 PM, ~BG~ wrote:
>>>> Personally I'd like something more portable than a K3/10 with a pile of
>>>> transverters though. More like a KX3 but strictly an all-mode VHF/UHF
>>>> rig,
>>>> no HF. 6m, 2m, 70cm, 1.2 GHz, and perhaps 2.4 GHz in the box, perhaps
>>>> with
>>>> 4m, 1.25cm, and 900 MHz as options. I'd be on the fence about general
>>>> coverage reception (my R20 already covers that sort of). 1-2 BNC
>>>> connections on the side along with an SMA, so you can run at least two
>>>> antennas (e.g. rubber ducky + a hand-held yagi, or backpack mounted
>>>> vertical + a UHF bullet). Perhaps being able to optionally bypass the
>>>> internal DSP for processing and use laptop to do all your processing
>>>> (somewhat like a USRP, but more portable, granted this would start
>>>> putting
>>>> the radio in to Flex territory), or plug in a USB cam and do some
>>>> simple
>>>> ATV broadcasts (although the radio would need a fair amount of
>>>> memory and
>>>> processing power for this).
>>>>
>>>> Once you get smaller than the IC-703/7000 form-factor you're pretty
>>>> much
>>>> stuck in the realm of FM only, and that kind of blows. Granted it seems
>>>> like a pretty small niche, but I kind of wonder if there's a chunk of
>>>> potential users out there who are apartment dwellers and are turned
>>>> off by
>>>> the logistics of running a home HF base station. Plus to me,
>>>> Elecraft at
>>>> it's heart is more about small, portable radios...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ./ben
>>>> W6MCM
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 12:02 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV<[hidden email]>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I bought a K3 kit. I love it for HF work, but I'd also like to
>>>>> see an
>>>>>> integrated desktop replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m)
>>>>>> through 23cm (or perhaps 13cm?).
>>>>>>
>>>>> Does not the K3 with XV-144, XV-220 and VX-432 already answer that
>>>>> need through 70 cm? If so, would not the answer seem to be in added
>>>>> transverters for 900 MHZ, 1.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz? It seems that the K3
>>>>> can already address up to 9 transverters/transverter bands ... even
>>>>> if it were necessary to use more than one "band" to cover the needed
>>>>> spectrum, I would think a K3/10 with six transverters would more than
>>>>> sufficient as a 1.8 MHz to 2.4 GHz platform.
>>>>>
>>>>> 73,
>>>>>
>>>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 8/23/2013 1:30 PM, Bayard Coolidge, N1HO wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Lew Phelps, N6LEW, mentioned the FT-736R.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have one, and used it for many years when I was living on top of a
>>>>>> decent hill in New Hampshire.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I briefly flirted with the idea of buying an IC-9100 to replace my
>>>>>> IC-746Pro AND the FT-736R, but after reading many review articles, as
>>>>>> well as the discussions on this list, I bought a K3 kit. I love it
>>>>>> for HF work, but I'd also like to see an integrated desktop
>>>>>> replacement for the FT-736R to cover 6m (or 2m) through 23cm (or
>>>>>> perhaps 13cm?). The FT-736R was touted as a satellite radio, but I'm
>>>>>> not personally interested in the more esoteric satellite features
>>>>>> (such as reverse VFO tracking), as I preferred to do weak-signal
>>>>>> work, with some cross-mode and FM operating. I still have the "brick"
>>>>>> amplifiers for 2, 222 and 432 MHz that I used with the FT-736R, and
>>>>>> they're still currently available, so I'm thinking that the
>>>>>> envisioned Elecraft product only needs to put out 5-10W, but should
>>>>>> have separate per-band relay keying lines.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Just my 20 millidollars' worth of daydreaming...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Brandy, N1HO
>>>>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>>>>>> Elecraft mailing list Home:
>>>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>Help:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm
>>>>>> <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>Post:
>>>>>> mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>>>>>> email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>>> Home:http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm<http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Post:mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>>>>
>>>>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net
>>>>> Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>> Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post:mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>

Edward R Cole

Re: Future K-radio?

In reply to this post by Lewis Phelps

Gary,

What you are envisioning is a perfect example of an idea that can
become a new "niche" product. If Elecraft chooses to not develop the
concept, there is no reason that it cannot be done by someone else.

For example: fabricating a "cage" for docking several transverter
boards. I'm pretty sure that one can arrange to purchase plain pcb's
from some mfrs of transverters. But you would need sufficient
capital and business plan to present an attractive business proposal
to the mfr.

I basically did this with DEM for their VHF/UHF transverter
kits. They had no objection to my building kits and reselling them,
as they got to sell the kit. I made sure not to be "in competition"
with their sales of assembled units.

Many small ham radio businesses have gotten a start with just such an idea.
---------------
From: Gary K9GS <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Future K-radio?

What I was envisioning is a box...no display/front panel/speaker. A
blank box. Just something to install modules into. It would be
CONTROLLED by the K3..saving on cost.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
[hidden email]
"Kits made by KL7UW"

______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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