Is K4 talk verboten?
Locked
 
|
I'm really surprised that I haven't seen this topic overand over on the
reflector. The K3 is getting long in the tooth, the KX3 already incorporates much of the more modern receiver technology, and we know the people at Elecraft aren't sitting around twiddling their thumbs. So unless the topic gets shut down, what would *you* like to see in a K4? -- 73, Pete N4ZR Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now spotting RTTY activity worldwide. For spots, please use your favorite "retail" DX cluster. ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
|
|
Hi...
At the risk of jumping in on a forbidden subject I am actually waiting on what a K4 might bring to the table. I'm currently the owner of a KX3. Anyone that owns one probably expects a whole lot from Elecraft. In my opinion, the KX3 is the machine of the decade. I also own a higher end SDR radio that is great but I have my issues with it and would consider selling it off if there was something better. So you your question Pete, what would I like to see in a K4? * A balance of specifications. Maybe not the best in a particular category but best overall would be nice. Personally, I don't put a lot of faith in the Sherwood figures because I don't think it gives the whole picture. If I stretch for the top number in one category what compromise am I making in another? Is it really necessary? * More integration with a computer. I'm not a knob vs. mouse person but soooo much can be done on a computer to augment dials and meters on a radio front panel. So many hidden or dual-use functions could be laid bare on a computer screen. New features can be added without replacing and rewiring modules. Macros could be built for starting and configuring the system for a PSK session or an SSB session. Real remote operations - with choices and real-world designs. Just so much opportunity. But it takes a special skill to present this properly. Win4K3 is a great step in the right direction. But what if that new feature of N1MM (cluster on panadapter) be plugged in as a module into the Win4K3 suite. That's just an example. In fact, I think the sky's the limit and my imagination is sorely lacking. What if the new K4 controls software was modular and new panadapters or modes or monitors or... could be plugged in at will? * I'm not looking for another portable rig. The KX3 is all I can think to want for the near future. I wouldn't mind seeing a new desktop or rack (closet) mount rig that has easy to use controls, excellent displays and functions perfectly for someone without a computer just as well with a computer. I know this probably sounds odd but the classic look of an FT-1000MP MkV Field is a beautiful sight to me. It looks like a professional device where, sorry to say, some others look kind of toyish. It's an aesthetic thing I guess. My current radio has no controls at all other than a power button and a minimally functional OK button. If you take a look at K3S advertising on Elecraft's site I think they understand. I just don't think the desktop rigs have to be so compact. I wonder, if compactness was removed as a design criteria what other criteria could be expanded? * Finally, the same service we get from Elecraft today. That means Wayne continues with those cool new features he puts together in software and doesn't let a bug sit on the list untouched for three years. I want to be able to open up the box and replace a fan or module myself. I don't want the rig to become a black box tries to lock everything away. * Open Source? I know about the arguments and understand open source is nearly impossible to integrate profitably into a business model. But as an end user, I have benefited from a lot of open source projects. Not just to save money but sometimes to get features I can't get from a monolithic software company. But I keep hearing ARRL and other organizations wondering where all the hams are going and how we can attract them back and I see things like Arduino and Raspberry Pi and even things from Microsoft that is attracting young engineers and technicians in droves. If Elecraft could bring some of that enthusiasm to the service then it would be a company that could would actually deserve loyalty. This is a hard point for me to make. If I pay $100 for a product and get $100 in value I'm happy, not loyal but happy. If someone came across with a product for $100 and I get $1000 in value, I'm aiming towards loyalty. This is where I think Open Source begins to fit in. Just some ramblings. Even rumors of a K4 are exciting and I'm looking forward to hearing other thoughts. 73, Kev K4VD On Sun, Aug 20, 2017 at 8:13 AM, N4ZR <[hidden email]> wrote: > I'm really surprised that I haven't seen this topic overand over on the > reflector. The K3 is getting long in the tooth, the KX3 already > incorporates much of the more modern receiver technology, and we know the > people at Elecraft aren't sitting around twiddling their thumbs. So unless > the topic gets shut down, what would *you* like to see in a K4? > > -- > > 73, Pete N4ZR > Check out the Reverse Beacon Network > at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now > spotting RTTY activity worldwide. > For spots, please use your favorite > "retail" DX cluster. > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
|
|
In reply to this post by N4ZR
Three of my four are pretty modest, in addition to the receiver technology updates already mentioned –
Bluetooth or the equivalent wherever possible in the K4, the P4, the KPod4, the KAT500-4, and the KPA500-4 (and retrofitting updates of the same for the last four of those), to be rid of some part of the rat’s nest that limits flexibility around the operating table. A contest serial number capability in the on-board keyer. A 250-watt on-board amp option (which might require a 48 volt power supply and concomitant circuitry changes) Proprietary Elecraft power supply mounted in a K4-matching speaker box. Ted, KN1CBR ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2017 08:13:44 -0400 From: N4ZR <[hidden email]> To: Elecraft List <[hidden email]> Subject: [Elecraft] Is K4 talk verboten? Message-ID: <[hidden email]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed I'm really surprised that I haven't seen this topic overand over on the reflector.? The K3 is getting long in the tooth, the KX3 already incorporates much of the more modern receiver technology, and we know the people at Elecraft aren't sitting around twiddling their thumbs. So unless the topic gets shut down, what would *you* like to see in a K4? -- 73, Pete N4ZR ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
|
|
Perhaps it does not matter what we write because most likely Elecraft is already working on it.
The advantages of K3 are high blocking and dynamic ranges together with quiet synthesizer. Also lighweight and good ergonomics to those who got used to current. Minuses are lots of connectors/cables and high price. Making all SDR would make the radio lose high blocking range. Making the screen bigger would either make the radio bigger or the number of knobs smaller. Here are possibilities - SDR configuration with 2nd RX but with provision for current RX with single Xtal filter - panadapter display with connection to external display - built in PS Ignacy, NO9E |
|
|
Dear Friends,
For what it is worth, I have come to like the small size and light weight of the present K3/S. The modular approach to features aids purchase and I believe also helps in troubleshooting. This is a radio made for contesting, DXpeditions, rag chewing and all modes of operation. It may be best to stick with the winner and continue to improve. If a newer K4 is eventually called for may it be small and light retaining as many K3 features as possible. Oh, I do like the P3 with 19 inch VDU and the K-Pod so adding on extras is just fine. The K3 line is a radio one can start out small with and build up to what ever you desire. I use to like the big Orion II and can see that the FT 1000 MP were impressive looking radios but the K3 outperforms both in the contest sphere where a radio is tested as no where else. There are Cadillac drivers and Ferrari drivers both cars have their place but I just wonder if both are best made by the same manufacturer. Inventory shoots up and engineering talent is more thinly spread. Whatever it will be interesting to see what the mother ship does in coming years. Just please do not fade out like so many others. You people at Elecraft are phenomenal with design, manufacturing and service. 73 Doug EI2CN PS Thank you once more for the K-Pod!!!!!!!!!!! -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ignacy Sent: 21 August 2017 11:00 To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is K4 talk verboten? Perhaps it does not matter what we write because most likely Elecraft is already working on it. The advantages of K3 are high blocking and dynamic ranges together with quiet synthesizer. Also lighweight and good ergonomics to those who got used to current. Minuses are lots of connectors/cables and high price. Making all SDR would make the radio lose high blocking range. Making the screen bigger would either make the radio bigger or the number of knobs smaller. Here are possibilities - SDR configuration with 2nd RX but with provision for current RX with single Xtal filter - panadapter display with connection to external display - built in PS Ignacy, NO9E -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Is-K4-talk-verboten-tp7633604p7633637.h tml Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
|
|
I'd wonder if best of several worlds might not just be a rackmount brain
that has the filters and SDR in it that could be stashed under the desk, or in a shockmount crate for DXpedition use, and a separate remote like the kpod, potentially available as a detachable faceplate for those who want the buttons and knobs. Or perhaps take the k3s faceplate and use it as a remote, possibly with a revved silkscreen to help handle new/extra functionality. $.02 from a new kx3 owner On Mon, Aug 21, 2017 at 10:02 AM, Doug Turnbull <[hidden email]> wrote: > Dear Friends, > For what it is worth, I have come to like the small size and light > weight of the present K3/S. The modular approach to features aids > purchase > and I believe also helps in troubleshooting. This is a radio made for > contesting, DXpeditions, rag chewing and all modes of operation. It may > be > best to stick with the winner and continue to improve. If a newer K4 is > eventually called for may it be small and light retaining as many K3 > features as possible. > > Oh, I do like the P3 with 19 inch VDU and the K-Pod so adding on > extras > is just fine. The K3 line is a radio one can start out small with and > build up to what ever you desire. I use to like the big Orion II and can > see that the FT 1000 MP were impressive looking radios but the K3 > outperforms both in the contest sphere where a radio is tested as no where > else. > > There are Cadillac drivers and Ferrari drivers both cars have their > place but I just wonder if both are best made by the same manufacturer. > Inventory shoots up and engineering talent is more thinly spread. > > Whatever it will be interesting to see what the mother ship does in > coming years. Just please do not fade out like so many others. You > people > at Elecraft are phenomenal with design, manufacturing and service. > > 73 Doug EI2CN > > PS Thank you once more for the K-Pod!!!!!!!!!!! > > -----Original Message----- > From: [hidden email] > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ignacy > Sent: 21 August 2017 11:00 > To: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is K4 talk verboten? > > Perhaps it does not matter what we write because most likely Elecraft is > already working on it. > > The advantages of K3 are high blocking and dynamic ranges together with > quiet synthesizer. Also lighweight and good ergonomics to those who got > used > to current. > > Minuses are lots of connectors/cables and high price. > > Making all SDR would make the radio lose high blocking range. Making the > screen bigger would either make the radio bigger or the number of knobs > smaller. > > Here are possibilities > - SDR configuration with 2nd RX but with provision for current RX with > single Xtal filter > - panadapter display with connection to external display > - built in PS > > Ignacy, NO9E > > > > > > -- > View this message in context: > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Is-K4-talk- > verboten-tp7633604p7633637.h > tml > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] > -- Scott Small ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer
The single most important feature that would get me to spring for a K4
would be advanced noise abatement controls. I have little idea how the NR & NB work, but strictly from the user standpoint instead of scrolling through a small assortment of fixed presets I envision several continuously variable controls that would allow us to adjust the several noise limiting parameters. Perhaps having some kind of graphical display showing a dimensional representation of the noise parameter space and the noise itself would help in zeroing in on the best noise reduction... 73, Drew AF2Z On 08/20/17 22:57, Dauer, Edward wrote: > Three of my four are pretty modest, in addition to the receiver technology updates already mentioned – > > Bluetooth or the equivalent wherever possible in the K4, the P4, the KPod4, the KAT500-4, and the KPA500-4 (and retrofitting updates of the same for the last four of those), to be rid of some part of the rat’s nest that limits flexibility around the operating table. > > A contest serial number capability in the on-board keyer. > > A 250-watt on-board amp option (which might require a 48 volt power supply and concomitant circuitry changes) > > Proprietary Elecraft power supply mounted in a K4-matching speaker box. > > > > Ted, KN1CBR > ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
«
Return to Elecraft
|
1 view|%1 views
| Free forum by Nabble | Edit this page |