KX3-2M and -4M now available to order

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ]

Hi,

We will be taking orders for the KX3 All-Mode 2M and 4M  internal options at the Dayton Hamvention Friday. We have now also added a link to the -2M and -4M order page to our regular web order form at:
http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_prod_list.htm

The KX3 2M FAQ, which will also apply to the -4M, can be reached at:
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KX3-2M%20FAQ.htm

Both transverters should start shipping late July to mid-August.

Note that only one of these at a time may be installed in the KX3.

The KX3-2M and -4m specific order page is at the following address.

http://www.elecraft.com/tmp/kx3_2m_4m.html

Note that the 2M and 4M order items with the suffix "NOATU" are for those KX3s that do not have the KXAT3 ATU installed. The 2M and 4M normally plug into the KXAT3. The "NOATU" versions include a special mounting PCB that takes the place of the KXAT3, so that the 2M or 4M XV can be plugged in.

We will be adding additional information on these options to our web page once we return from Dayton next week.

Thanks again for your interest!
 
73,
Wayne and Eric
elecraft.com
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[Mike Morrow-3]

Eric wrote:

> The KX3 2M FAQ, which will also apply to the -4M, can be reached at:
> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KX3-2M%20FAQ.htm

The FAQ question that follows raises a number of additional questions:
 
> Q:  What is the current drain on 2 meters?
>
> A:  Current drain is typically 300-350 mA on receive and 1.5 A on transmit
>     at 3 watts, running from a 14 V supply.

Is that the *TOTAL* current drawn by the KX3 with KX3-2M installed, or is
this *ADDITIONAL* current draw to that of the KX3 without KX3-2M?

Is there a front panel function that may be used to turn off the KX3-2M and
restore the pre-installation KX3 current consumption when 2m isn't desired?

>    We're also working on a standby mode (when squelched) that should reduce
>    average current drain to between 180 and 200 mA, depending on the dwell
>    time selected by the user.
 
I have the same question...is this squelched current draw in addition to
the normal KX3 current draw?

> The KX3-2M and -4m specific order page is at the following address.
>
> http://www.elecraft.com/tmp/kx3_2m_4m.html

The $60 premium charged for factory installation implies that there's some
notable time and effort required.  Is this an accurate anticipation?  Will
the factory-installation premium be the same for new KX3 units ordered with
the KX3-2m option?

Thanks,
Mike / KK5F
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[Lyle Johnson]

Mike, see below:

> Eric wrote:
>
>> The KX3 2M FAQ, which will also apply to the -4M, can be reached at:
>> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KX3-2M%20FAQ.htm
> The FAQ question that follows raises a number of additional questions:
>  
>> Q:  What is the current drain on 2 meters?
>>
>> A:  Current drain is typically 300-350 mA on receive and 1.5 A on transmit
>>      at 3 watts, running from a 14 V supply.
> Is that the *TOTAL* current drawn by the KX3 with KX3-2M installed, or is
> this *ADDITIONAL* current draw to that of the KX3 without KX3-2M?

It is the total KX3 current drain.

> Is there a front panel function that may be used to turn off the KX3-2M and
> restore the pre-installation KX3 current consumption when 2m isn't desired?

Just set a band other than 2 meters, and the 2 meter module will power down.

>>     We're also working on a standby mode (when squelched) that should reduce
>>     average current drain to between 180 and 200 mA, depending on the dwell
>>     time selected by the user.
>  
> I have the same question...is this squelched current draw in addition to
> the normal KX3 current draw?

It is the total current drain, not additional current drain.  And the
standby mode is already implemented -- the FAQ was written before the
firmware :-)

>> The KX3-2M and -4m specific order page is at the following address.
>>
>> http://www.elecraft.com/tmp/kx3_2m_4m.html
> The $60 premium charged for factory installation implies that there's some
> notable time and effort required.  Is this an accurate anticipation?  Will
> the factory-installation premium be the same for new KX3 units ordered with
> the KX3-2m option?

FT units have typically taken 30 to 60 minutes to install depending on
the individual doing it.   Open the case, remove the ATU (if present),
install the SMA cable, snap in the LO cable, re-install the ATU (or the
interface board if no ATU was present), install the 2 M module (2
screws), snap on the shield cover, inspect your work, then close the
case.  Enable the module through the menu and you're ready to go.

Manuals etc will be on the website in due time.

73,

Lyle KK7P
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[Mike Morrow-3]

Lyle wrote in response to my FAQ questions:

> It is the total KX3 current drain.

> Just set a band other than 2 meters, and the 2 meter module will power down.

> Manuals etc will be on the website in due time.

Thanks for the quick and clear responses.  This looks like a "must-have"
option!

I think the FAQ would be improved by incorporating the information that you
provided.

73,
Mike / KK5F
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[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ]

Hi Mike,

Answers below:

We will be updating the FAQ shortly with the latest specs.

I believe this is total RX current, but only during active receive. The RX current is much lower than this as we have now implemented the battery save mode like most HTs, where the rx can be user set to be sampled at regular intervals when squelched, with it in low current standby otherwise.

Yes, you can turn off the 2M option from the menu if desired.

The Squelched current is the total current draw.

The factory installed price is the same for new KX3s getting the 2M option and for those returned to the factory for installation of the option.  While not overly difficult, the 2M option does take more time than the simple plugging in of a board like the KXAT3. Factory installation also involves specific routing and installation of several thin coax cables and PCB insertion of micro coax RF connectors, along with a full factory test of the installed 2M option and the rest of the KX3 after installation to make sure Hf operation was not disturbed. We try to test to a level above that normally required for field installations of the option.

Eric
elecraft.com
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