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Latest rumors on K4

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Joseph Trombino, Jr

Latest rumors on K4

Howdy Gang.

Has anyone picked up any intel from the Mother Ship on the K4 delivery schedule?

Not much on the website lately on the subject.

73, Joe W2KJ
I QRP, therefore I am
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Nr4c

Re: Latest rumors on K4

Web site still says January 2020. One out on the 31st satisfys that. Remember the KX3?

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Dec 20, 2019, at 10:49 AM, Joseph Trombino, Jr <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Howdy Gang.
>
> Has anyone picked up any intel from the Mother Ship on the K4 delivery schedule?
>
> Not much on the website lately on the subject.
>
> 73, Joe W2KJ
> I QRP, therefore I am
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

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Stephen Shearer

Re: Latest rumors on K4

OK, January is fine as it's only 10+ days away... AND yes, Jan 31st is
only 5+ weeks.
(Joe, I bet as a kid you had no problem waiting for your gifts at
Christmas or other big holidays...)
what I am waiting for is the manual. It will/should answer many of my
questions.
Maybe before the K4 is shipped?

Like, with a LAN connection on the K4 and an internal PC (of some sort)
will I be able to download updates direct to the K4?
or, will I need a separate PC and use the USB port on K4 to do the admin
"stuff" ?
There are plenty of single board computers that would fit the need, if
required.
I expect to use a SBC for FT8 and JS8, as it works nice now on my KX3
w/amp (as needed).

73, steve WB3LGC (waiting for my Christmas and my birthday "gift" =
K4... wife approved)

On 12/20/19 5:52 PM, Nr4c wrote:

> Web site still says January 2020. One out on the 31st satisfys that. Remember the KX3?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
>
>
>> On Dec 20, 2019, at 10:49 AM, Joseph Trombino, Jr <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Howdy Gang.
>>
>> Has anyone picked up any intel from the Mother Ship on the K4 delivery schedule?
>>
>> Not much on the website lately on the subject.
>>
>> 73, Joe W2KJ
>> I QRP, therefore I am
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
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>
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Don Wilhelm

Re: Latest rumors on K4

Steve,

Unless the K4 is being done differently than all other Elecraft
transceivers, the manual will only be available until after the
completion of Field Test.
One of the purposes of Field Test is to refine the manual.

While the K4 does contain a processor, it is dedicated to the K4 and its
functions, so don't expect anything like a PC or other general purpose
computer.
You will be able to download firmware updates, but I don't know if a
separate PC will be required - I expect it will, so don't throw out your
shack computer.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/21/2019 12:26 PM, stephen shearer wrote:

> OK, January is fine as it's only 10+ days away... AND yes, Jan 31st is
> only 5+ weeks.
> (Joe, I bet as a kid you had no problem waiting for your gifts at
> Christmas or other big holidays...)
> what I am waiting for is the manual. It will/should answer many of my
> questions.
> Maybe before the K4 is shipped?
>
> Like, with a LAN connection on the K4 and an internal PC (of some sort)
> will I be able to download updates direct to the K4?
> or, will I need a separate PC and use the USB port on K4 to do the admin
> "stuff" ?
> There are plenty of single board computers that would fit the need, if
> required.
> I expect to use a SBC for FT8 and JS8, as it works nice now on my KX3
> w/amp (as needed).
>

Stephen Shearer

Re: Latest rumors on K4

I agree the field testing is a very important step for both the rig and
the manual.
A step that should take as long as it takes...
Software bugs are one thing but finding hardware issues are better found
before the product starts shipping mode.
I am sure I am at the end of the shipping list, so I hope to see the
manual (on line) long before I see the rig...

I don't remember the kickoff of the KX3.
I didn't purchase mine until ~1+ year after shipping started.
I wanted to be sure all was OK...
This time, why wait.
I was thinking about a K3s last year but "something" put me off ordering.
I am glad I waited as all the "options" are included and I can add
"stuff" like the upgrade to K4D etc.
Can "anyone" say Christmas 2020?

I am amused by the creative financing method used by Elecraft. (smart)
Where else would you find "investors" loan the operating capital at zero
interest for almost a year and to have only ever seen? serial 001 of the
product.
You will also note the "1st Shipping Group" is still open for orders
(the real capital).
And "and are targeting our first deliveries for January 2020." has
deliveries (plural) so, at least 2 K4's will be delivered by Jan 31st...
Waiting... as long as it isn't "Christmas in July"... on the
other-hand, I might be able to convince my wife to upgrade to a K4D, by
then.

73, steve WB3LGC

On 12/21/19 12:55 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Steve,
>
> Unless the K4 is being done differently than all other Elecraft
> transceivers, the manual will only be available until after the
> completion of Field Test.
> One of the purposes of Field Test is to refine the manual.
>
> While the K4 does contain a processor, it is dedicated to the K4 and
> its functions, so don't expect anything like a PC or other general
> purpose computer.
> You will be able to download firmware updates, but I don't know if a
> separate PC will be required - I expect it will, so don't throw out
> your shack computer.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 12/21/2019 12:26 PM, stephen shearer wrote:
>> OK, January is fine as it's only 10+ days away... AND yes, Jan 31st
>> is only 5+ weeks.
>> (Joe, I bet as a kid you had no problem waiting for your gifts at
>> Christmas or other big holidays...)
>> what I am waiting for is the manual. It will/should answer many of
>> my questions.
>> Maybe before the K4 is shipped?
>>
>> Like, with a LAN connection on the K4 and an internal PC (of some
>> sort) will I be able to download updates direct to the K4?
>> or, will I need a separate PC and use the USB port on K4 to do the
>> admin "stuff" ?
>> There are plenty of single board computers that would fit the need,
>> if required.
>> I expect to use a SBC for FT8 and JS8, as it works nice now on my KX3
>> w/amp (as needed).
>>

Gary Smith-2

Re: Latest rumors on K4

I truly get the idea of wanting to know
when something new like the K4 is being
brought out, I'd like to know too.

I always hesitate to ask because I it is
probably impossible for anyone in
management to make a statement other than
"predicted". I'm sure they have no idea in
any specific date; the testers have to
present their findings, then the company
has to find out if there are hard/software
issues, or if the tester misunderstood
something. If there is a problem then that
has to be resolved before shipping.

If the instructions were misunderstood
then they have to find out if it is the
instructions that are needing correction,
or if the manual was clear but
misunderstood.

There's more factors but until they feel
secure that they have a product that will
bring praise from reviewers and the
public, there really can't be a release
date that is in stone.

Yeah, we all already know all this, and we
all want the finished product ASAP (I paid
for mine long back), but I'll keep using
my K3s & P3 till the K4D comes out.

Odd, I don't like waiting, but I don't
mind waiting either. One of those
oxymoron's of life... :)

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy
Kwanzaa, Happy Festivus... whatever you
celebrate at this time of year, Cheers to
you and those you love.

73,

Gary
KA1J

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Scott Manthe-2

Re: Latest rumors on K4

In reply to this post by Stephen Shearer

A good reason for Elecraft NOT release a manual before the radio is
available is that there are competing companies that would love to have
a copy of the K4 manual before the radio is available. That would allow
those competitors to add features or performance enhancements to their
own radios before the K4's release. Amateur radios are largely created
in software these days, so what once would have required a redesign of
hardware, now requires a rewrite of software. So releasing a manual
before the radio is available would be a gift to Elecraft's competition.
Maybe I'm paranoid, but maybe not and if Elecraft were my company, I'd
keep things under wraps.

73,
Scott N9AA

On 12/21/19 12:26 PM, stephen shearer wrote:

> OK, January is fine as it's only 10+ days away... AND yes, Jan 31st
> is only 5+ weeks.
> (Joe, I bet as a kid you had no problem waiting for your gifts at
> Christmas or other big holidays...)
> what I am waiting for is the manual. It will/should answer many of my
> questions.
> Maybe before the K4 is shipped?
>
> Like, with a LAN connection on the K4 and an internal PC (of some
> sort) will I be able to download updates direct to the K4?
> or, will I need a separate PC and use the USB port on K4 to do the
> admin "stuff" ?
> There are plenty of single board computers that would fit the need, if
> required.
> I expect to use a SBC for FT8 and JS8, as it works nice now on my KX3
> w/amp (as needed).
>
> 73, steve WB3LGC (waiting for my Christmas and my birthday "gift" =
> K4... wife approved)
>

Bill Steffey NY9H

Re: Latest rumors on K4

In reply to this post by Gary Smith-2

why wait for the k4d ??? There is no waiting.

when the K4 ships, I understand that the K4D will be shipping
also...NOT THE K4HD.

life is WAY too short, so I can add the super duper front end later.

Might as well start learning the radio.

Merry Christmas & happy holidays to all....

bill ny9h

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Mike VE3YF

Re: Latest rumors on K4

In reply to this post by Joseph Trombino, Jr

From my point of view, I have no problem with Elecraft waiting until
all the bugs are out of the K4D before being delivered. I am waiting for
my KPA1500 to arrive and I waited a year or 2 before taking the plunge
and this time I have no problem waiting a few months for the K4 to come
out. It is better to get it right the first time than to have to send
the rig back for upgrades or updates when a few extra months could have
solved that problem.

--

*73 De Mike*
*VE3YF

_/http://www.ve3yf.com/_*

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Latest rumors on K4

In reply to this post by Joseph Trombino, Jr

When the KPA1500 came out I was one who said I should wait for it to be fully tested and out for a while before thinking about getting one. That is why I fairly earlysent my full deposit in to get the free shipping and get on the waiting list, hi.
I did the same thing on the K4 and I did good by waiting until 6 days ago before sending in my full deposit for a K4HD. I figure I can play with the K4D for a few monthsand get real familiar with it then install the HD option when it comes out. I will be way down on the early list but at least it will be the first group. I plan on retiring my FT1000mpbut will use it and my K3/P3 until the K4 comes in.
Merry Xmas to all (esp me, hi)
BillK3WJV

On Friday, December 20, 2019, 10:51:19 AM EST, Joseph Trombino, Jr <[hidden email]> wrote:

Howdy Gang.

Has anyone picked up any intel from the Mother Ship on the K4 delivery schedule?

Not much on the website lately on the subject.

73, Joe W2KJ
I QRP, therefore I am
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Dan Baker

Re: Latest rumors on K4

In reply to this post by Joseph Trombino, Jr

We can wait. None of us wish to flex our K4s back to Elecraft to have items
reattached on the inside that fell off or have modifications made that
could have been caught before shipped.

To Wayne, Eric and the crew. Merry Christmas and happy new year. You have
our blessing to wait as long as needed to ship the K4.

73, Dan KM6CQ

--
Sent from my iPhone X
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Grant Youngman-2

Re: Latest rumors on K4

Personally, I hope Elecraft is giving itself a well deserved, quiet, peaceful, no-stress, Holiday break. They’re certainly going to need the rest before the inevitable onslaught after the first of the year :-)

Happy Holidays, everyone ….

Grant NQ5T

> On Dec 22, 2019, at 1:57 PM, Dan Baker <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> We can wait. None of us wish to flex our K4s back to Elecraft to have items
> reattached on the inside that fell off or have modifications made that
> could have been caught before shipped.
>
> To Wayne, Eric and the crew. Merry Christmas and happy new year. You have
> our blessing to wait as long as needed to ship the K4.
>

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Nr4c

Re: Latest rumors on K4

In reply to this post by Scott Manthe-2

I’ll bet the manual will be available to download soon after the first few radios are shipped to regular customers(not field testers).

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Dec 21, 2019, at 4:06 PM, Scott Manthe <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> A good reason for Elecraft NOT release a manual before the radio is available is that there are competing companies that would love to have a copy of the K4 manual before the radio is available. That would allow those competitors to add features or performance enhancements to their own radios before the K4's release. Amateur radios are largely created in software these days, so what once would have required a redesign of hardware, now requires a rewrite of software. So releasing a manual before the radio is available would be a gift to Elecraft's competition. Maybe I'm paranoid, but maybe not and if Elecraft were my company, I'd keep things under wraps.
>
> 73,
> Scott N9AA
>
>
>
>> On 12/21/19 12:26 PM, stephen shearer wrote:
>> OK, January is fine as it's only 10+ days away... AND yes, Jan 31st is only 5+ weeks.
>> (Joe, I bet as a kid you had no problem waiting for your gifts at Christmas or other big holidays...)
>> what I am waiting for is the manual. It will/should answer many of my questions.
>> Maybe before the K4 is shipped?
>>
>> Like, with a LAN connection on the K4 and an internal PC (of some sort) will I be able to download updates direct to the K4?
>> or, will I need a separate PC and use the USB port on K4 to do the admin "stuff" ?
>> There are plenty of single board computers that would fit the need, if required.
>> I expect to use a SBC for FT8 and JS8, as it works nice now on my KX3 w/amp (as needed).
>>
>> 73, steve WB3LGC (waiting for my Christmas and my birthday "gift" = K4... wife approved)
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Nr4c

Re: Latest rumors on K4

In reply to this post by Bill Steffey NY9H

The only thing to learn are the new features. Seems all the old friends from the K3 are also on the K4 panel, just arranged a bit differently.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Dec 21, 2019, at 4:04 PM, Bill Steffey <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> why wait for the k4d ??? There is no waiting.
>
> when the K4 ships, I understand that the K4D will be shipping also...NOT THE K4HD.
>
> life is WAY too short, so I can add the super duper front end later.
>
> Might as well start learning the radio.
>
> Merry Christmas & happy holidays to all....
>
>
> bill ny9h
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]