OT: DZKIT Sienna?
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Hello Elecrafters,
I recently stumbled upon an advertisement for the DZKIT Sienna, a full-featured transceiver kit. Looks pretty interesting, and would appear to at least be direct competitor to the Elecraft K3. Has anyone here had the opportunity to play with one, or even compare one against a K2 or K3? I must admit, I'm not a big fan of the layout but I do like the analog meters. ;-) Website: http://www.dzkit.com/ Specs: http://www.dzkit.com/sienna_specs.htm Happy Holidays to all! -- 73 de James K2QI ______________________________________________________________ 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
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Hi James,
The Sienna is an interesting design, and I believe it's available in kit form. I've met the designer, a very capable engineer. Given my inherent bias, you can take the rest of my comments with a grain of salt. The rig is vastly different from the K3. The K3 has about 20 dB greater blocking dynamic range, about 15 dB better IMD dynamic range, narrower roofing filter options, and half the receive-mode current drain (about 1 A vs. 2 A). The Sienna appears to lack a sub receiver or even a dedicated second VFO knob, and uses audio DSP rather than IF DSP, limiting its feature set (as the web site mentions, it is analog, not an SDR). If I'm not mistaken, the VFO uses a DDS without a PLL, which may explain the dynamic range limitations. Now I'll get back to work and let those with actual experience with the Sienna take over :) 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 8, 2009, at 9:22 AM, James Sarte wrote: > Hello Elecrafters, > > I recently stumbled upon an advertisement for the DZKIT Sienna, a > full-featured transceiver kit. Looks pretty interesting, and would > appear > to at least be direct competitor to the Elecraft K3.... ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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Hi Wayne,
I had to laugh at your comment about letting those with actual experience take over, (if you can find any). However, I met the designer at his facilities in Loveland, CO last month and actually got to see the Sienna. I saw his add in the back of QST. It's a nice rig. After you add up all the options it's even more expensive than the K3 with similar options. Just the receiver alone in more than the K2. Brian, the designer gave me the impression that the rig isn't really designed for contesting but, more for rag chewing and leisurely operating. Maybe there is a nitch in the market for that. I will have to say that I was quite tempted to order one after seeing it. Gary, N7HTS ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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> Brian, the designer gave me the impression that the
> rig isn't really designed for contesting but, more for > rag chewing and leisurely operating. The Sienna's front panel is gorgeous, definitely the most attractive and innovative of any rig. You can order one in any color you'd like for an extra fee. Quite a bit of work went into that rig's face: the knobs, the display. Really cool. Al W6LX ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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I have to make a comment. I just looked at the Sienna and before I read anything about the radio itself, I was struck by how ugly the front panel was -- it reminded me of some old antiquated automation control panel of sub-station equipment (e.g. an RTU). And, I thought to myself, I am glad the K3 has the look that it has. And, I am not even a K3 owner -- not yet that is but hopefully soon will be.
However, to be fair, my observation was the first thought that came into my mind -- I will need to print out the image of the front panel and stare at it for awhile. However, everyone has a different opinion about these things and that is what makes our world more interesting then ...??... I am not sure, but whatever it is we are more interesting then it. On Dec 8, 2009, at 1:22 PM, Al Lorona wrote: >> Brian, the designer gave me the impression that the >> rig isn't really designed for contesting but, more for >> rag chewing and leisurely operating. > > The Sienna's front panel is gorgeous, definitely the most attractive and innovative of any rig. You can order one in any color you'd like for an extra fee. Quite a bit of work went into that rig's face: the knobs, the display. Really cool. > > Al W6LX > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 |
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In reply to this post by alorona
Hmmmmm. I had the exact opposite reaction. I guess beauty really is
in the eye of the beholder :-) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Dec 8, 2009, at 1:22 PM, Al Lorona wrote: > The Sienna's front panel is gorgeous, definitely the most attractive > and innovative of any rig. You can order one in any color you'd like > for an extra fee. Quite a bit of work went into that rig's face: the > knobs, the display. Really cool. ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by alorona
Seriously, this is tounge in cheek right? For a long time I've thought the Kenwood TS-2000 was the worlds ugliest radio but then the Sienna appeared! Looks like a WWII Russian tank radio. No offense to our Rusian friends. Doug W6JD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Al Lorona" <[hidden email]> To: "Elecraft" <[hidden email]> Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 1:22:08 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: DZKIT Sienna? > Brian, the designer gave me the impression that the > rig isn't really designed for contesting but, more for > rag chewing and leisurely operating. The Sienna's front panel is gorgeous, definitely the most attractive and innovative of any rig. You can order one in any color you'd like for an extra fee. Quite a bit of work went into that rig's face: the knobs, the display. Really cool. Al W6LX ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by westalto
> Seriously, this is tounge in cheek right?
> Doug > W6JD No, not at all! I find refreshing a rig that is not trying to look like consumer hi-fi stereo equipment. And wasn't it just a few days ago that real aluminum knobs made more than a few Christmas wish lists? Color can convey a lot of information. Even from across the room functional groups of knobs can be discerned due to the silk screening, and those big, lighted switches stand out much better than LEDs and fit big fingers like a glove. The fluorescent display is a throwback to Nixie tubes-- a neat combination of new technology and past memories. Go look at the features again-- you've gotta admit that there're some ideas there to seriously consider. I don't think the Sienna is trying to be a K2 (or K3). Given that operating parameters such as current drain, diversity reception, and ultra-high-end dynamic range aren't in the primary target market, the bullseye that it does hit is a very interesting one that should help it carve out a little niche for itself. Al W6LX ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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I'm honestly curious. What bullseye is that? What features or performance does it offer that other rigs don't provide more cheaply? I looked over the specs carefully and I simply didn't find it. The colorful panel?? 73, Dave AB7E Al Lorona wrote: > > the bullseye that it does hit is a very interesting one that should help it carve out a little niche for itself. > > > Al W6LX ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by alorona
I had a chance to see the Sienna in person at Dayton a few years ago. It
looks significantly better in person than what's seen in their ads. I haven't been following its progress, but from what I recall, it uses some fairly high-end components. The panel switches and machined knobs are particularly nice as is the overall fit and finish. Paul, W9AC > No, not at all! I find refreshing a rig that is not trying to look like > consumer hi-fi stereo equipment. And wasn't it just a few days ago that > real aluminum knobs made more than a few Christmas wish lists? ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: OT: DZKIT Sienna - Give it a break!
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I think there are some here on the list that just have a lack of appreciation. The Sienna is somebodies "work of life" and it should not be trashed. I find it refreshing that the designer did something "different" or took a different track that what is being done in the market place. Different is not bad. I appreciated the rig for its design. It is like and art piece...some people like it...some people think it is trash. But, there is a person that designed it. Why trash it? I do not see why. Constructive criticism is good, but calling it a tank radio is just outlandish. Bad Form. I don't like it when people here make "trashing" remarks against Elecraft products. I wonder how think Elecraft skin is...they say it is pretty thick...but some of the comments to the Elecraft designers have to sting. Another point...people are trashing the radio before sitting in front of it. Trashing it because of looks and publish specifications. I saw it at Dayton several years ago and it is a pretty nice radio. Again, I could not say yea or nay because the radio has very little track record. I do not think he has shipped 3,000 units. Lets see you make and market a radio. I don't think it is that easy. Give the guy a brake and appreciate his "work." Let's give the guy a break. Flame suit on...fire extinguisher is nearby. Lee - K0WA In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. - J. Wolf ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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And the well-thought-out reason this is being discussed endlessly on a
reflector for Elecraft radios is ??????. The topic could be be taken to the cat care reflector, or to the Idaho Potato reflector, or to the interior design paint color reflector, or to the reflector for radios unfairly called tank radios, or to the Icom reflector (equal opportunity and all that), **OR** better yet, to the reflector for Off Topic Topics where the only forbidden topic is why something should be posted to their reflector. 73, Guy. On Thu, Dec 10, 2009 at 7:41 AM, Lee Buller <[hidden email]> wrote: > > I think there are some here on the list that just have a lack of appreciation. The Sienna is somebodies "work of life" and it should not be trashed. I find it refreshing that the designer did something "different" or took a different track that what is being done in the market place. Different is not bad. I appreciated the rig for its design. It is like and art piece...some people like it...some people think it is trash. > > But, there is a person that designed it. Why trash it? I do not see why. Constructive criticism is good, but calling it a tank radio is just outlandish. Bad Form. I don't like it when people here make "trashing" remarks against Elecraft products. I wonder how think Elecraft skin is...they say it is pretty thick...but some of the comments to the Elecraft designers have to sting. > > Another point...people are trashing the radio before sitting in front of it. Trashing it because of looks and publish specifications. I saw it at Dayton several years ago and it is a pretty nice radio. Again, I could not say yea or nay because the radio has very little track record. I do not think he has shipped 3,000 units. > > Lets see you make and market a radio. I don't think it is that easy. Give the guy a brake and appreciate his "work." > > Let's give the guy a break. > > Flame suit on...fire extinguisher is nearby. > > Lee - K0WA > > > In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? > > Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. - J. Wolf > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 |
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In reply to this post by David Gilbert
I've never considered cost vs spec to be a particularly important issue when choosing a radio. The same could (and indeed was) said of the K2 when that first came out. The niche that the Sienna occupies is that it is a desktop HF radio that you can build yourself. The K2 is its only remote competitor and that is small, and as we all know from discussions about the K3 a lot of people like their desktop radios to be big. The K3 doesn't satisfy kit builders because it is assembled from ready made and tested boards you can't build it yourself. Many people who like to build stuff aren't remotely interested in winning contests or working weak DX. So the fact that the Sienna's RF performance is not as good as that of the K3 is unimportant to the people I think it's aimed at. I think (and hope) that there is enough of a market for products like the Sienna to exist. Were I not now so long-sighted that any construction involves bending over the desk with a magnifier headset with an inevitable painful result on my back, I'd be tempted to order one myself.
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222 KX3 #110
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html |
Re: OT: DZKIT Sienna - Give it a break!
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In reply to this post by Guy, K2AV
Just to let you all know, I did purchase and build a Sienna from DZKIT in early November. It is a very high quality kit and was lots of fun to build. So far I have built the receiver and front panel and am almost finished with the transmitter. I think half the reason I bought it was that I thought it was one of the nicest looking radios I have seen in quite some time....It is different looking ( I thought the same about the K2 when it first came out ) . I never thought of comparing it to my K3, They are obviously two different radios. Having built three K2's, a KX-1, and a K3, I needed another challenge. It's nice to see another American company Selling high quality kits, I think we still need a few more! 73, Darrell / WB6VHK
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In reply to this post by David Gilbert
> I'm honestly curious. What bullseye is that? What features or
> performance does it offer that other rigs don't provide more cheaply? > 73, > Dave AB7E You had me up until those two little words at the end of the sentence: "more cheaply". The short answer to that question is, "If price is your sole criterion, then you're right; maybe there are no features that meet that criterion." I've always had a problem with making that the deciding factor, though, otherwise I'd shop at WalMart and nowhere else, and I'd miss out on other attributes like convenience, pleasurable shopping experience, knowledgeable salespeople, customer service, etc., that usually cost more. (For our readers outside the US: WalMart is the lowest common denominator of American shopping. I *hate* WalMart.) Going a little further, though, did you really not see anything there that could be called at least a little bit innovative? I think that an embedded PC is an interesting concept. It's not for everybody, but it's a cool concept. You take the Sienna on Field Day and you have N1MM Logger or N3FJP already built-in. Isn't that provocative? And, having that embedded PC allows you to do things like Ethernet and VGA, which are two things that I think many folks would like to have built-in to a rig. Shall I go on? Thanks for the bandwidth... I have a feeling this thread is growing long in the tooth, so I'll let you have the last word and I'll stay shut up. Al W6LX ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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