Re: Open Letter ....

[dalekretzer]

    Mike, W5FTD, raises some excellent points that underscore
the need to look at Elecraft history and the dedicated people
behind that proud name.
    Over a very long period of time, this list saw continual contributions
of ideas and dreams we ham operators wanted to see in the next
generation of transceiver. While some ideas were terribly specialized,
the bulk spoke for the majority of users wanting to see a more ideal
transceiver for widespread use, a rig much more advanced than the
previous Elecraft offerings mainly aimed at QRP and portable
operations. The building experience was priceless.
    We made these contributions knowing that Wayne and Eric are
not just niche manufacturers looking to make a living, but also quite
active ham operators bringing great expertise and experience into
play all on their own. The latest result is the K3, a transceiver that
looks to be a frontrunner on the ham radio scene in very short order.
    It is both understandable and unfortunate delays have interrupted
the desired smooth ramp-up delivery of the first couple hundred of
the kits. A few out of the many awaiting delivery have for now
greatly altered the character of the Reflector with their almost daily
complaints and sharp criticisms. We can only hope they will settle
down once they receive their products and join with the rest of us
in technical and troubleshooting exchanges, and probably within
months help plant the seeds of ideas for the next Elecraft products.
In the meantime, we have this terrific platform able to be changed
via firmware to meet most demands of the immediate future. I
expect we'll see the K3 continually evolving for a long period.
    I strongly urge the rhetoric here on the Reflector be kept more
reasoned and thought out, if for nothing else the fact that there are
obviously newcomers to ham radio scanning the postings and finding
commentary not in keeping with the long-held values of a wonderful
hobby .... and might I stress, it's a hobby.
    While most anxious to have a K3 at the forefront of my existing
Elecraft lineup, I've withstood ordering through the initial frenzy.
The plan here is to place an order early in 2008 and accompany it
with a hefty down payment strictly to help keep the wheels of the
production line greased. Then, as W5FTD urges, I'll kick back and
enjoy the ride, knowing it's going to be worth the wait.

Dale, K6PJV

<snip>
Faith it may be but it's not blind faith. It's based on years of
association with Elecraft; these guys are truly good, they deliver on
their promises; no Kool-Aid.

As for the firmware, this is a software defined radio; the firmware
will never be finished.  I expect what we see in the current K3 is
just the base system.  It's a TRS-80; an IBM PC with an 8088 chip and
640KB of memory.  Get your K3, kick back and enjoy the ride; it's
going to be worth the wait.

Mike   W5FTD
<snip>
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[AJSOENKE]

Never had this happen with a Yaesu - never had the opportunity!  Is there a
value that can be placed on choice? I'm glad Elecraft gave me a choice.

Al WA6VNN
K3 #31
K2 #4887
K2 #6281



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