Why not a KX4?

[Tony Estep]

Actually the KX3 is pretty hard to improve, but the one obvious
consideration is that the internal batteries should be LiPo. Another
possibility would be a different way to generate the oscillator freq to
ensure super-stability; even after the refrigerator procedure mine drifts
-3 or -4 Hz in a WSPR interval, which is right at the ragged edge. I can't
think of any other changes but others may.

73,
Tony KT0NY
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[Steve Sergeant]

My wish list for the KX3 would be to serve as K2 replacement,
price/performance wise. While I could list some UI and under-the-hood
improvements, and I agree with Tony's suggestion below, I want to make a
form-factor suggestion.

I'm imagining the KX3 repackaged so that it can be used alone as a QRP
rig, but can also be docked-into a larger chassis (K2-sized?) as its
front panel. That lager box could include integration of the guts of the
KXPA100, a bigger battery (like 6_Ah or so), a bigger speaker, a flip-up
or flip-out (on a side) display for an integral PX3 replacement. (Or
better from my perspective, a WiFi or Bluetooth interface sending
waterfall data to a phone or tablet app?)

Have it both ways: A high-end QRP rig, or a reasonably compact 100W
full-featured portable.

DE KC6ZKT --... ...--

PS: Tony, my KX2 seems more frequency stable than my KX3 on WSPR.


On 3/25/19 20:58 PM, Tony Estep wrote:
> Actually the KX3 is pretty hard to improve, but the one obvious
> consideration is that the internal batteries should be LiPo. Another
> possibility would be a different way to generate the oscillator freq to
> ensure super-stability; even after the refrigerator procedure mine drifts
> -3 or -4 Hz in a WSPR interval, which is right at the ragged edge. I can't
> think of any other changes but others may.
>
> 73,
> Tony KT0NY
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[Edward R Cole]

The KX3 appeals to the portable operator better than the larger
K2.  Certainly some upgrades for it would be desirable.

But my KX3 replaced a FT-817.  Main use is for mobile coupled with
KXPA100 and  2m amplifier (I have the 2M module).  The other prime
use is as a 2m IF for my portable mw station where 1w is sufficient
on 2m to drive the 10 GHz transverter.

Glad to have IQ I/F for digital modes or spectrum sw run in a laptop.

Better freq stability on 6m & 2m would be nice.

BTW the KX3 has been used on 2m-eme for DXpeditions where small size
matters.  Its small enough to pack in my carry-on luggage.

73, Ed - KL7UW
------------------------------
From: Steve Sergeant <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Why not a KX4?
Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

My wish list for the KX3 would be to serve as K2 replacement,


73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
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[Tony Estep]

On Mon, Mar 25, 2019 at 11:20 PM Steve Sergeant <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> ...my KX2 seems more frequency stable than my KX3 on WSPR...

==================
Yep, becuz it has a different scheme for generating the osc freq (if I'm
not mistaken, synth vs VFO). So that's one of my wished-for improvements.
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[Jim Brown-10]

On 3/26/2019 12:21 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> Better freq stability on 6m & 2m would be nice.

Thanks to extensive work by W7GJ, a production change was made several
years ago to improve stability with a redesign of the main board.
There's also a user temperature calibration routine that helps a lot.

73, Jim K9YC

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