wherefore art thou, K3?

[DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL]

Wherefore at thou, K3?

I first "discovered" Elecraft after the great product review in QST
(March 2000).  Since then, I have been faithfully reading the email
discussion list; it is a great source of information, with a couple
obvious (and taken-for-granted) stars.

After several months of reading, and being a die-hard contester (qrp
contester since 1986 since the big Multi/Multi I used to operate at
went SK), I naturally saw "room for improvement" in the K2.  I liked
the price and I figured that I could buy two K2's for less than some
other contest radio and have the versatility equal to or surpassing
the expensive whiz-bang contest radios out there…not to mention a (at
the time) "best" rating on the front end (IMD DR3 at 5kc, IP3, etc).

I also wondered, "If this Elecraft company is so great…and contesters
are fanatics at having the best in terms of performance, I bet a K3 is
around the corner."  I asked around, but nobody had any insight…or
they were not talking.

It's now been 6 years.  Other Elecraft qrp/tiny/portable rigs (and
gadgets) have been brought to market…all filling a tiny niche market.
I have seen inquires about a K3 dozens and dozens of time and no real
reply from "the boyz" in Aptos other than, "What K3?"  I think that I
finally believe them.

I was very surprised at the 1500 watt output amp shown at Dayton,
2006.  It is very pricey (and not yet available…and no updates that I
have seen…and I look hard!).  It too fills (will fill) a niche
market….probably one close to my heart (contesting), but at the very
high end.  Maybe there are broader markets (beyond ham radio) involved
here.

So…armed with 6 years of history, let's see what the prospects might
be for a K3.

First, what would be different than the K2?  I've seen lots of "wish
lists" but mostly they would be a K2 Mark II…not really strategic
thinking launched by a long range vision.  And, probably more
importantly, what would be the target market?

Right now, a "loaded" K2 (with tuner and amp, etc.) is, what…$1800 or
so…in kit form.  What else is out there for the masses?  Kenwood
TS2000…less money.  Yaesu…lots of models, less money.  Icom "baby"
rigs…less money.  So marketing a "new and improved" rig according to
dollars (to compete with these radios) probably should not be a goal
for Elecraft.

Let's move upscale.  Yaesu FT2000…at least $3K.  Icom 756 Pro III…at
least $3K.  These are very slick radios for the masses that have money
to spend and the rigs have lots and lots of features.  I won't attempt
to compare feature for feature, because "each to his own."  If the
loaded K2 is $1800 (kit), I am thinking that an "upgraded" (whatever
that might be) K3 would at least be $3000…putting it into direct
competition with these other radios in terms of price.  And I bet you
that these folks really are more appliance operators than the current
set of K2 owners or at least probably are not that interested (skill
being assumed to be present) in spending at least 40 hours (likely
more) building a "K3."  And what would the "selling feature" be for a
K3 compared to these other radios (remember, we are talking in terms
of marketing).  Clearly, not price.

Of course, I might be completely wrong here.  Eric and Wayne might not
care at all about money and would develop a K3 just for love (is
anyone not laughing at this?).  Let's see…price of the K2 goes up $30
and the list responds with complaints.  What does this tell us?
First, it tells us that Eric and Wayne are not quite as philanthropic
as Bill and Melinda Gates or Warren Buffet.  Second, they probably
don't want to market a K3 to "these people" who complain about $30.
Just how long has the K2 been $599 anyway?

Should they move upscale even more?  Icom 7800 and FT9000 in the $10k
to $12k class.  Hmmm.  Maybe…if they are looking to undercut that
market based on price.  But wait….The FT9000 Contest is "only" $5000.
Not much wiggle room then.  And the TT Orion (of disputed reputation)
is over $4k (even tighter margin).  And speaking of SDRs…how about
Flex Radio…that price is a steal!  Yes, currently a poor performer on
cw if you love QSK, but it will be there in a year (of course, its
price will be at two tiers…or that is the rumor….at $3000 range and at
$10k range, depending on features).  Honestly, I don't see Elecraft
wanting to compete in this league; from the comments posted, it
doesn't seem like that is what Aptos is all about.

So just what would the motivation be for Elecraft to come out with a
K3?  I don't know!  I think it would be neat to "smoothly" be able to
conjoin a pair of K2's (either externally or within a single box).
Some say N4PY and N1MM can effectively do that.  When directly asked
about such a feature, the "boyz" will even direct one to N4PY (at
least they used to).  But would that be a K3?  Maybe.

I think the dream of a K3 is something necessary to the group.  I
think the reality might be something different.  I would love to be
proven wrong!!!!

de Doug KR2Q
K2/5285 ala W3FPR
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[Stephen W. Kercel]

Doug:

Discussions about a prospective K3 have always
struck me as a bit curious. I'm not sure just
what it is that people are looking for. I get the
impression that you're talking about more
operational features rather than improved engineering characteristics.

As you note, there are lots of wish lists of
features, but probably not enough overlap among
the lists to create a market for a rig with a
single list of extra features for which all the
wishers are willing to pay an extra $1200.

The closest you come to specifying how a K3 might
differ from a K2 is that a K3 would be two K2s in
a common box, and a bit of hardware to make them run smoothly in concert.

Rather than come up with something like that,
maybe the N4PY strategy is a better solution for
the serious contester. Buy two K2s and tack them
together with a "contest box" containing the
interfacing electronics. If there are that many
people looking to run two K2s simultaneously,
perhaps Elecraft could develop a "contest box"
accessory specifically for that purpose.

I would also comment that those $10K radios tend
to be a human factors nightmare. There are so
many features that human cognition is literally
overwhelmed by all the possibilities. I suspect
that the serious contester using one of these
fancy rigs identifies (probably unconscioiusly)
the features actually needed (with perception of
what is needed varying among operators) for
contest operating, arranges things (with perhaps
some very tricky programming ahead of time) to
bring those few needed features to the fore, and ignores everything else.

As you mentioned, SDRs are the wave of the
future, but for "go for blood" contesting, they
have not yet arrived. From that standpoint, it
looks like a possible mod for the K2 would be for
Elecraft to make the internals a bit more
accessible to computer interaction, and let the
aftermarket take care of the software.

73,

Steve
AA4AK

>So…armed with 6 years of history, let's see what the prospects might
>be for a K3.
>
>First, what would be different than the K2?  I've seen lots of "wish
>lists" but mostly they would be a K2 Mark II…not really strategic
>thinking launched by a long range vision.  And, probably more
>importantly, what would be the target market?
>
>
>
>If the loaded K2 is $1800 (kit), I am thinking that an "upgraded" (whatever
>that might be) K3 would at least be $3000…putting it into direct
>competition with these other radios in terms of
>price.  .......And what would the "selling feature" be for a
>K3 compared to these other radios (remember, we are talking in terms
>of marketing).  Clearly, not price.
>
>
>So just what would the motivation be for Elecraft to come out with a
>K3?  I don't know!  I think it would be neat to "smoothly" be able to
>conjoin a pair of K2's (either externally or within a single box).
>Some say N4PY and N1MM can effectively do that.  When directly asked
>about such a feature, the "boyz" will even direct one to N4PY (at
>least they used to).  But would that be a K3?  Maybe.
>
>I think the dream of a K3 is something necessary to the group.  I
>think the reality might be something different.  I would love to be
>proven wrong!!!!
>
>de Doug KR2Q
>K2/5285 ala W3FPR
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[David Toepfer]

--- DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL <[hidden email]> wrote:
> I think the dream of a K3 is something necessary to the group.

I agree, because it is like a vehicle to get people to think about what they
wish they had or what they think is missing, which is valuable information for
any company.

What I find most interesting, as someone who is hoping to plunk down for a K2
next year is that overall everyone I meet here seems more than satisfied with
the K2's performance and features.  The wish lists are really just that, a list
of wish to haves, as opposed to a shopping list which would be more a list of
must haves.  I am sure a new K2 will be a good purchase for me to grow with for
quite a while.

David, k3tue
.

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[John Gwin]

No hurry here for a K-3.

My new K-2 just now on the air.
#5604 is alive.

-W4SK

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Toepfer" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 2:52 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Do you really need a K3?

> --- DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> I think the dream of a K3 is something necessary to the group.
>
> I agree, because it is like a vehicle to get people to think about what
> they
> wish they had or what they think is missing, which is valuable information
> for
> any company.
>
> What I find most interesting, as someone who is hoping to plunk down for a
> K2
> next year is that overall everyone I meet here seems more than satisfied
> with
> the K2's performance and features.  The wish lists are really just that, a
> list
> of wish to haves, as opposed to a shopping list which would be more a list
> of
> must haves.  I am sure a new K2 will be a good purchase for me to grow
> with for
> quite a while.
>
> David, k3tue
> .
>
> _______________________________________________
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[David Toepfer]

But perhaps my needs are few.  I just need a decent CW rig on 17/15/12/10/6 for
the upcoming sunspot cycle 24.

David, k3tue
.

--- David Toepfer <[hidden email]> wrote:

> --- DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > I think the dream of a K3 is something necessary to the group.
>
> I agree, because it is like a vehicle to get people to think about what they
> wish they had or what they think is missing, which is valuable information
> for
> any company.
>
> What I find most interesting, as someone who is hoping to plunk down for a K2
> next year is that overall everyone I meet here seems more than satisfied with
> the K2's performance and features.  The wish lists are really just that, a
> list
> of wish to haves, as opposed to a shopping list which would be more a list of
> must haves.  I am sure a new K2 will be a good purchase for me to grow with
> for
> quite a while.
>
> David, k3tue
> .
>
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[Darwin, Keith]

Quite a post there Doug.  Thanks for the comments & insight.

... But ...

That line of logic would have suggested the K2 would not have been
successful.  A QRP rig for $600?  Gee, for that price we can get a full
power rig from Asia.  But as history has show, the risk has paid off and
the K2 has indeed been a pretty successful rig both within and beyond
the QRP community.

If there were a K3 and if it offered enough improvements or changes to
differentiate itself from the K2, then you'd see some pretty good sales.
I suspect much of the sales would be to existing customers who already
have a K2, K1 and/or KX1.  We as a group have already shown that we're
eager to buy multiple Elecraft offerings.  After all there is
substantial overlap between the 3 rigs (esp. K1 & KX1) yet many have all
3!

Being a kit is a differentiator all it's own.  With no Heathkit kits
anymore, those who want to build are left rather unsatisfied.  Let's say
the K3 were a 100 watt HF rig with a full-size form factor, full size
ergonomics and operating features similar to the K2.  Further assume a
price tag of, say $1000.  I bet you'd see sales!

Of course, as you point out, the trick is just what would a K3 be?  Top
notch contest rig?  Bottom tier starter rig?  DC to Daylight all mode
rig?  SDR?  It makes my head spin just thinking about it.

Which is why I personally favor a K2-B.  K2 internals married with a
larger front panel featuring more and larger knobs.  Same basic K2
performance in a larger package with more base-station oriented
ergonomics.  Basically, I guess I'm thinking I don't really need a K3 at
all.  The K2's performance is all I require, but a bigger box and analog
S-meter would be nice.

73!

- Keith KD1E -
- K2 5411 -

-----Original Message-----

Wherefore at thou, K3?

*snip*

I think the dream of a K3 is something necessary to the group.  I think
the reality might be something different.  I would love to be proven
wrong!!!!
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[Darrell Bellerive]

On August 28, 2006 09:38 am, Darwin, Keith wrote:
> Which is why I personally favor a K2-B.  K2 internals married with a
> larger front panel featuring more and larger knobs.  Same basic K2
> performance in a larger package with more base-station oriented
> ergonomics.  Basically, I guess I'm thinking I don't really need a K3 at
> all.  The K2's performance is all I require, but a bigger box and analog
> S-meter would be nice.

Yes! And the six meter band in the radio as well, and a variable IF shift, and
a manual notch filter, and...

Count me in.

Darrell  VA7TO  K@#5093


--
Darrell Bellerive
Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA
Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada
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[Craig Rairdin]

> Yes! And the six meter band in the radio as well, and a variable IF shift,

> and a manual notch filter, and...

I sympathize with Eric and Wayne as they think about the future of this
product. Everybody wants something different. I seem to be able to work as
many stations as I care to talk to without variable IF shift and a manual
notch filter. And the last time I was on 6m was using my TV to watch channel
2 when the cable went out. Not that these aren't important features but that
everyone's needs are different.

Frankly I just want something that looks cooler. I don't know what features
those $10K rigs have that are better or different than my K2, but I like
those big color screens with lots of waveforms, numbers, and digitally
reproduced analog meters on them. Hey, maybe they pick up channel 2 on those
screens and I could work 6m, too. :-)

Craig
NZ0R

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[Fred (FL)]

I feel, all Elecraft needs to consider - is creating
a 2007 version of the K2, updated with 2006
technology, 2006 microelectronics, better display,
and a few bells and whistles to play with.

What the HOO ---- bigger knobs, larger front
panel to boot.  

Call it the K2+ or K2MKII or K207 .... IMHO many
new and previous K2 owners would buy it.  Consider
how many auto owners upgrade to buy the latest
VERSION of their favorite auto.  Happens every day.
Unfortunately, in the U.S. auto industry - NEW
MODELS may contain less features, and less
quality. Ala no chrome, no metal bumpers, no
HP, no 8 cylinders, no oil pressure ....

If Elecraft told me I could buy the K2+ or K207
- why wouldn't I want one?

And this would give the Elecraft principals - more
memory to play around in, and more technology to
beef up the performance even more.  Its a win,
win.

Thanks,
Fred
N3CSY


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[Thom LaCosta]

On Mon, 28 Aug 2006, Fred (FL) wrote:

> I feel, all Elecraft needs to consider - is creating
> a 2007 version of the K2, updated with 2006
> technology, 2006 microelectronics, better display,
> and a few bells and whistles to play with.


It's very interesting to hear all the second guessing of the Elecraft folks
here....one might make the assumption that without the K3 Elecraft will dry up
and blow away in the winds.

Another viewpoint might be that Eric and Wayne looked long and hard at the
Amateur Radio market and produced a superior product that is well accepted, and
if judged by price is quite a value, or if judged by quality is quite a value,
or if judged by the ability for the owner to repair the unit is quite a value.
Other benefits such as building your own rig, having something that is
sub-sub-sub battleship size, easily used in portable and emergency situations
seem to appeal to many.

But what do I know, simple appliance operator that I am, and not with unlimited
funds to purchase the latest(but not always greatest) technology with large
knobs, multi-colored displays and bands from DC to light, including a general
coverage receiver, TV monitor, radar detector and security system.

I'm glad that Elecraft didn't design and produce a rig that I could never
afford!

73,Thom-k3hrn
www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page,Drake Web Ring,
QRP IRC channel, Drake IRC Channel, Elecraft Owners Database
www.tlchost.net/hosting/  ***  Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month
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[David Toepfer]

I could embrace that, as I doubt (I do not know if) it would be a huge
development investment.  A bigger case with a new bigger front panel for
more/larger knobs, larger display, and analog S-meter;  As someone said, more
base/main station like.  Your old K2 could attach right to the new
control/display board and you would be off and running.  But who knows if it
would be worth the investment for Elecraft.

'T'would be sweet.

David, k3tue
.


--- "Fred (FL)" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I feel, all Elecraft needs to consider - is creating
> a 2007 version of the K2, updated with 2006
> technology, 2006 microelectronics, better display,
> and a few bells and whistles to play with.
>
> What the HOO ---- bigger knobs, larger front
> panel to boot.  
>
> Call it the K2+ or K2MKII or K207 .... IMHO many
> new and previous K2 owners would buy it.  Consider
> how many auto owners upgrade to buy the latest
> VERSION of their favorite auto.  Happens every day.
> Unfortunately, in the U.S. auto industry - NEW
> MODELS may contain less features, and less
> quality. Ala no chrome, no metal bumpers, no
> HP, no 8 cylinders, no oil pressure ....
>
> If Elecraft told me I could buy the K2+ or K207
> - why wouldn't I want one?
>
> And this would give the Elecraft principals - more
> memory to play around in, and more technology to
> beef up the performance even more.  Its a win,
> win.
>
> Thanks,
> Fred
> N3CSY
>
>
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[David Toepfer]

> I'm glad that Elecraft didn't design and produce a rig that I could never
> afford!

Amen!

dt
.

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[Solosko, Robert B (Bob)-2]

It seems to me that the K2 does everything I want it to do from a feature and performance point of view - where it's lacking, as may people have said,  is in user ergonomics. There are just too many functions that are squeezed into the limited front panel to make it very easy to use. While I haven't yet hooked my K2 to a computer, it looks like a number of the programs that work with the K2 effectively expand the front panel with more "push buttons" and controls. But since I don't want to have to haul a laptop with me when I travel with my K2, what I would like is not another bigger (and more expensive) K2+ or K3 but a simple, and small front panel extension box... perhaps something about the size of a KX-1. This box would have separate push buttons for each XTAL and DSP filter and for each of the  tuning rates - that way I can just press a button and not have to cycle around all of the different choices to get to the one that I want. And, each button would have a built in L!
 ED that would light to indicate which button I pushed so that the choice is immediately obvious. This front panel extension box could also have a number of buttons for other functions that now require several menu steps, such as turning the DSP noise filter on and off, displaying the clock, etc. It can also have separate LED indicators to indicate when the RIT is on, when the XIT is on, etc. The box wouldn't duplicate any of the functions that are now directly available on the K2 front panel but would make it much easier to get to the frequently used functions that require multiple pushes of a button or multiple menus.

The nice thing about such a front panel extension, besides making the K2 much more user friendly, and being small and light enough to take along, is that it could be easily implemented with a small processor that interfaces to the K2 via the remote K2 commands through the KIO2.

So, would you buy such a front panel extension? How much would this go toward satisfying your desire for a K2+ or a K3, and how much would you be willing to pay for it?

Bob W1SRB

P.S. I sent this idea to Wayne and Eric several months ago.


        .

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Fred (FL)
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 3:13 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] wherefore art thou, K3?


I feel, all Elecraft needs to consider - is creating
a 2007 version of the K2, updated with 2006
technology, 2006 microelectronics, better display,
and a few bells and whistles to play with.

What the HOO ---- bigger knobs, larger front
panel to boot.  

Call it the K2+ or K2MKII or K207 .... IMHO many
new and previous K2 owners would buy it.  Consider
how many auto owners upgrade to buy the latest
VERSION of their favorite auto.  Happens every day.
Unfortunately, in the U.S. auto industry - NEW
MODELS may contain less features, and less
quality. Ala no chrome, no metal bumpers, no
HP, no 8 cylinders, no oil pressure ....

If Elecraft told me I could buy the K2+ or K207
- why wouldn't I want one?

And this would give the Elecraft principals - more
memory to play around in, and more technology to
beef up the performance even more.  Its a win,
win.

Thanks,
Fred
N3CSY


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[Darwin, Keith]

Bob, that's a GREAT idea.  As I think about it, I realize ...

I DON'T WANT A K3.

There, I said it.  I don't want a K3, I just want an larger and more
spread out UI for the K2.  I want a new front panel, bigger case, bigger
knobs.

BUT that ruins the K2 for portable use, now doesn't it.

So, your approach of a K2 "docking station" may be the better answer.
Plug in to the thingy and you have a larger UI.  Unplug and your rig is
still portable.  No PC to lug around.  Now combine the large UI panel
with the 100 watt PA in a single case and it gets cooler yet!

How much?  I guess I'm willing to spend $250 or so on a new front panel
thingy.  I'm not willing to spend $1100 on a new rig.

- Keith KD1E -
- K2 5411 -

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert B (Bob)

So, would you buy such a front panel extension? How much would this go
toward satisfying your desire for a K2+ or a K3, and how much would you
be willing to pay for it?

Bob W1SRB

P.S. I sent this idea to Wayne and Eric several months ago.

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[David Toepfer]

Someone's already done this.  I forget his reason, but if I recall, he used a
pic controller to send commands to the i/o connection.  I immagine such a
device could be made to be quite flexable/programmable.

--- "Solosko, Robert B (Bob)" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> It seems to me that the K2 does everything I want it to do from a feature and
> performance point of view - where it's lacking, as may people have said,  is
> in user ergonomics. There are just too many functions that are squeezed into
> the limited front panel to make it very easy to use. While I haven't yet
> hooked my K2 to a computer, it looks like a number of the programs that work
> with the K2 effectively expand the front panel with more "push buttons" and
> controls. But since I don't want to have to haul a laptop with me when I
> travel with my K2, what I would like is not another bigger (and more
> expensive) K2+ or K3 but a simple, and small front panel extension box...
> perhaps something about the size of a KX-1. This box would have separate push
> buttons for each XTAL and DSP filter and for each of the  tuning rates - that
> way I can just press a button and not have to cycle around all of the
> different choices to get to the one that I want. And, each button would have
> a built in L!
>  ED that would light to indicate which button I pushed so that the choice is
> immediately obvious. This front panel extension box could also have a number
> of buttons for other functions that now require several menu steps, such as
> turning the DSP noise filter on and off, displaying the clock, etc. It can
> also have separate LED indicators to indicate when the RIT is on, when the
> XIT is on, etc. The box wouldn't duplicate any of the functions that are now
> directly available on the K2 front panel but would make it much easier to get
> to the frequently used functions that require multiple pushes of a button or
> multiple menus.
>
> The nice thing about such a front panel extension, besides making the K2 much
> more user friendly, and being small and light enough to take along, is that
> it could be easily implemented with a small processor that interfaces to the
> K2 via the remote K2 commands through the KIO2.
>
> So, would you buy such a front panel extension? How much would this go toward
> satisfying your desire for a K2+ or a K3, and how much would you be willing
> to pay for it?
>
> Bob W1SRB
>
> P.S. I sent this idea to Wayne and Eric several months ago.
>
>
> .
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Fred (FL)
> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 3:13 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] wherefore art thou, K3?
>
>
> I feel, all Elecraft needs to consider - is creating
> a 2007 version of the K2, updated with 2006
> technology, 2006 microelectronics, better display,
> and a few bells and whistles to play with.
>
> What the HOO ---- bigger knobs, larger front
> panel to boot.  
>
> Call it the K2+ or K2MKII or K207 .... IMHO many
> new and previous K2 owners would buy it.  Consider
> how many auto owners upgrade to buy the latest
> VERSION of their favorite auto.  Happens every day.
> Unfortunately, in the U.S. auto industry - NEW
> MODELS may contain less features, and less
> quality. Ala no chrome, no metal bumpers, no
> HP, no 8 cylinders, no oil pressure ....
>
> If Elecraft told me I could buy the K2+ or K207
> - why wouldn't I want one?
>
> And this would give the Elecraft principals - more
> memory to play around in, and more technology to
> beef up the performance even more.  Its a win,
> win.
>
> Thanks,
> Fred
> N3CSY
>
>
> __________________________________________________
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[David Toepfer]

Brilliant idea!  I would buy one, without question.

David, k3tue
.

--- "Solosko, Robert B (Bob)" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I don't want to have to haul a laptop with me when I travel with my K2,
> what I would like is [...] a simple, and small front panel extension box...
> [...]
> So, would you buy such a front panel extension? How much would this go toward
> satisfying your desire for a K2+ or a K3, and how much would you be willing
> to pay for it?

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[Tony Morgan-2]

Exactly Keith,
You need that $1100 to put towards the new Elecraft amp!

73
Tony W7GO
----- Original Message -----
From: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 12:54 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] wherefore art thou, K3?


Bob, that's a GREAT idea.  As I think about it, I realize ...

I DON'T WANT A K3.

There, I said it.  I don't want a K3, I just want an larger and more
spread out UI for the K2.  I want a new front panel, bigger case, bigger
knobs.

BUT that ruins the K2 for portable use, now doesn't it.

So, your approach of a K2 "docking station" may be the better answer.
Plug in to the thingy and you have a larger UI.  Unplug and your rig is
still portable.  No PC to lug around.  Now combine the large UI panel
with the 100 watt PA in a single case and it gets cooler yet!

How much?  I guess I'm willing to spend $250 or so on a new front panel
thingy.  I'm not willing to spend $1100 on a new rig.

- Keith KD1E -
- K2 5411 -


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[wayne burdick]

Thanks, everyone, for all of your suggestions for possible future
products. Interesting reading!

73,
Wayne
N6KR


---

http://www.elecraft.com

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[Simon (HB9DRV)]

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Toepfer" <[hidden email]>

> A bigger case with a new bigger front panel for
> more/larger knobs, larger display, and analog S-meter;  As someone said,
> more
> base/main station like.

That would make me seriously consider a K3/4/5 - I bought the TS-480SAT
earlier this year to use as GD4ELI when visiting my mother. The TS-480SAT is
a great performer, excellent value for money, easy to use at home and
mobile. But IMO neither the K2 or TS-480SAT are 'real' radios of the type I
grew up with - Eddystone EA-12, ex-military etc. although they obviously
offer far better performance and in relative terms are much cheaper.

Don't take this as a knock on Elecraft, but were I to build a large radio (I
have the K1 and KX1 here and applaud Elecraft's commitment to the Amateur
market) then I would want to build something Meaty Beaty Big and not very
Bouncy.

Even a K2 re-packaged - one thing I like about my IC-7800 (which I am
selling) is the large user interface.

Simon Brown
---
RSGB HF Convention October 2006: http://www.rsgb-hfc.org.uk/

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[David Toepfer]

--- wayne burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Thanks, everyone, for all of your suggestions
> for possible future products. Interesting reading!

^^^ That's the message I really wanted to see.

David, k3tue
.

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