As Eric is scheduled to do a presentation at FDIM titled “Shrinking the Multi-Mode HF Transceiver”, this kind of fits right in, eh?
Right off the bat, I see a somewhat smaller rig - to my eye, not MTR sized, but smaller than the KX3. Two bands missing, 160 Meters and 6 Meters; and I'm sure a smaller price point. A Japanese Website (http://edcjp.sblo.jp/article/175341127.html) is listing $750 as the base price - not including tuner or any other accessories.
OK. Here's a photo from Facebook that puts the size issue in perspective. It IS substantially smaller than the KX3! In fact the KX3 looks like a monster compared to the KX2. Now I understand why this is offered "factory assembled" only. This must be total SMD construction.
Very interesting. Ideal for the SOTA operator - maybe the LNR rigs were starting to cause a little diversification in the market? As of right now, my KX3 is all I need and I personally don't anticipate a need ........ but ya never know. It would be nice to have one, though. Or even have one just to play with for a while.
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!
Very nice radio and Im sure there is a market for it but like you Larry I am very happy with my KX3. I hope this is not the beginning of the end of the K2 kit!
ReplyDelete73, Mike
Phooey to all these pocket-sized HF transceivers. I want something I can get a grip on. And yes, at QRP power max. JM&J, what next, an HF rig the size of a hearing aid? The entire rig in my ear? Nuts!
ReplyDeleteWow. You do realize there are LOTS of rigs that fit your requirements, right?! Just buy one of those. You don't need to poo-poo this one.
DeleteWow. You do realize there are LOTS of rigs that fit your requirements, right?! Just buy one of those. You don't need to poo-poo this one.
DeleteI think the wide angle perspective of that photo is misleading Larry. KX3 is 7.4" x 3.5" x 1.8" and the KX2 is 5.8" x 2.8" x 1.5". It does weigh 11oz. less, which is nice for hiking (24 vs 13). I would have hoped for something perhaps a little smaller. Maybe the KX4... :-)
ReplyDeleteAnother blog on the KX2
ReplyDeletehttp://k0jqz.blogspot.com/2016/05/elecraft-kx2-on-sota-summit.html
Frank K0JQZ's blog is on my list of "Amateur Radio Blogs of Interest" - but thanks, anyway!
ReplyDeleteWhen I received my s/n 1037 KX3 just about four years ago, it became my one rig. It will probably continue as such for quite a while. Few others considered it for their primary home rig -- that was the role of the K3. Interesting that now, in the KX2 FAQ's KX3-KX2 comparison matrix, KX3 is listed as a home station. Anyway, like you Larry, my KX3 will continue to serve as home and away for me and the occasional SOTA. Not that my ham DNA doesn't scream in my psyche "Buy it!" "It's cool!" "You must have it!" - Bob, W2TAC
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate to pick up KX2 Ser # 34 at Dayton this year. What a radio, in a smaller form factor with built in antenna tuner. It will travel with me everywhere so I can enjoy my hobby where ever I may be. Yes, there are other smaller rigs but none of them do all that the KX2 does in as small a form factor. Much of what is in the KX3 I would never use so I welcomed the KX2.
ReplyDeleteThe whole travel rig fits in a small LowePro camera case so unless the TSA reall is curious it lookes like another camera to the eye. X-ray we will see. Anyway, another happy Elecraft camper.
Dave K8WPE