Something new from Elecraft?

Or perhaps someone else? This was an e-mail thread on the Elecraft-KX io.group, and the main discussion was entitled "KX3 and a KX2?" The answers started to go a little off-topic with speculation on whether or not we would ever see a KX4 and what it should have. Then this appeared:

Intriguing. It will be interesting to see what is introduced and by whom. Perhaps the T41 mentioned on the Four States QRP Group will finally make its debut? Or will it be something else, entirely?

And then THIS appeared on the reflector tonight - from Wayne N6KR himself:

So we shall see, won't we?

72 de Larry W2LJ

QRP - When you care to send the very least!

Major Sheldon's Last Watt

For those of you who get the Elecraft Newsletter via e-mail; don't pass by the February edition.  I know that sometimes we get so many e-mails in our inboxes that we tend to pass on these, every now and then. Thanks to W3BBO, this time I didn't - and you shouldn't either. There's a great short story in there by W.A. Taylor, titled "Major Sheldon's Last Watt."

It's a fun read and very well written. I wish I could spin a yarn like Mr. Taylor.

I'd love to post a link to it here; but it's copyrighted and I'm sure Elecraft used it with permission, and I want to respect that.  If you're not on the Elecraft mailing list; hopefully you have a QRP friend or Elecraft user friend who can show you the story.

Who knows? If someone from Elecraft reads this and feels that it's not problematic - they can always feel free to post the link in the comments section!

UPDATE:  I got permission from Wayne NK6R to post the link to the story.  It appears that Mr. Taylor gave unlimited distribution rights - so here it is!

http://www.elecraft.com/fiction/Maj%20Sheldon's%20Last%20Watt.pdf

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!

KX3 - now may be THE time to buy!

Wow!

Keeping an eye on the QRP reflectors, it seems that KX2 mania has seriously taken hold (and Hamvention has just barely begun!). If you don't mind having a "previously owned" (read ......used) KX3, then keep your eyes on QRP-L, the Elecraft reflector, QRZ.COM and eHam over the next few weeks.

I see a few guys are already selling off their KX3s so that they can purchase a KX2. Not sure if this will become a trend, or of the wisdom of it, but then I am not yet a SOTAteer, either. The additional size and weight of the KX3 are not sticking points for the type of portable ops that I do.  But for some, especially those who do long hikes, I guess it is a case of "smaller and lighter = better".

In any event, if you're looking ...... you just might find that for which you are seeking.

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!

Elecraft KX2

To be debuted at Dayton Hamvention:

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!