Ed and all Don't forget that the situation in Europe is somewhat different. In 6m and 2m IARU Region 1 contests there is the potential for 600 to 800 contacts in a 24 hour period. On 70cms it's around 250 QSO's for the leading groups. And in the UK we have VHF evening activity contests where almost 200 Q's can be made in 2-1/2 hours.
So, point number 1 is that activity is higher and therefore the potential sale of VHF rigs is different. Point 1 leads to Point 2: This level of activity brings with it a very demanding requirement on the receiver, to provide sensitivity for the smallest of signals, and good selectivity and extreme dynamic range to cope with your near neighbours. Elecraft know how to deal with big signals. The reason I would support Elecraft going the VHF route is because the performance of the current "shack in the box" multimode, multiband rigs is woefully inadequate in the criteria listed in my previous paragraph. See you on the Moon again sometime .......... Regards John G4ZTR -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Edward R Cole Sent: 31 January 2014 19:02 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Would anyone like to see an all-mode VHF/UHFoffering from Elecraft? Ted, You really expected a VHF contest to sound like Field day on the HF bands? That tells me that you do not regularly operate VHF-ssb. I have been pleading with the FM repeater HT hams for years to explore the fun of VHF-ssb/cw/digital modes with multi types of propagation and the response is they don't have the time, the cash, the know-how, the property that allows antennas, etc. etc. There is plenty VHF multi-mode radios available plus a wide assortment of transverters, plus very economical surplus multi-modes from past years. Radio supply is not the problem. With the exception of 2m-eme using digital modes there is just not much interest by the usual VHF users and especially new hams. Satellite use has dwindled due to lack of cheap launch capability so new satellites are essentially orbiting repeaters for the most part. A radio with the capabilities you request will be in the $3000 class (If not more). A K3/10 + transverters will accomplish this if you want Elecraft equipment at less than that (I think). Or one could buy the KX3 and add the 2M module when it comes out. Then add transverters for 222, 432, 1296. In 2012, I sold my FT-847 to purchase a 222-28 and 432-28 transverter to go with my K3/10 which I already had 144-28 and 1296-28 transverters. The K3 + transverters make a "way superior" combo than any multi-mode VHF/UHF that I have seen. I am QRV from 600m to 3cm! 73, Ed - KL7UW PS: I worked three stations in the Jan. VHF Contest! From: Ted Edwards W3TB <[email protected]> To: Dave <[email protected]> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Would anyone like to see an all-mode VHF/UHFoffering from Elecraft? Message-ID: <caghfmtjuqkp_3ncbyi32sude+5bhrqtqszunuj7mvc5uveu...@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Yes for CW. This would be a GREAT way to get our Techs beyond the limits of operating on the repeaters. Some years ago, I had expected the June/Sept VHF Contests to replace Field Day as the big participation event for local clubs as the new Techs would discover the many other ways to use their licenses. It didn't happen, but this might help move along greater participation on VHF/UHF. Good idea! 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
