On Mar 13, 2015, at 11:57 AM, bs usb <[email protected]> wrote: > I was looking at test data, comparing K3 to K2 and found that while the K2 is > rated at 150ma, the K3 draws 600ma. Is this correct?
Not quite. The K2's receive-mode current drain can be .150-.250 A depending on what's enabled, what options are installed, and speaker volume. The K3 is around .9-1.2 A, for the same reasons. To put these values into perspective: most modern desktop transceivers (many with performance ratings far below that of the K3) draw more like 2 to 4 amps in receive mode. > …what is in the K3 that requires 4x more current? What do the additional > current consumers contribute to the operation of the radio? The K3 has the following stages that add both current and features or performance advantages: - high-dynamic-range, dual-conversion superhet architecture with heavily biased mixers, post-amp, etc. - multiple stages of high-bias PIN-diode T/R switching and other PIN-diode path switching - high-performance 32-bit DSP I.F.s for main and sub receiver - large, brightly lit LCD with dual VFO displays, alphanumeric display for text decode, etc. - four multi-function encoders, each with two LED indicators - ATU that uses non-latching relays to maximize tuning speed - digital voice recorder (DVR) - high-power stereo AF amplifier - misc. support and I/O circuitry (not found on the K2) This isn't a comprehensive list, but you get the idea. Yes, it's more current drain than a K2, but we were able to provide excellent performance and a wide range of features in the K3 while consuming 1/2 to 1/4th the current drain of most transceivers in its class. The KX3 is another interesting point of comparison. Its receive current drain is about 200-250 mA, typically, while providing the highest performance of any ultra-compact transceiver by a wide margin. 73, Wayne N6KR ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected]
