To add to my thoughts on new Elecraft QRO amp's in a new system architecture:
Amp modules could be produced in multiple generations as RF power transistor technology evolves. I envision models capable of 500, 750 or 1000 W pep, and it should be possible to combine up to 4 modules for use with any one virtual radio. A virtual radio could be a physica radio like a K3/K3S, or it could be truly virtual, based on an ADC working with signals at on-the-air frequency. In the scenario of multiple amp modules working in parallel, external tuners are mandatory. However an amp module could have space inside for an internal tuner option. There could be a weatherization option that allows such an amp module to be mounted outdoors. Remember, every amp module is built for remote control rather than front panel controls. One amp module using KPA500 technology would cost a little less than an actual KPA500 with its fancy front panel. There would be an upgrade/addon that would make the KPA500 able to play the role of one of the new amp's based on KPA500 technology and capabilities. If you forgive me for the antropomorphic approach, the persona of a "display module" might present itself as follows: " Hi, in my old job I used to be a panadapter. I would be the team member doing everything related to panadapter work, but not much else. Well, recently I have accepted some additional tasks such as transmitter monitoring and user interface for communications. In my new job, I make my hardware resources (display and processing power) available to serve any capability the team wishes to implement, and even multiple simultaneous capabilities." That attitude of serving multiple purposes would exist in other modules as well. 73, Erik K7TV -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Erik Basilier Sent: Friday, March 17, 2017 3:00 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Linear thoughts To make this an Elecraft amp, it should be designed based on the best architectural ideas from the Elecraft tradition. At this point of the evolution, this must be seen at the system level, including the (never-to-be ?) "K4" and all other "K-line" components. Why such a broad scope? The present chaining together of control cables is showing its limits. When major features are to be introduced, maximum flexibility is achieved when control signals from A to B don't have to travel through multiple boxes. A client-server approach is appropriate, maybe using Ethernet as backbone. Won't this shut out the owners of non-Elecraft equipment? No, each box will still have a a more conventional control interface. Once a user adds more than one Elecraft box, fast intercommunication between those boxes may provide features not practical if the second box were of a different brand. Key Elecraft philosophies to build on. Value retention. No need to buy a whole new rig to add functionality. Modularity. Today we can add options inside the K3(s). That is great as long as the box is small and light. It is particularly valuable for portable use. Having to bring extra boxes on a camping trip, and deal with the wiring between them, is aggravating. Elecraft put paddles on the KX3 box, and a microphone in the KX2 for a reason. For the home shack adding boxes is necessary to avoid any box becoming too big or heavy. It also is necessary to make possible extensive additions to functionality. A challenge with multiple boxes is to make sure the functional assets in a given box are all available to global applications that depend on resources spread among the boxes. The networking architecture is key for this. High power amplifiers should probably be limited to less than max legal power, but the overall architecture should include the components needed to run more than one such amplifier in parallel. Each amp should be designed to work with a separate controller, and have a minimum of front panel controls. With multiple amp's available one should be able to quickly reallocate those resources between a single or multiple virtual radios. Graphic display resources. We should still have the option for a very compact and portable user interface, such as the K3 without P3. When an upgraded P3 is available, it should be able to display more information than what is the case today. A new display box would make sense for even greater capabilities (higher resolution external display compared to P3, as well as bigger built-in screen options). Could be part of new control console. Central controllers. There should be multiple options. Some people may love to work from a PC screen, and that might also suit the user who starts out with just one box from the new architecture. Others may prefer a special harware console, or working from a slightly upgraded K3 (or K4). 73, Erik K7TV ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to ebasil...@cox.net ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
