Hi... At the risk of jumping in on a forbidden subject I am actually waiting on what a K4 might bring to the table. I'm currently the owner of a KX3. Anyone that owns one probably expects a whole lot from Elecraft. In my opinion, the KX3 is the machine of the decade. I also own a higher end SDR radio that is great but I have my issues with it and would consider selling it off if there was something better.
So you your question Pete, what would I like to see in a K4? * A balance of specifications. Maybe not the best in a particular category but best overall would be nice. Personally, I don't put a lot of faith in the Sherwood figures because I don't think it gives the whole picture. If I stretch for the top number in one category what compromise am I making in another? Is it really necessary? * More integration with a computer. I'm not a knob vs. mouse person but soooo much can be done on a computer to augment dials and meters on a radio front panel. So many hidden or dual-use functions could be laid bare on a computer screen. New features can be added without replacing and rewiring modules. Macros could be built for starting and configuring the system for a PSK session or an SSB session. Real remote operations - with choices and real-world designs. Just so much opportunity. But it takes a special skill to present this properly. Win4K3 is a great step in the right direction. But what if that new feature of N1MM (cluster on panadapter) be plugged in as a module into the Win4K3 suite. That's just an example. In fact, I think the sky's the limit and my imagination is sorely lacking. What if the new K4 controls software was modular and new panadapters or modes or monitors or... could be plugged in at will? * I'm not looking for another portable rig. The KX3 is all I can think to want for the near future. I wouldn't mind seeing a new desktop or rack (closet) mount rig that has easy to use controls, excellent displays and functions perfectly for someone without a computer just as well with a computer. I know this probably sounds odd but the classic look of an FT-1000MP MkV Field is a beautiful sight to me. It looks like a professional device where, sorry to say, some others look kind of toyish. It's an aesthetic thing I guess. My current radio has no controls at all other than a power button and a minimally functional OK button. If you take a look at K3S advertising on Elecraft's site I think they understand. I just don't think the desktop rigs have to be so compact. I wonder, if compactness was removed as a design criteria what other criteria could be expanded? * Finally, the same service we get from Elecraft today. That means Wayne continues with those cool new features he puts together in software and doesn't let a bug sit on the list untouched for three years. I want to be able to open up the box and replace a fan or module myself. I don't want the rig to become a black box tries to lock everything away. * Open Source? I know about the arguments and understand open source is nearly impossible to integrate profitably into a business model. But as an end user, I have benefited from a lot of open source projects. Not just to save money but sometimes to get features I can't get from a monolithic software company. But I keep hearing ARRL and other organizations wondering where all the hams are going and how we can attract them back and I see things like Arduino and Raspberry Pi and even things from Microsoft that is attracting young engineers and technicians in droves. If Elecraft could bring some of that enthusiasm to the service then it would be a company that could would actually deserve loyalty. This is a hard point for me to make. If I pay $100 for a product and get $100 in value I'm happy, not loyal but happy. If someone came across with a product for $100 and I get $1000 in value, I'm aiming towards loyalty. This is where I think Open Source begins to fit in. Just some ramblings. Even rumors of a K4 are exciting and I'm looking forward to hearing other thoughts. 73, Kev K4VD On Sun, Aug 20, 2017 at 8:13 AM, N4ZR <n...@comcast.net> wrote: > I'm really surprised that I haven't seen this topic overand over on the > reflector. The K3 is getting long in the tooth, the KX3 already > incorporates much of the more modern receiver technology, and we know the > people at Elecraft aren't sitting around twiddling their thumbs. So unless > the topic gets shut down, what would *you* like to see in a K4? > > -- > > 73, Pete N4ZR > Check out the Reverse Beacon Network > at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now > spotting RTTY activity worldwide. > For spots, please use your favorite > "retail" DX cluster. > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 kkinde...@gmail.com ______________________________________________________________ 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
