Wayne:
This looks beautiful. Does the firmware download facility work
with all platforms (Mac as well)? or is it only for Windows-based
things?
thanks,
dave belsley, w1euy
On Apr 28, 2007, at 2:23 AM, wayne burdick wrote:
Greetings!
This afternoon at the DX Convention in Visalia, CA, we unveiled a
new top-of-the-line transceiver -- the Elecraft K3. This is the
culmination of three years of design, test, and refinement, and we
believe the K3 will set a new standard for performance and value in
its class. It has features and performance comparable to present
radios ranging from $4000 to $12000.
(We'd like to thank the many surprised convention attendees. What
they all said boils down to something like "Yes!")
A full K3 web page will be set up by Monday, complete with order
form and other details. Meanwhile, please take a look at the
temporary page:
http://www.elecraft.com/K3
Among other things, you'll find a very high-resolution front panel
photo (as well as other photos):
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_big_v2.jpg
And the K3 data sheet:
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_Data%20Sheet_rev06.pdf
There's also an order form that could be printed and mailed, but
sometime on Monday the on-line order page will be up and running,
which is the preferred method.
As explained on the order form, you can reserve a K3 now for
initial shipments in July. A 50% deposit is requested if you'd like
to secure one of the first 200 production units (serial numbers
20-220, probably).
Here's a quick summary of the K3's specs:
- K3/100 and K3/10 models (the K3/10 can be upgraded very easily,
internally, to a K3/100)
- Basic K3 price ranges from $1399 to $1989 depending on whether
you start with the
10-watt or 100-watt model, and whether you choose factory
assembled or
modular, no-soldering, kit (this is the subject of the next
email).
- Desktop/portable size: 4"H x 10"W x 10"D (10 x 25 x 25 cm) --
optimized for both
home and travel use
- All modes (SSB, CW, DATA, AM, FM, plus AM-sync receive, and
built-in PSK31/TTY decoder)
- High-dynamic range, down-conversion architecture, plus 32-bit
I.F. DSP
for software-defined capabilities (and lots of room for future
expansion)
- Optional subreceiver with *identical* performance to the main
receiver,
including a fully independent front end, its own set of roofing
filters,
its own DSP, and low-noise synthesizer; binaural or combined
receiver audio
- Up to five crystal roofing filters *per receiver*, with
bandwidths as narrow as 200 Hz
- Narrow ham-band filtering, plus optional general-coverage
receive filters
(can be added to either or both receivers)
- Internal 100-W ATU option with two antenna jacks
- 100 W PA module includes two large fans, circuit breaker, full
parameter monitoring
- All signal sources phase-locked to common 49.380 MHz reference
oscillator;
1 PPM TCXO option, firmware-correctable to better than 0.5 PPM
- Built-in PSK31, RTTY, and CW decoding and display allows use of
digital modes with or *without* a computer; use CW keyer paddle or
attached computer for casual, two-way data QSOs
- Advanced noise reduction; auto- and manual notch. Noise blanker
included (both
I.F. hardware pulse blanker and DSP noise blanking)
- Easy-to-use DSP shift/width and locut/hicut controls with
automatic crystal filter
selection based on selected passband width (in real-time -- no
filter calculation delays)
- Dedicated CW/voice message buttons; optional digital voice
recorder
- 100 general frequency memories with alphanumeric text labeling,
plus 4 scratchpad memories per band
- Full-custom, optimized, segmented LCD with two VFO displays,
alphanumeric text, and
dedicated filter passband graphic
- Rich I/O set: stereo speaker outputs, fully isolated soundcard
interface, dedicated RS-232
I/O (and optional USB adapter), receive antenna in/out jacks
(for patching in RX filters, etc.),
and both front- and rear-panel mic and headphone jacks
- One-click PC firmware download program checks for updates
automatically and quickly
updates microcontroller and DSP firmware
If you have any questions on specifications, performance, etc.,
that are not answered by the data sheet, feel free to email
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sales questions should go to Lisa:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
We'd like to acknowledge the hard work of the following colleagues:
Lyle Johnson, KK7P (DSP, digital I/O, audio I/O, many of the PC
boards, and countless critical tasks)
Bob Friess, N6CM (RF deck, ATU, high-performance 1st mixer, noise
blanker, other receiver design)
John Grebenkemper, KI6WX (synthesizer, general receiver
architecture)
Brian Broggie, W6FVI (manufacturing engineering -- say hi to him
at Visalia tomorrow)
Paul Russell (purchasing)
Lisa Jones (who somehow held down the fort during the entire
process)
Eric (WA6HHQ), as usual, applied pressure in all the right places
to ensure that this would be the best radio we could make: he's Mr.
Performance and Features. Wayne (N6KR -- yours truly) was the
principle designer, and also got to do all the fun parts
(packaging, firmware, and Owner's manual). And that's why he gets
to answer your questions :)
We'd also like to express our thanks to our very patient 15-member
focus group. Over a period of about a year, they endured a never-
ending series of concept drawings, refinements, and feature
discussions. They're a distinguished bunch! I'm sure you'll hear
from some of them as the K3 is discussed at length.
Finally: thanks to all of you who have generously contributed ideas
for a hypothetical K3 during our many on-line "fishing
expeditions." You had wonderful input, and I hope we've created the
radio you've always wanted.
73,
Wayne, N6KR
Eric, WA6HHQ
---
http://www.elecraft.com
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--------------------------------------------
david a belsley
professor emeritus at boston college
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