Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Phil Hystad]

Sometimes when I am doing portable QRP I have both my KX1 and my KX3.  And, 
sometimes I would call CQ on the KX1 and work some stations and other times I 
would use the KX3.

There are obvious physical differences between the KX3 and the KX1, I do not 
mean to compare them feature by feature.  But, I don’t remember noticing any 
real difference in performance other than the obvious differences between the 
two rigs.  I could work stations just as well with either.  One of the obvious 
differences is that sometimes I would run more than 5 watts with the KX3 but 
limited to the lesser power out of the KX1 which I think is usually under 4 
watts, maybe under 3.

Of course, if I had to pull out a single CW station from a pile up or crowded 
band, I would use some of those KX3 features that the KX1 does not have.

My KX2 is on order but I am looking forward to operating with it.  I suppose 
that what I am saying is that in most of my own personal operations with QRP 
rigs, I don’t rely on a lot of those performance features that separate the top 
5-7 from the top 20 of the Sherwood Eng. RX ranking.

PEH

> On Mar 10, 2017, at 11:59 AM, Chris Tate - N6WM <ct...@ewnetinc.com> wrote:
> 
> This was my point, its a nice to know but the fun factor of the radio speaks 
> for itself.  Its a permanent part of my portable toolkit now.
> 
> Chris N6WM, ZF2CT and N6WM/KH6  and anywhere else that pops up on the 
> vacatio...expedition list.  ;-)
> 
> From: Elecraft [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on behalf of w7aqk 
> [w7...@cox.net]
> Sent: Friday, March 10, 2017 11:05 AM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I'd be inclined to think the KX2 measurements won't knock your socks off.
> Unlike the KX3, which was designed to be a close competitor to K3
> performance (a K3 in a smaller package), the KX2 is more a pared down
> version of the KX3, and some of that paring down probably affected the specs
> somewhat.  I don't think this paring down process was allowed to noticeably
> degrade performance.  I can tell you , though, that it is very hard to
> notice any significant difference.  It has somewhat different architecture,
> but is an excellent performer.  This sort of proves to me that being "top
> tier" on Sherwood's stats is nice to talk about, but not necessarily
> critical.  That's why so many owners of older rigs have a hard time
> "hearing" the benefit of what newer designs purport to offer.
> 
> Wayne says he guesses the KX2 might rank somewhere in the top 20.  If so,
> that's pretty darned good!!!  I'd also be inclined to bet that Wayne already
> knows about where it will fall!  I just hope that, when the numbers do come
> out, we don't go through an ad nauseam exchange about some spec being a big
> problem or a serious disappointment.  A lot of these differences are only
> determinable in a lab!  On the other hand, if something does seem to be a
> real problem, I'd also bet it can be fixed!
> 
> Dave W7AQK
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Chris Tate - N6WM]

This was my point, its a nice to know but the fun factor of the radio speaks 
for itself.  Its a permanent part of my portable toolkit now.

Chris N6WM, ZF2CT and N6WM/KH6  and anywhere else that pops up on the 
vacatio...expedition list.  ;-)

From: Elecraft [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on behalf of w7aqk 
[w7...@cox.net]
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2017 11:05 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

Hi All,

I'd be inclined to think the KX2 measurements won't knock your socks off.
Unlike the KX3, which was designed to be a close competitor to K3
performance (a K3 in a smaller package), the KX2 is more a pared down
version of the KX3, and some of that paring down probably affected the specs
somewhat.  I don't think this paring down process was allowed to noticeably
degrade performance.  I can tell you , though, that it is very hard to
notice any significant difference.  It has somewhat different architecture,
but is an excellent performer.  This sort of proves to me that being "top
tier" on Sherwood's stats is nice to talk about, but not necessarily
critical.  That's why so many owners of older rigs have a hard time
"hearing" the benefit of what newer designs purport to offer.

Wayne says he guesses the KX2 might rank somewhere in the top 20.  If so,
that's pretty darned good!!!  I'd also be inclined to bet that Wayne already
knows about where it will fall!  I just hope that, when the numbers do come
out, we don't go through an ad nauseam exchange about some spec being a big
problem or a serious disappointment.  A lot of these differences are only
determinable in a lab!  On the other hand, if something does seem to be a
real problem, I'd also bet it can be fixed!

Dave W7AQK


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Doug Turnbull]

Dave and Phil,
All of what you say rings true but there is little reason not to have a
discussion.   We can always hit the delete button.The KX2 is very small,
light weight with a big display designed for portable operation so of course
the specifications will suffer some.   I hope there is a reason to own the
K3 and or KX3.Let us know what the specifications are in a form where
comparison is easy - thank you Sherwood Engineering.

73 Doug EI2CN

 K3, KX3, KX2  I formerly had a KX1 but this is displaced.   The KX2 is one
beautiful small radio.

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Phil
Wheeler
Sent: 10 March 2017 19:26
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

Re "I just hope .. we don't go through an ad 
nauseam exchange ... ": You can dream, Dave ;-)

73, Phil W7OX

On 3/10/17 11:05 AM, w7aqk wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I'd be inclined to think the KX2 measurements 
> won't knock your socks off. Unlike the KX3, 
> which was designed to be a close competitor to 
> K3 performance (a K3 in a smaller package), the 
> KX2 is more a pared down version of the KX3, and 
> some of that paring down probably affected the 
> specs somewhat.  I don't think this paring down 
> process was allowed to noticeably degrade 
> performance.  I can tell you , though, that it 
> is very hard to notice any significant 
> difference.  It has somewhat different 
> architecture, but is an excellent performer.  
> This sort of proves to me that being "top tier" 
> on Sherwood's stats is nice to talk about, but 
> not necessarily critical.  That's why so many 
> owners of older rigs have a hard time "hearing" 
> the benefit of what newer designs purport to offer.
>
> Wayne says he guesses the KX2 might rank 
> somewhere in the top 20. If so, that's pretty 
> darned good!!!  I'd also be inclined to bet that 
> Wayne already knows about where it will fall!  I 
> just hope that, when the numbers do come out, we 
> don't go through an ad nauseam exchange about 
> some spec being a big problem or a serious 
> disappointment.  A lot of these differences are 
> only determinable in a lab!  On the other hand, 
> if something does seem to be a real problem, I'd 
> also bet it can be fixed!
>
> Dave W7AQK

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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Phil Wheeler]

Re "I just hope .. we don't go through an ad 
nauseam exchange ... ": You can dream, Dave ;-)


73, Phil W7OX

On 3/10/17 11:05 AM, w7aqk wrote:

Hi All,

I'd be inclined to think the KX2 measurements 
won't knock your socks off. Unlike the KX3, 
which was designed to be a close competitor to 
K3 performance (a K3 in a smaller package), the 
KX2 is more a pared down version of the KX3, and 
some of that paring down probably affected the 
specs somewhat.  I don't think this paring down 
process was allowed to noticeably degrade 
performance.  I can tell you , though, that it 
is very hard to notice any significant 
difference.  It has somewhat different 
architecture, but is an excellent performer.  
This sort of proves to me that being "top tier" 
on Sherwood's stats is nice to talk about, but 
not necessarily critical.  That's why so many 
owners of older rigs have a hard time "hearing" 
the benefit of what newer designs purport to offer.


Wayne says he guesses the KX2 might rank 
somewhere in the top 20. If so, that's pretty 
darned good!!!  I'd also be inclined to bet that 
Wayne already knows about where it will fall!  I 
just hope that, when the numbers do come out, we 
don't go through an ad nauseam exchange about 
some spec being a big problem or a serious 
disappointment.  A lot of these differences are 
only determinable in a lab!  On the other hand, 
if something does seem to be a real problem, I'd 
also bet it can be fixed!


Dave W7AQK


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[w7aqk]

Hi All,

I'd be inclined to think the KX2 measurements won't knock your socks off. 
Unlike the KX3, which was designed to be a close competitor to K3 
performance (a K3 in a smaller package), the KX2 is more a pared down 
version of the KX3, and some of that paring down probably affected the specs 
somewhat.  I don't think this paring down process was allowed to noticeably 
degrade performance.  I can tell you , though, that it is very hard to 
notice any significant difference.  It has somewhat different architecture, 
but is an excellent performer.  This sort of proves to me that being "top 
tier" on Sherwood's stats is nice to talk about, but not necessarily 
critical.  That's why so many owners of older rigs have a hard time 
"hearing" the benefit of what newer designs purport to offer.


Wayne says he guesses the KX2 might rank somewhere in the top 20.  If so, 
that's pretty darned good!!!  I'd also be inclined to bet that Wayne already 
knows about where it will fall!  I just hope that, when the numbers do come 
out, we don't go through an ad nauseam exchange about some spec being a big 
problem or a serious disappointment.  A lot of these differences are only 
determinable in a lab!  On the other hand, if something does seem to be a 
real problem, I'd also bet it can be fixed!


Dave W7AQK


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your comments. 

Of course the design goal for the KX2 was to pack as many bands, modes, and 
features into the smallest possible size, not to break records on RX 
measurements. Nonetheless, I'd expect the KX2 to come in somewhere in the top 
20 or so on Rob's list. We'll see.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


On Mar 9, 2017, at 2:47 PM, Chris Tate - N6WM <ct...@ewnetinc.com> wrote:

> Thanks Gus this will be interesting.  For me the KX2 could perform worse that 
> it probably will, and I would still love it for its portability and down 
> right cool factor.  That thing and a couple of small bundles of wire has you 
> qrv anywhere in the world~  what a great little transceiver!
> 
> Chris
> N6WM
> 
> 
> From: Elecraft [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on behalf of Augie "Gus" 
> Hansen [augie.han...@comcast.net]
> Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2017 2:34 PM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?
> 
> I just spoke to Rob on the phone. His lab in Denver is just a few miles
> from where I live and he will be testing my KX2 as soon as I can get it
> to him.
> 
> We had previously tested my Ten-Tec Omni V back when it first hit the
> market, and it was quite an eye opener for me to see his well equipped
> lab and to observe the testing procedures he uses. (I also ended up
> buying all the mods for my R-4C as well as several filters and an SE-3.
> That's still a fine RX for both ham band use and SW listening.)
> 
> Gus Hansen
> KB0YH

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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Chris Tate - N6WM]

Thanks Gus this will be interesting.  For me the KX2 could perform worse that 
it probably will, and I would still love it for its portability and down right 
cool factor.  That thing and a couple of small bundles of wire has you qrv 
anywhere in the world~  what a great little transceiver!

Chris
N6WM


From: Elecraft [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on behalf of Augie "Gus" 
Hansen [augie.han...@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2017 2:34 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

I just spoke to Rob on the phone. His lab in Denver is just a few miles
from where I live and he will be testing my KX2 as soon as I can get it
to him.

We had previously tested my Ten-Tec Omni V back when it first hit the
market, and it was quite an eye opener for me to see his well equipped
lab and to observe the testing procedures he uses. (I also ended up
buying all the mods for my R-4C as well as several filters and an SE-3.
That's still a fine RX for both ham band use and SW listening.)

Gus Hansen
KB0YH


On 3/9/2017 11:49 AM, Matt Murphy wrote:
> I'd be willing to send Rob my KX2 for testing.

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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Augie "Gus" Hansen]

I just spoke to Rob on the phone. His lab in Denver is just a few miles 
from where I live and he will be testing my KX2 as soon as I can get it 
to him.


We had previously tested my Ten-Tec Omni V back when it first hit the 
market, and it was quite an eye opener for me to see his well equipped 
lab and to observe the testing procedures he uses. (I also ended up 
buying all the mods for my R-4C as well as several filters and an SE-3. 
That's still a fine RX for both ham band use and SW listening.)


Gus Hansen
KB0YH


On 3/9/2017 11:49 AM, Matt Murphy wrote:

I'd be willing to send Rob my KX2 for testing.


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Paul Van Dyke]

I I was going to say the same thing  my unit is #38 and would be glad
to lend it for testing

Paul. KB9AVO

On Mar 9, 2017 12:50 PM, "Matt Murphy"  wrote:

> I'd be willing to send Rob my KX2 for testing.
>
> 73,
> Matt NQ6N
>
> On Thu, Mar 9, 2017 at 2:42 AM, Jim Brown 
> wrote:
>
> > On Wed,3/8/2017 8:41 PM, w7aqk wrote:
> >
> >> you are right to be concerned about how clean a transmitter is, but
> there
> >> are regulatory requirements about that. If you don't meet those
> standards,
> >> you supposedly can't sell it!!!
> >>
> >
> > Sadly, it goes FAR beyond that.  See my comparison of ARRL Lab data for
> > selected popular rigs, some of them in the $10K range.   Some of the most
> > expensive are really dirty on CW. http://k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf  Also look
> > at
> >
> > http://k9yc.com/P3_Spectrum_Measurements.pdf  which consists of
> > measurements I've done myself of rigs that were made available to me.
> >
> > Most of the bad signals I hear are, I think, because someone is running
> >> things at "maximum'!
> >>
> >
> > Partly true, but some rigs are FAR dirtier than others. The link about
> > concentrates on CW.  Many popular rigs generate splatter in their output
> > stage due to poor design of TX ALC. Using ALC between the rig and a power
> > amp to set TX power is recipe for splatter and clicks. Mistuning a power
> > amp, or failure to match an antenna to the power amp also causes splatter
> > and clicks.  See http://k9yc.com/K6XXAmpTalk.pdf
> >
> > 73, Jim K9YC
> >
> >
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Matt Murphy]

I'd be willing to send Rob my KX2 for testing.

73,
Matt NQ6N

On Thu, Mar 9, 2017 at 2:42 AM, Jim Brown  wrote:

> On Wed,3/8/2017 8:41 PM, w7aqk wrote:
>
>> you are right to be concerned about how clean a transmitter is, but there
>> are regulatory requirements about that. If you don't meet those standards,
>> you supposedly can't sell it!!!
>>
>
> Sadly, it goes FAR beyond that.  See my comparison of ARRL Lab data for
> selected popular rigs, some of them in the $10K range.   Some of the most
> expensive are really dirty on CW. http://k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf  Also look
> at
>
> http://k9yc.com/P3_Spectrum_Measurements.pdf  which consists of
> measurements I've done myself of rigs that were made available to me.
>
> Most of the bad signals I hear are, I think, because someone is running
>> things at "maximum'!
>>
>
> Partly true, but some rigs are FAR dirtier than others. The link about
> concentrates on CW.  Many popular rigs generate splatter in their output
> stage due to poor design of TX ALC. Using ALC between the rig and a power
> amp to set TX power is recipe for splatter and clicks. Mistuning a power
> amp, or failure to match an antenna to the power amp also causes splatter
> and clicks.  See http://k9yc.com/K6XXAmpTalk.pdf
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Jim Brown]

On Wed,3/8/2017 8:41 PM, w7aqk wrote:
you are right to be concerned about how clean a transmitter is, but 
there are regulatory requirements about that. If you don't meet those 
standards, you supposedly can't sell it!!! 


Sadly, it goes FAR beyond that.  See my comparison of ARRL Lab data for 
selected popular rigs, some of them in the $10K range.   Some of the 
most expensive are really dirty on CW. http://k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf  Also 
look at


http://k9yc.com/P3_Spectrum_Measurements.pdf  which consists of 
measurements I've done myself of rigs that were made available to me.


Most of the bad signals I hear are, I think, because someone is 
running things at "maximum'!


Partly true, but some rigs are FAR dirtier than others. The link about 
concentrates on CW.  Many popular rigs generate splatter in their output 
stage due to poor design of TX ALC. Using ALC between the rig and a 
power amp to set TX power is recipe for splatter and clicks. Mistuning a 
power amp, or failure to match an antenna to the power amp also causes 
splatter and clicks.  See http://k9yc.com/K6XXAmpTalk.pdf


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[w7aqk]

Rick and All,

The Sherwood performance chart is strictly about RX, not TX!!!  If you want 
TX info, you need to go elsewhere.  That's what reviews like the ones in QST 
can give you.


Rob has been doing this for a lot of years now, and on a strictly volunteer, 
no pay, basis.  It has become somewhat "iconic", as a guide, but it's just 
another set of data that may, or may not, be helpful to you.  It's not the 
only thing you need, or should rely on, in evaluating a purchase.


you are right to be concerned about how clean a transmitter is, but there 
are regulatory requirements about that.  If you don't meet those standards, 
you supposedly can't sell it!!!  Besides, every rig is a QRP rig in part. 
The higher power rigs start out with a low power generation section, and 
step it up internally.  So, a K3, or a KX3, both start out at QRP levels. 
If that low power section isn't proper, everything after that will be crap 
as well.  So, everything in the chain needs to be operating within design 
limits.  whether the step up is internal, or external, it still needs to be 
in compliance with requirements.  You can hook a KX2 up to a KXPA100 up to a 
KPA500, and it sounds just fine--provided you don't get greedy!


Most of the bad signals I hear are, I think, because someone is running 
things at "maximum'!  There just seems to be a thirst for squeezing out the 
last watt, running the audio gain too high, or too much compression, 
whatever.  Maybe the regulatory limits aren't severe enough, but if you 
don't push things too hard, I don't think you hear much of a problem.  These 
days I don't hear that many rigs that sound bad unless there is some 
operator error involved.  You used to hear a lot more of it that was not 
self imposed.  Then again, some folks want a level of perfection that may 
not be all that realistic.


Dave W7AQK





From: Rick WA6NHC 

You're correct.  But in fairness, those items should be based on a
standard output power (not everyone wants QRP) and we already know that
you're the only company concerned about those points and you're the
clear winner.  ;-)

As I had said, it's more than numbers.  There are many other factors
involved in the 'test'.  Sheer numbers only tell the science side of the
operation; useless if you have to go through layers of menu to make a
frequent adjustment.

To me, knowing how clean a transmitter is should be on the list as well,
what crud does it produce at a given output, in all modes. While some
don't care they spread all over the band, I'd rather put the energy into
a CLEAN signal to concentrate that one extra erg to make the contact.
It's also about being a good neighbor; do unto others...  ;-)

Rick nhc 


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Peter Lambert]

Do you not like the KX2 compressor ?, don't use it ?, so much so that you
take the TT-715 along portable or at home strictly ?.

Interested in your observations.  If there is such a huge difference in
compressors I think certain gents that monitor this list might see that as a
challenge.

73's Peter VK4JD

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ignacy
Sent: Thursday, 9 March 2017 7:12 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

I think the Sherwood ranking to KX2 means nothing unless you have a KW amp
(e.g., Expert 1.3k after mods) and run it in a contest or DXpeditions. After
all, nobody will hear you. Also nobody will hear your IMD3 except your next
door neighbor. 

The biggest values of a QRP radio are:
1) convenience including good antenna tuner
2) well compressed signal on SSB if on phone

If KX2 is like KX3, big yes to 1) and not much to 2). But you can always buy
TT-715 and increase the punch of KX2 in SSB by 2-4 times.

Ignacy, NO9E






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View this message in context:
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Scott Mcdonald via Elecraft]

The KX2 was pretty thoroughly reviewed by Peter Hart in the January 2017 
edition of RadCom.

Without trying to reproduce the receiver data tables, some representative 
numbers are:

3.5 MHz close in IMD (500 Hz bandwidth, 2 kHz spacing with preamp off) yielded 
a 3rd order intercept of +15 dBm and 2 tone dynamic range of 91dB.

Same thing at 50 khz spacing was 28.5 dBm and 100 dB preamp off with numbers 
dropping to 9 dBm and 96 dB with preamp on.

Mine seems pretty much like my KX3.

Maybe Wayne or Eric can get permission to post the review on the site if they 
have had a chance to vet it by now. 
  
Apologies to anyone if I didn't get something exactly right or if the 
spellchecker got it, I'm literally at the park with my KX2 catching up on some 
reading in 50 mph wind gusts, but it's 52 and sunny!

73 Scott Ka9p
Make something good happen!

> On Mar 8, 2017, at 2:27 PM, Mike Morrow  wrote:
> 
> 
>> Can't say for sure but doubt it has been reviewed yet. It is still 
>> pretty new.
> 
> It's been on the market for ten months...long enough for a popular rig to be 
> reviewed.
> 
> There's been nothing in QST's product reviews either.
> 
> But then, Elecraft has not released much technical information either...still 
> no schematics for the typical customer.
> 
> Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Phil Hystad]

I have ONLY operated QRP and 10 watts with my KX3 and that is all I plan to do 
with my KX2.
Operating QRP with a compromise antenna is a challenge and it is fun.  I am 
surprised that more
people do not love this.

Of course CW only!

73, phil, K7PEH

> I think the Sherwood ranking to KX2 means nothing unless you have a KW amp
> (e.g., Expert 1.3k after mods) and run it in a contest or DXpeditions. After
> all, nobody will hear you. Also nobody will hear your IMD3 except your next
> door neighbor. 
> 
> The biggest values of a QRP radio are:
> 1) convenience including good antenna tuner
> 2) well compressed signal on SSB if on phone
> 
> If KX2 is like KX3, big yes to 1) and not much to 2). But you can always buy
> TT-715 and increase the punch of KX2 in SSB by 2-4 times.
> 
> Ignacy, NO9E
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> View this message in context: 
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX2-and-Sherwood-Eng-RX-Performance-Ranking-tp7627760p7627775.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Ignacy]

I think the Sherwood ranking to KX2 means nothing unless you have a KW amp
(e.g., Expert 1.3k after mods) and run it in a contest or DXpeditions. After
all, nobody will hear you. Also nobody will hear your IMD3 except your next
door neighbor. 

The biggest values of a QRP radio are:
1) convenience including good antenna tuner
2) well compressed signal on SSB if on phone

If KX2 is like KX3, big yes to 1) and not much to 2). But you can always buy
TT-715 and increase the punch of KX2 in SSB by 2-4 times.

Ignacy, NO9E






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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Phil Hystad]

> You're correct.  But in fairness, those items should be based on a standard 
> output power (not everyone wants QRP) and we already know that you're the 
> only company concerned about those points and you're the clear winner.  ;-)
> 

Actually, I think many if not most ham operators want the opposite.  The 
biggest and heaviest rig.  Look at what Icom did with their 7800, look at that 
Yaesu Beast of a radio, what is it, the FT-DX9000 or is that 9.  Putting a 
brick on the back of a KX2 might be good for a sales gimmick  “Buy me, I’m 
heavy".

By the way, my KX2 is on order — still waiting for Elecraft to say “its 
shipped”.

73, phil, K7PEH



> As I had said, it's more than numbers.  There are many other factors involved 
> in the 'test'.  Sheer numbers only tell the science side of the operation; 
> useless if you have to go through layers of menu to make a frequent 
> adjustment.
> 
> To me, knowing how clean a transmitter is should be on the list as well, what 
> crud does it produce at a given output, in all modes. While some don't care 
> they spread all over the band, I'd rather put the energy into a CLEAN signal 
> to concentrate that one extra erg to make the contact.  It's also about being 
> a good neighbor; do unto others...  ;-)
> 
> Rick nhc
> 
> 
> On 3/8/2017 12:45 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> Too bad Rob's table doesn't have columns for size, weight, or current drain. 
>> I think the KX2 might have the lowest numbers in all three categories.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Mar 8, 2017, at 12:40 PM, Rick WA6NHC  wrote:
>> 
>>> Remember that Rob is usually LOANed a radio (by an individual or 
>>> manufacturer) for an extended period of time.  In a very few cases, he 
>>> buys/owns the radio.
>>> 
>>> I know of few that would loan out their brand new radio for a month or more 
>>> instead of actually using it.
>>> 
>>> So if someone wants to loan Rob their KX2, I'm sure he's happy to test it, 
>>> try it out etc.  It's not just a simple bench test, he uses it and makes 
>>> comments based on science as well as being a DXer/contester user of the 
>>> radio.  Testing alone doesn't determine control placement or ease for 
>>> example.
>>> 
>>> Rick wa6nhc
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 3/8/2017 12:27 PM, Mike Morrow wrote:
> Can't say for sure but doubt it has been reviewed yet. It is still
> pretty new.
 It's been on the market for ten months...long enough for a popular rig to 
 be reviewed.
 
 There's been nothing in QST's product reviews either.
 
 But then, Elecraft has not released much technical information 
 either...still no schematics for the typical customer.
 
 Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Rick WA6NHC]

You're correct.  But in fairness, those items should be based on a 
standard output power (not everyone wants QRP) and we already know that 
you're the only company concerned about those points and you're the 
clear winner.  ;-)


As I had said, it's more than numbers.  There are many other factors 
involved in the 'test'.  Sheer numbers only tell the science side of the 
operation; useless if you have to go through layers of menu to make a 
frequent adjustment.


To me, knowing how clean a transmitter is should be on the list as well, 
what crud does it produce at a given output, in all modes. While some 
don't care they spread all over the band, I'd rather put the energy into 
a CLEAN signal to concentrate that one extra erg to make the contact.  
It's also about being a good neighbor; do unto others...  ;-)


Rick nhc


On 3/8/2017 12:45 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

Too bad Rob's table doesn't have columns for size, weight, or current drain. I 
think the KX2 might have the lowest numbers in all three categories.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



On Mar 8, 2017, at 12:40 PM, Rick WA6NHC  wrote:


Remember that Rob is usually LOANed a radio (by an individual or manufacturer) 
for an extended period of time.  In a very few cases, he buys/owns the radio.

I know of few that would loan out their brand new radio for a month or more 
instead of actually using it.

So if someone wants to loan Rob their KX2, I'm sure he's happy to test it, try 
it out etc.  It's not just a simple bench test, he uses it and makes comments 
based on science as well as being a DXer/contester user of the radio.  Testing 
alone doesn't determine control placement or ease for example.

Rick wa6nhc


On 3/8/2017 12:27 PM, Mike Morrow wrote:

Can't say for sure but doubt it has been reviewed yet. It is still
pretty new.

It's been on the market for ten months...long enough for a popular rig to be 
reviewed.

There's been nothing in QST's product reviews either.

But then, Elecraft has not released much technical information either...still 
no schematics for the typical customer.

Mike / KK5F

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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Wayne Burdick]

Too bad Rob's table doesn't have columns for size, weight, or current drain. I 
think the KX2 might have the lowest numbers in all three categories. 

73,
Wayne
N6KR



On Mar 8, 2017, at 12:40 PM, Rick WA6NHC  wrote:

> Remember that Rob is usually LOANed a radio (by an individual or 
> manufacturer) for an extended period of time.  In a very few cases, he 
> buys/owns the radio.
> 
> I know of few that would loan out their brand new radio for a month or more 
> instead of actually using it.
> 
> So if someone wants to loan Rob their KX2, I'm sure he's happy to test it, 
> try it out etc.  It's not just a simple bench test, he uses it and makes 
> comments based on science as well as being a DXer/contester user of the 
> radio.  Testing alone doesn't determine control placement or ease for example.
> 
> Rick wa6nhc
> 
> 
> On 3/8/2017 12:27 PM, Mike Morrow wrote:
>>> Can't say for sure but doubt it has been reviewed yet. It is still
>>> pretty new.
>> It's been on the market for ten months...long enough for a popular rig to be 
>> reviewed.
>> 
>> There's been nothing in QST's product reviews either.
>> 
>> But then, Elecraft has not released much technical information 
>> either...still no schematics for the typical customer.
>> 
>> Mike / KK5F
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Rick WA6NHC]

Remember that Rob is usually LOANed a radio (by an individual or 
manufacturer) for an extended period of time.  In a very few cases, he 
buys/owns the radio.


I know of few that would loan out their brand new radio for a month or 
more instead of actually using it.


So if someone wants to loan Rob their KX2, I'm sure he's happy to test 
it, try it out etc.  It's not just a simple bench test, he uses it and 
makes comments based on science as well as being a DXer/contester user 
of the radio.  Testing alone doesn't determine control placement or ease 
for example.


Rick wa6nhc


On 3/8/2017 12:27 PM, Mike Morrow wrote:

Can't say for sure but doubt it has been reviewed yet. It is still
pretty new.

It's been on the market for ten months...long enough for a popular rig to be 
reviewed.

There's been nothing in QST's product reviews either.

But then, Elecraft has not released much technical information either...still 
no schematics for the typical customer.

Mike / KK5F


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Mike Morrow]

> Can't say for sure but doubt it has been reviewed yet. It is still 
> pretty new.

It's been on the market for ten months...long enough for a popular rig to be 
reviewed.

There's been nothing in QST's product reviews either.

But then, Elecraft has not released much technical information either...still 
no schematics for the typical customer.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Matt Murphy]

I would guess that it will perform nearly identically to a high serial
number KX3, but it would be great to see some actual test results.

73, Matt NQ6N

On Wed, Mar 8, 2017 at 2:03 PM, Mike Rhodes  wrote:

> Can't say for sure but doubt it has been reviewed yet. It is still pretty
> new.
>
> Mike / W8DN
>
> On 3/8/2017 12:58 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>
>> I looked and I couldn’t find it.  The KX2 being covered by the Sherwood
>> Engineering Performance Rank table.  Does anyone know if this is purposely
>> skipped over for some reason, not covered yet, or is it there and I can’t
>> find it sort of thing?
>>
>> Thanks for any comments.
>>
>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>>
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Mike Rhodes]

Can't say for sure but doubt it has been reviewed yet. It is still 
pretty new.


Mike / W8DN

On 3/8/2017 12:58 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:

I looked and I couldn’t find it.  The KX2 being covered by the Sherwood 
Engineering Performance Rank table.  Does anyone know if this is purposely 
skipped over for some reason, not covered yet, or is it there and I can’t find 
it sort of thing?

Thanks for any comments.

73, phil, K7PEH

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[Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Phil Hystad]

I looked and I couldn’t find it.  The KX2 being covered by the Sherwood 
Engineering Performance Rank table.  Does anyone know if this is purposely 
skipped over for some reason, not covered yet, or is it there and I can’t find 
it sort of thing?

Thanks for any comments.

73, phil, K7PEH

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