Brands You Should Know: Elecraft

Elecraft is an industry leader when it comes to Amateur Radio equipment. Founded in Watsonville, California, by Wayne Burdick, N6KR, and Eric Swartz, WA6HHQ, the company’s been knocking it out of the park since 1998 with American-made and manufactured full-featured K2, K3, and K4 transceivers, linear power amplifiers, panadapters, and loads of accessories like antenna tuners and signal generators—all available as factory-assembled or easy-to-build kits. 

In 2008, Elecraft introduced the K3 high-performance HF transceiver, a 32-bit DSP-based radio covering HF plus six meters. The rig earned high performance marks from Sherwood Engineering upon its release. Seven years later, the K3S received similar praise and added to the cool factor with features that retrofit to the K3.

While you can’t get Elecraft gear just anywhere, DX Engineering is pleased to carry the following products: Programmable Signal Source, 140W Computing Wattmeter/SWR Bridge Kit, 25 Watt Dummy Load Kit, Two-Tone Test Oscillator, 1:1/4:1 Balun Kit, W2 Wattmeter, W2 Wattmeter Sensors, USB Adapter Cable, Wideband Noise Generator Kit, Three-Band Receiver Test Oscillator Kit, and Dual Directional Coupler.

This year, suspense is really building with the long-anticipated debut of the K4 transceiver, which is taking slightly longer than anticipated. Hams who have already ordered the latest Elecraft model can expect to have their K4 transceivers ship out in April or May, as Elecraft takes the time needed to ensure the final products have top-quality features, the latest software, and undergo rigorous performance testing.

In the meantime, make sure to follow the VP8PJ South Orkney Islands DXpedition (February 20 to March 5) sponsored by DX Engineering, Elecraft and others. Elecraft is loaning DXpeditioners K3s, KPA500s, and P3s to use on the expedition, maintaining its leadership role in the Amateur Radio community with the goal of advancing the art, science, and enjoyment of Hams across the globe.

If you’re looking for Elecraft-compatible gear, DX Engineering is ready to help you operate in style with KSP3 speakers, Nifty Accessories Reference Guides, INRAD Desk Microphone Systems, and loads more.