Elecraft sells its optional features using additional hardware boards.
The optional antenna tuner. The optional filter board. The optional
2m/4m transverter, the optional charger board. You get the feature if
you install the board.
Every KX2 and KX3 radio has a unique serial number that cannot be
changed. I have suggested before that a feature like CESSB can be sold
using firmware where the CESSB feature is disabled by default but can be
enabled using a code that is dependent on the serial number.
You'd buy the CESSB feature, you get the code to unlock the feature on
your serial number. That is not that different from installing an
additional board.
Doing this mechanism releases funds immediately for Elecraft to fund
developers to do the KX3 CESSB feature. I understand they are currently
"on other projects" but I think this mechanism would allow Elecraft to
hire the additional developers to build CESSB on the KX2/KX3.
I note that Elecraft customers are willing to pay for this. And the
alternative, which is how it is now - "you do not have the feature and
we do not have developer resources to build it" is quite worse than a
payable unlock code to enable the feature.
At the end of day, it is an Elecraft business decision, but so is my
decision to buy Elecraft or to buy something else. And the clock is
ticking, and I wonder if that is in Elecraft's favor.
Sorry for the harsh opinion.
73, Geert Jan PE1HZG
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