[Fwd: Re: K3 is really a computer radio]

not sure it was the correct "Reply" nor "Sender" addresses...

Rob,

I agree with you.

I use also a FT857  (no D model) and i must say that i prefer  the
controls/buttons  configuration
of my K3. I must admit that the front panel size is not the same for
these 2 TRX!
I will just say that i prefer the syntax of the 857 menus with more
"explicit" text as the K3.
For a non English speaking OM, some abbreviations are not easy to
understand and the Owner's Manual
is indispensable (i speak for me...). Fortunately, for "current" use,
MENU/CONFIG access is not necessary in my case.

But for front panel controls,  i find  the K3 very well designed. My
most used switches/buttons are the main VFO,
AF gain (i just have preferred to have it under the RF gain but it's a
little "detail"), SHIFT/WIDTH filter ( i greatly appreciate
the "automatic" selection between 2.8, 1.8, 0.4 and 0.25 kHz filters  
during a WIDTH modification) and BAND switch.
I also use often the ANT (for switching between 2 antennas) and ATU TUNE
(one of my antenna is externally
tuned and the internal tuner is used for the other).
As i mostly work with digital modes (in conjunction with VOX mode),
i appreciate the ease of switching between SWR/RF meter ("normal" use)
and CMP(not used for me)/
ALC to verify if all is OK between PSK and JT65 (very) different digital
modes.PWR is also often used to adjust output power
according mode/conditions.

To close my bandwidth consuming message, i can say that i'm very happy
with Elecraft switches/controls design, hardware and firmware.

73 QRO fr Rudolf, HB9ARI
(65 "turns at PA", ham since 1970)

 

Rob May wrote:

> I don't find any difficulty discerning between "push" and "push and hold", that's been a feature of many consumer electronics for years.  After 2 months with the K3 I'm still not familiar with all the features, menus and buttons, because I'm having more fun on the radio than I've had in years.  The radio is just a joy to use.  I don't find that switching modes or bands is a problem.  Sometimes I have to fish around for a setting in the menus or look at the manual, but it's not as difficult as my FT-857D!  As for a computer control program try Ham Radio Deluxe, the developer, Simon Brown, owns a K3 and HRD does a fine job.  No need for Elecraft to reinvent the wheel.
> Rob
> NV5E
>
>
>  
>> From: [hidden email]
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Date: Sun, 19 Oct 2008 05:17:28 +0000
>> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 is really a computer radio
>>
>>
>> After two solid days of using the K3 to chase
>>
>> DX, changing bands and modes often,
>>
>> I conclude that the K3 should be mated
>>
>> with computer control for real flexibility in
>>
>> this application of use. The front panel is
>>
>> mainly for DXpeditions that stay on one
>>
>> freq/mode for long periods. Otherwise,
>>
>> I get a new band, or two, when I want to
>>
>> activate the VOX, as a typical example of
>>
>> the careful touch needed to get either
>>
>> one small push or a longer push...
>>
>> and the mistaken change also cancels
>>
>> out my selection of Split when I finally get
>>
>> back to the desired band. More buttons to
>>
>> CAREFULLY push.
>>
>> And without using the complex and easily
>>
>> forgotten scheme of programming the
>>
>> memories as band/mode change agents,
>>
>> going from CW band to phone means pushing
>>
>> the excursion speed button (Coarse, Fine, etc.),
>>
>> spinning the tuning knob frantically and changing
>>
>> the mode button with a slight push, not a heavy one.
>>
>> Yes, Elecrafters, I know there is a well-known
>>
>> work-around, but I have now concluded that the K3
>>
>> front panel is vy difficult and that complete computer
>>
>> control is the answer, at least for DX chasers and
>>
>> those who make many band/mode changes in a
>>
>> short period of time.
>>
>> I suggest Elecraft market a computer program for
>>
>> the K3 asap, or at least make recommendations of
>>
>> those that seem best. But then, I ask myself, do I
>>
>> want a FLEX substitute? 73,
>>
>>
>> Charles Harpole
>>
>> [hidden email]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>
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