K3 "operating scripts" vs. "operating tips"

[wayne burdick]

Just in case there's confusion on this point:

- "Operating tips" are short-form, covering the use of a single feature.

- "Operating scripts" would be much longer, step-by-step tutorial
guides covering a class of K3 operation or setup in depth.

There's room for both. With "Operating Scripts," our many advanced K3
users can show beginning users exactly how they operate the K3 -- as if
they were sitting with them in front of the rig.

73,
Wayne, N6KR


---

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[Julian, G4ILO]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote

Maybe I'm speaking a Ham "heresy", but I'd love to see the ability to
disconnect all the interconnected functions on the K3.

I'd love to see the K3 controls do ONE thing. That is, when I select
MODE:CW, I'd like the radio to be in CW mode and not change if I switch VFOs
or bands. If I select ANT1, the radio should remain on ANT1 no matter which
band I choose, etc.

But for myself, I'd rather not have the radio "second-guess" me using some
complex logic that I'm obligated to learn in order to operate it ;-)

I'd go along with that to a great extent, though since my antenna on ANT 2 is only of use on the bands ANT 1 is no use at all on, and vice versa, it makes perfect sense to me for the ANT selection to be linked to the band. The trouble with "second guessing" is that the guesses may be right some of the time (or for some people) and wrong for others. The issue doesn't arise if a control performs just one function.

[Don Wilhelm-4]

Ron,

I like that!  I set CW mode, and CW mode stays, etc.

Covering just a few more related comments:
I usually can remember what I have set on or off over a short period,
but with all the combinations and 'magic' that are possible with the K3
and other radios that make use of memories, I have to remember what I
have set into those memories, and because of that, I usually do not use
memories.

Some asked for a radio that had knobs and buttons, others asked for a
radio that can do 'magic' in a contest situation, and we now have a
radio that can do both, but the UI is growing more complex.

You are correct, the more function coupling there is to a single button
tap or press, the more difficult it is to learn to use the radio.  IMHO,
I would rather press 2 buttons in sequence for a combined function than
to have the radio attempt to do it for me.

Radios today are getting complex and that complexity shows through in
the User Interface - it has to be learned.  I liken it to learning the
controls of a 747 (but I am just guessing, I have not examined the
controls of a 747).  The 'decoupling' you suggest might bring it down to
the level of the controls on a common automobile which should be more
intuitive for the average operator.

73,
Don W3FPR

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Maybe I'm speaking a Ham "heresy", but I'd love to see the ability to
> disconnect all the interconnected functions on the K3.
>
> I'd love to see the K3 controls do ONE thing. That is, when I select
> MODE:CW, I'd like the radio to be in CW mode and not change if I switch VFOs
> or bands. If I select ANT1, the radio should remain on ANT1 no matter which
> band I choose, etc.
>
> I realize that the complex interconnected functions that have been evolved
> are invaluable to serious DX chasers and contesters. And to learn them, the
> scripts and  tips sound like a great idea.
>
> But for myself, I'd rather not have the radio "second-guess" me using some
> complex logic that I'm obligated to learn in order to operate it ;-)
>
> Ron AC7AC

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[drewko]

I think MODE should be the foundation upon which the various
"interconnected functions" are built.

I would like to see a mode-specific band switch scheme. For example,
if you are in CW, switching bands will recall the frequency, filter
settings, etc. which you last used in CW; further taps on the BAND
buttons will take you through all your last used CW settings on the
different bands. If you switch to AM it would recall the last used AM
freqs (different from the CW settings), filter, RX eq, etc. Same for
SSB, etc.

This could also be the basis for sensible general coverage band
switching as well.

Some details would have to be worked out but a few simple "rules"
would make this MODE-based scheme workable and convenient, I believe.
What programming resources, memory, etc. it would require, I have no
idea... But that's my suggestion.

73,
Drew
AF2Z





On Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:23:12 -0400, Don W3FPR wrote:

>Ron,
>
>I like that!  I set CW mode, and CW mode stays, etc.
>
>Covering just a few more related comments:
>I usually can remember what I have set on or off over a short period,
>but with all the combinations and 'magic' that are possible with the K3
>and other radios that make use of memories, I have to remember what I
>have set into those memories, and because of that, I usually do not use
>memories.
>
>Some asked for a radio that had knobs and buttons, others asked for a
>radio that can do 'magic' in a contest situation, and we now have a
>radio that can do both, but the UI is growing more complex.
>
>You are correct, the more function coupling there is to a single button
>tap or press, the more difficult it is to learn to use the radio.  IMHO,
>I would rather press 2 buttons in sequence for a combined function than
>to have the radio attempt to do it for me.
>
>Radios today are getting complex and that complexity shows through in
>the User Interface - it has to be learned.  I liken it to learning the
>controls of a 747 (but I am just guessing, I have not examined the
>controls of a 747).  The 'decoupling' you suggest might bring it down to
>the level of the controls on a common automobile which should be more
>intuitive for the average operator.
>
>73,
>Don W3FPR
>
>Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>> Maybe I'm speaking a Ham "heresy", but I'd love to see the ability to
>> disconnect all the interconnected functions on the K3.
>>
>> I'd love to see the K3 controls do ONE thing. That is, when I select
>> MODE:CW, I'd like the radio to be in CW mode and not change if I switch VFOs
>> or bands. If I select ANT1, the radio should remain on ANT1 no matter which
>> band I choose, etc.
>>
>> I realize that the complex interconnected functions that have been evolved
>> are invaluable to serious DX chasers and contesters. And to learn them, the
>> scripts and  tips sound like a great idea.
>>
>> But for myself, I'd rather not have the radio "second-guess" me using some
>> complex logic that I'm obligated to learn in order to operate it ;-)
>>
>> Ron AC7AC
>_______________________________________________

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[Alan Bloom]

I'm with you.  I'm not used to using a radio where all the controls
change state whenever I change bands - I find that feature mainly
confusing/annoying.  Perhaps after I've put in more hours flying my K3
it will become more second-nature.

Al N1AL


On Sat, 2008-06-28 at 13:24, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Maybe I'm speaking a Ham "heresy", but I'd love to see the ability to
> disconnect all the interconnected functions on the K3.
>
> I'd love to see the K3 controls do ONE thing. That is, when I select
> MODE:CW, I'd like the radio to be in CW mode and not change if I switch VFOs
> or bands. If I select ANT1, the radio should remain on ANT1 no matter which
> band I choose, etc.
>
> I realize that the complex interconnected functions that have been evolved
> are invaluable to serious DX chasers and contesters. And to learn them, the
> scripts and  tips sound like a great idea.
>
> But for myself, I'd rather not have the radio "second-guess" me using some
> complex logic that I'm obligated to learn in order to operate it ;-)
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of wayne burdick
> Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2008 9:28 AM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 "operating scripts" vs. "operating tips"

> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

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[Brett Howard]

I see a lot of references to the service manual (such as when you have
an ERR TXG) is this manual just not done yet?  I see no mention of it in
the manual download area.

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[gm3sek]

Alan Bloom wrote:

>On Sat, 2008-06-28 at 13:24, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>> Maybe I'm speaking a Ham "heresy", but I'd love to see the ability to
>> disconnect all the interconnected functions on the K3.
>>
>> I'd love to see the K3 controls do ONE thing. That is, when I select
>> MODE:CW, I'd like the radio to be in CW mode and not change if I switch VFOs
>> or bands. If I select ANT1, the radio should remain on ANT1 no matter which
>> band I choose, etc.
>>
>> I realize that the complex interconnected functions that have been evolved
>> are invaluable to serious DX chasers and contesters. And to learn them, the
>> scripts and  tips sound like a great idea.
>>
>> But for myself, I'd rather not have the radio "second-guess" me using some
>> complex logic that I'm obligated to learn in order to operate it ;-)
>>
>I'm with you.  I'm not used to using a radio where all the controls
>change state whenever I change bands - I find that feature mainly
>confusing/annoying.  Perhaps after I've put in more hours flying my K3
>it will become more second-nature.
>

To be fair to Elecraft, that is how 21st-century radios behave.

The rigs we grew up with had "stay-put" controls because there was no
other choice. Going back to the same frequency, mode, antennas and PA
tuning that we had previously been using on a given band was a complex
ritual involving several different controls - some of which could cause
damage if incorrectly adjusted.

The K3 obviously *could* be programmed to emulate that behavior, so if
anyone really wants to go back there, by all means petition Wayne to
include it as a CONFIG option. We could call it "Century= mid20th".

But *please* leave the K3's default setting as "21st"!


--

73 from Ian GM3SEK
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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[Simon (HB9DRV)]

At the Friedrichshafen show I was talking to a few fellow members of the
terminally bewildered radio operators club (Last of the Summer Wine
candidates). Their input was:

1) Radios should have a simple and *large* interface.
2) Assuming good performance, usability is more important than price (all
children have left home, wives are radio-friendly, bank balances are
healthy).
3) None bought the K3 despite my recommendations, instead the IC-7700 was
purchased due to 1) above. The size of the radio was the deal killer.
4) Despite price all were drooling over the Hilberling PT-8000, I seriously
expect those who did not yet buy the IC-7700 to buy the Hilberling.

My opinion - radios should be big, mobile phones and tax demands should be
small.

Simon Brown, HB9DRV

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Ian White GM3SEK" <[hidden email]>

>
> To be fair to Elecraft, that is how 21st-century radios behave.
>
> The rigs we grew up with had "stay-put" controls because there was no
> other choice. Going back to the same frequency, mode, antennas and PA
> tuning that we had previously been using on a given band was a complex
> ritual involving several different controls - some of which could cause
> damage if incorrectly adjusted.
>
> The K3 obviously *could* be programmed to emulate that behavior, so if
> anyone really wants to go back there, by all means petition Wayne to
> include it as a CONFIG option. We could call it "Century= mid20th".
>
> But *please* leave the K3's default setting as "21st"!
>

 

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[Gary, W7TEA]

I have gotten used to the rather small K3 front panel or tell myself that I will someday.
It was this "feature" which kept me from ordering one for several
months. But after putting my hands on one, I figured I wasn't too old to adapt.

My other rig is a TT Omni VII which I find to be the perfect size with adequate space
between the controls. Now the hardware NB and second receiver are missing from this
rig (I am assuming my KRX3 arrives soon) and the DSP filtering is not as tight, but
otherwise it is a joy to operate.

73, Gary W7TEA

Simon Brown (HB9DRV) wrote

At the Friedrichshafen show I was talking to a few fellow members of the
terminally bewildered radio operators club (Last of the Summer Wine
candidates). Their input was:

1) Radios should have a simple and *large* interface.
2) Assuming good performance, usability is more important than price (all
children have left home, wives are radio-friendly, bank balances are
healthy).
3) None bought the K3 despite my recommendations, instead the IC-7700 was
purchased due to 1) above. The size of the radio was the deal killer.
4) Despite price all were drooling over the Hilberling PT-8000, I seriously
expect those who did not yet buy the IC-7700 to buy the Hilberling.

My opinion - radios should be big, mobile phones and tax demands should be
small.

Simon Brown, HB9DRV

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Ian White GM3SEK" <[e-mail]>
>
> To be fair to Elecraft, that is how 21st-century radios behave.
>
> The rigs we grew up with had "stay-put" controls because there was no
> other choice. Going back to the same frequency, mode, antennas and PA
> tuning that we had previously been using on a given band was a complex
> ritual involving several different controls - some of which could cause
> damage if incorrectly adjusted.
>
> The K3 obviously *could* be programmed to emulate that behavior, so if
> anyone really wants to go back there, by all means petition Wayne to
> include it as a CONFIG option. We could call it "Century= mid20th".
>
> But *please* leave the K3's default setting as "21st"!
>
 

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