[Elecraft] All this option talk.

Wed Jul 17 10:37:59 2002

I hate to be a contrarian... well, maybe I don't... but we could compile a
wish list of options and add-ons for the K2 that would ultimately require a
six-foot rack cabinet (how many of you are old enough to remember what those
are?) to hold 'em).  Over a couple of years, there have been suggestions for
six meters, transverters for 2 and 440, passband tuning, general coverage
receiver, USB port and a shoebox full of others. I understand the concept of
"different strokes..." but as I read some of the suggestions I have to
wonder if the authors really care or do they just want to be a part of the
feature discussion.  Wayne's brain must be going into overload!

Two aspects of the K2's charm are its very compact size and ease of
repairing yourself.  I don't know about others, but mine is already packed
pretty full, and I haven't even had time to build my KPA-100 yet.  The more
"stuff" we shoehorn into the radio, the more daughter-boards, cables,
connectors and other options there are to remove if/when you need to repair
or align the radio.

Of course, the other good thing, for guys like me, is that we don't need to
add any more "stuff" than we're individually comfortable with.  So far, I
have every available option but in the future, I plan to play minimalist and
add only what I think I'll actually use a good part of the time.

The K2's success puts me in mind of a short story... I used to work for
Radio Shack.  A new "Buyer" for audio products was doing some great things
and bringing in upscale new products that were very well received.  He met
Lou Kornfeld, the then-President of RS at a party one evening.  Lou told
him, "Alan, I like what you're doing, but be careful not to tamper with our
secret of success."  "What is our secret of success, Lou," Alan responded.
"We don't know," Lou answered, "but don't mess with it."

I hope we can consider the practicality and general appeal of a feature
before suggesting it.

Now that I've rambled on, I'm sure it's more than most of you ever wanted to
know or care about.

73... Ed, W5EJ

----- Original Message -----
From: "Margaret Leber" <[email protected]>
To: "Jerry W. O'Dell" <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2002 6:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Ugh

> Jerry W. O'Dell wrote:
>
> > Ye gods. The K2 doesn't even have it, to my knowledge (USB)
>
> That's what the discussion was about, the desireability or wisdom of a
> USB control interface for the K2.
>
> 73 de Maggie K3XS
>
> --
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