FW: [Elecraft] More K3

[Dan Barker]

But, of course they welcome suggestions (maybe not demands!).

<snip>I am sure Wayne and Eric are very astute to the facts of what they
would
do differently and how to develop the "Super K2."</snip>

So: How about a K2.5 or KBOX.

Basically, just a box.

New engineering would be the FP Board, and all the UI (User Interface) to
lay it out to make a very ergonomically efficient K2 operating position.

The Motherboard would have sockets for am RF board, Control Board, a KAT100
board, a KPA100 board, and have a built in switcher. Of course they'd be
laid out to allow all options.

There would be NO double push or Push-n-hold operating buttons, however the
menu system could still be used for CAL this-n-that, setting memories,
timings, etc. As the PIC chip is "full", the new FP board would most likely
have a new processor which decodes the discrete buttons and fires up the
AUXBUS with the proper commands.

The PBT and other suggestions require more knowledge of the original K2 than
I possess to evalutate, but it might be possible to implement as AUXBUS
command strings. This is not for me to say.

Now, to get the front panel designed, someone out there in eReflector-land
can write a Front Panel Program. The aspect ratio of the PC isn't quite
right, so there'd be a Left Panel above a Right Panel on the screen, but the
layout of all the new buttons and knobs could be worked out without melting
any solder (sorry) or winding any torroids (none on the FP or CB anyhow
(sigh!)). The tuning encoder would probably be nearby too, but it, the power
switch and the AF Gain are about all I can remember that would be on the
"real" K2. If you do this on a Touch-Screen display, the ergonomics would
very closely match the look-n-feel of the mythical K-Box.

We all dislike point-to-point wiring, but there's probably no way around it
if we want those analog meters (Hurrah!) on the front (V, A, SWR, S, ALC,
Power, Speed) Well, maybe not speed -  We don't need a 30 x 90 cm Front
Panel!

But my old eyes and fingers would sure like larger lettering and bigger
buttons! I bet an FP with all this would fit nicely on a 20x60cm Front
panel, with the depth "to fit" the gizmos inside.

This thing might cost $3-500, and really only adds a power supply. But the
appearance and operating convenience (not to mention dumping the glasses)
could be well worth it!

Now, for you SO2R folks, wonder if there's room for a second RF/CB in there?
Hum.........

Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456