[Elecraft] RE: KPLUS (K3) Needed .....

[rt_clay at bellsouth.net]

As another contester, I can add the following

1. Better tx alc control. It's adequate for qrp or 100W usage, but too rough if you have a low-drive linear (like with an 8877 tube)
2. TX power should not be zero after a band change (this is a pain for SO2R)
3. separate transmit mute line
4. easier to use dsp: it's basically impossible to adjust during contest conditions.

During contests I control the xtal filter selection, AF filter selection, and RX antenna from the keyboard via software.

ps: I did the encoder swap to get faster tuning rate. That and a finger dimple helps, but it still could be faster.

Tor
N4OGW

> 
> From: "DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL" <dougzzz at gmail.com>
> Date: 2006/09/26 Tue PM 08:12:05 EDT
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] RE: KPLUS (K3) Needed .....
> 
> Heh heh heh...this is why we are still waiting for the next
> iteration...lack of consensus.
> 
> I don't see anything different with your wish list compared to the K2
> with options other than the "bigger mechanics" and GC rx (which I
> don't want).
> 
> Speaking as a contester (a rare breed among qrpers), my wish list includes:
> 
> 1.  Faster tuning rate without having to resort to 0.1kc steps.  A
> bigger knob would be fine, but not really mandatory if the rate were
> faster.  Yeah, I know about the after market swap.  Even my FT817
> (with an itsy-bitsy knob) tunes faster and just a smoothly.
> 
> 2.  Completely independant VFO's (ie, all parameters separate, such as
> my pet peeves, mode and filter selection).  PLEASE PLEASE
> 
> 3.  Optocoupled RIT/XIT with "clear" button.  MANDATORY!!!!!
> 
> 4.  Freq readout for both VFO's and RIT/XIT offset (three separate
> displays)  GOTTA HAVE IT.
> 
> 5.  A faster/easier way (front panel knob) to adjust the sidetone/cw
> offset would be nice.  This is a fatigue fighting tool.  Going via the
> menu isn't terrible, but not efficient for contesting.  Sometimes you
> just need a change of pace.  NICE TO HAVE, but I could live w/o it.
> Also, since contesters use a computer for keying, swapping this
> function with the keyer speed would be just FINE with me.  I know it's
> a loser for the portable crowd.
> 
> Frankly, during contesting, you don't twiddle the controls much.  The
> VFO moves all the times.  If you are running, the RIT is always
> moving' and you may pump in/out to a narrower filter setting (and it
> would be real nice to SEE that displayed full time also).
> 
> If you are playing around with PBT or IF shift or DSP or NR, well, you
> are not winning the contest.
> 
> As for SSB (which I don't much care for), an external AF to RF to AF
> clipper would be fine.  Internal RF clipping even better.  Of course,
> that would mean purchasing the SSB module.  LOL
> 
> de Doug KR2Q
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