[Elecraft] Interesting K3 Pan Adapter Development

[Frank Hunter]

Kurt Pawlikowski wrote:
> Frank, Et Al,

Hello Kurt!

>    Okay. I have to fess up... I'm a programmer (or am trying to make 
> some money doing it!).

I'm not :)

> The real question is, how well is the interface 
> written? I've seen really, really bad interfaces. Better off with pen 
> and paper. Or, to keep the analogy, better off with "knobs." But, on the 
> other hand, a well designed interface makes the task almost a joy. And, 
> in fact, even in the "real world" of knobs, there are good and bad 
> designs.

Well like everything it has it's good and bad points, eg I'd really like 
the noise reduction function to have a slider to control it and a 
keyboard shortcut for the MOX button would be nice, on the other hand 
changing TX and RX bandwidth "on the fly" is pretty neat. But remember 
it is only software! Better than that it's open source software, so you 
can improve the bits you don't like (if you have the ability) in fact it 
is actively encouraged. Why don't you head on over to Flex's site and 
download PowerSDR and a few audio files and try it for yourself?

> In the long run, I expect that flexibility, price and 
> customization of computer interfaces will, for many Amateur 
> applications, outstrip the physical interface.

I agree, it was seminal moment for me when my softrock took to the air, 
here was a few cheap componemts with clever software offering a 
price/performance ratio that was simply staggering.

> Myself, I like the 
> physical. I guess in that way, I'm "old school." I like dipping meters 
> and turning knobs. There is a challenge and a fuller relationship 
> between operator and machine when there one is more involved. This is 
> also one of the reasons I like kits and straight key CW.

Oh I love my knobs and meters too :) To me there is no greater thrill 
than working dx with a few watts from a homebuilt RX/TX and cw, but I 
imagine the relationship between operator and machine is just as 
rewarding for someone who has written or improved the code controlling 
his radio. TBH, I see little if any difference between turning a knob or 
twiddling a mouse wheel - they both get the job done.

Should we not as hams have always done use or modify that which is 
cheaply available? In days gone past it was military surplus, nowadays 
it is cheap consumer pc hardware and electronics that is available with 
the added bonus that it keeps getting cheaper and better, we ignore it 
because it has no knobs at our peril!

I'll make this my last posting on the subject to the group as I'm sure 
it's starting to bore people, I'll reply to you privately Bill.

73, Frank GI4NKB
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