[Elecraft] K3 Pre Release Manual

Tue Sep 11 19:42:04 EDT 2007

Fred, I was the one who decided what was "good enough" for the preliminary
images so everyone could have a preview peek at the manual. 

I had expected Eric to post both the large and small Acrobat files, but even
the large file doesn't compare to what can be done. The small file was
intended for those who cannot access the internet with a broadband
connection. At least they could see what it'll look like, if not as clearly
as it will appear in the printed manual. 

When it comes to file size and image resolution, there is no "free lunch".
More detail requires more pixels. More pixels require a larger file. A lot
of amazing things have been accomplished with compression schemes that
reduce the file size without losing apparent detail. They fool the eye into
seeing a sharper image than is really there. Of course I used those
compression methods throughout. But that's not why you saw fuzzy images.

As everyone knows, the reason shipment of the K3 has been delayed is because
of vendor delays with critical components. The K3 I used to write the
assembly procedures is no exception. If you look closely you'll see a "dummy
board" where the KNB3 noise blanker goes. That's even easier to see now
since Wayne asked me this morning to provide a more "final" version of the
overall K3 (Figure 1) to replace the quick, temporary image I had used while
awaiting a KNB3. That image now lacks  "keystoning" and has much improved
resolution. The size of the Acrobat file also increased substantially
because of that one page. 

To shorten the time between final parts and shipment, I shot a lot of
pictures, such as the original Figure 1, as "place holders" until I had the
production parts on hand to shoot the final photos. We're close, but I'm
still adding and editing. Fortunately, these days it takes very little time
to produce printed, bound copies to support shipments. 

I am making full use of the delays to tweak and (hopefully) improve the
documentation. Eric and Wayne were balancing everyone's desire for a "peek"
with what I had available a few days ago.  

The printed images will be every bit as good as any you've seen in other
Elecraft manuals. Other manuals I've written for Wayne and Eric that lean on
photographs include the full set of XV manuals, and the assembly procedures
in the KX1 manual. The difference here is that we have over 150 photos in
the K3 Assembly manual (including the illustrated parts list). I try to
choose the resolution that produces a nice image showing what is needed
without making the document file overly large. 

I hope you'll forgive me for frustrating you with fuzzy preliminary
pictures, and I do hope you're pleased with the manual you get with your K3.

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
It's not a matter of ".... can't please all of the .." regarding the LOW REZ
almost FUZZY photos.  In 2007 there is not need to take photos which are not
clear, almost whatever the rez is set to.  My Canon A95 takes much clearer
digital photos, at all 
resolutions.  In FINAL MANUAL - can someone retake
the photos, and get clear crisp ones?

200k or 300k photos, are normally MUCH clearer
than these.

If I have to build the K3, using identification
with some of these fuzzy photos - perhaps I'd
better buy the finished K3 instead of the
kit I ordered.  

If the K3 Manual goes to 30meg, that is not
a problem for many of us.  And the rest, can
buy a HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS version, from
Elecraft, or sign up for roadrunner cable.

If you're running AOL or Earthlink - you
shouldn't even be trying to read the
manual.

Fred,
de N3CSY

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