[Elecraft] K3 in the marketplace

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Keith, 

> I didn't quite follow you here Charles.  What human factor item is 
> the K3 missing that will limit it in the marketplace?  Maybe it 
> isn't flashy enough?

There two "human factors" items that have been cited several times: 

1) the knobs are perceived to be too small.  Most who comment on 
   this would prefer a 2.5" diameter main VFO with at least 1.5" 
   diameter for VFO B.  The current 1.5" and 1.0" (approx) are 
   believed to be too small.  We shall see once the second and 
   third production runs start reaching users in quantity. 

2) The lack of a set of "direct access" band and mode select keys.
   I am aware of the ways to program the memories as a work around 
   but, again those who are evaluating the K3 based on other radios 
   are used to certain "convenience" items. 

A radio can offer the leading technology but if the user interface 
generates negative word of mouth, the product will have problems 
with market acceptance.  Similarly, a product with outstanding 
attention to human factors design (user interface issues) will be 
a run-away success even if it is only average in performance. 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
   


> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Darwin, Keith
> Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 8:34 AM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 in the marketplace
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Charles Harpole
> 
> Elecraft designers had K2-its....  thinking they were mostly 
> evolving a
> K2.... Big mistake as I said in an earler message.... The K3 
> has jumped
> Elecraft into the areana of the ORION 2, FT-9000 and IC-7800 and great
> specs are great, but the human factor... so often ignored by purist
> engineers... 
> is left out.
> 
> This means they can still be beaten in the marketplace when 
> their specs
> indicate they should be the only hi end rig of choice.
> 
> --------------------------------
> 
> I didn't quite follow you here Charles.  What human factor item is the
> K3 missing that will limit it in the marketplace?  Maybe it 
> isn't flashy
> enough?
> 
> - Keith N1AS -
> - K2 5411.ssb.100 - 
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