[Elecraft] [K3] Built-in features and side-effects

[AI1V]

My take on this is the following:

Given that the K3 has a non-scalable user interface with it's fixed LCD
panel and silk-screened knob and button labels, providing "convenience"
features through the addition of "side-effects" to existing control
functions is probably a bad idea.  We may be seeing the limits of the UI on
the front panel with knobs that you can turn, tap, press and hold for one
second, press and hold for one second then turn, press and hold for three
seconds then turn.  (There really is a knob like that!).

The goals should be "minimize surprises" and "do no harm" from pushing a
button or turning a knob.  That can probably never be attained, but it
should be the goal.  For example, if I set the output power to 10 watts and
then switch bands to 80 meters and I'm suddenly running 100 watts, I
personally would be surprised - especially if the first indication of the
higher power is a sizzling sound.

It is becoming blazingly clear that the processing power and extentensive
set of control points in the radio provide far more flexibility than can be
easily and intuitively expressed through the front panel.  More customized
behavior should be handled through the computer control interface, either
with a PC or a purpose-built controller, or through an obvious, logical, but
perhaps lengthy, sequence of front panel control actuations.

As the user base becomes larger and more experienced, changes to the
behavior of front panel controls should be selectable through the menu
system - with the default being the "old" behavior - lest we constantly need
to retrain ourselves.

Just my opinion.  Balancing efficiency against intuitive behavior,
especially with a user interface that is reaching its limits, is a very hard
problem.

73 and have fun!

Rick
AI1V
K3 #728


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