[Elecraft] K3 v. ORION II and flexibility (not that kind)

[N2TK]

I am mostly a lefty. I have the K3 on the left side of the keyboard and
primary display at about a 45 degree angle. This way I look straight ahead
for logging and turn my head slightly to the left for the K3. This puts the
K3 within easy reach. I have a Kenwood SP-950 speaker. This is where I plug
in the headphones cause the front panel headphone jack on the K3 is in the
way for me when I want to use the AF gain. I tune with my left hand on the
bench so no issues here with that. I do need to move the  mike input to the
back panel.

73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 10:39 AM
To: Dave
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 v. ORION II and flexibility (not that kind)

Dave,

I am with you on all counts :-)  - if it just were possible!  For those 
K3 owners who do not appreciate the problem, try tuning the radio by 
placing the fingers of the left hand on top of the radio and tune the 
VFO with your thumb - the hand covers much of the display.  Now try it 
with the right hand - the whole display can be read easily.   Put a mic 
plug into the front panel connector and use the left hand to operate the 
RF Gain control, it works, but with difficulty  - similarly for the AF 
Gain when there are headphones plugged into the front jack.  
Fortunately, the K3 has rear connectors.

I suppose the 'left handed syndrome' is why I find computer control of 
the radio easier - but OTOH, my preference is really for real knobs and 
buttons.  Using a mouse works, but pointing and clicking does not 
provide the feel of a real knob.

73,
Don W3FPR

Dave wrote:
> Two great radios. Two right handed great radios. Two great radios whose
developers  paid little or no inclusion to left handed people. 
>  I'd suggest that doing more than a software change that a handful of
people might want because of their particular activity that we look into
real, not virtual, moveable front panels. Imagine taking a main tuning
module and placing it towards the left. Take those archaic plugs for the
mic, headphones and key and get them away from that all important left side
control position. Put them out of the way at the bottom right hand corner.
Individual 6 pin modules with concentric knobs  could be placed in a matrix
on the front panel, and software could be the tool to activate that position
as a user selected control function position (a USCFP).  
>  Two great radios that I wouldn't trade for the... unless these were made
in left handed models. 
> 73 de Dave K1OPQ
>   
>
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