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

[Tony Fegan VE3QF]

    I am disappointed that so much front panel real estate was wasted 
(six more buttons?) on the phone jack and microphone connector. Two mic 
connectors are good but they should both be on the back. If a foster 
socket is required then a dongle could be used. I use the phone jack on 
the back.
     I wonder how many right handed operators use their left hand for 
the controls on the left. I am basically right handed but  use my left 
hand for the left buttons and filter controls.
    The filter controls are just too close to the main VFO. They are 
especially difficult for me as I have no touch sensitivity in some 
fingertips. If the knobs protruded another 1/2 inch and had a more 
positive detent, I would be less likely to nudge the main VFO.
    I would like to see the XFIL button used to select several pre-set 
DSP filters (especially useful on SSB).
    All things considered, I do like my K3 but nothing is ever perfect.

73
    Tony Fegan VE3QF
    K3 #137


W7TEA wrote:
> Front panel jack placement not only affects "lefties."  I am right handed and
> tune the VFO and use the key with that hand.  But I adjust gain, bandwidth
> and PBT knobs with my left hand. So, front panel plugs for headphones, key
> and mic get in the way.  I applaud Elecraft for allowing such connections in
> the rig's back panel.  On my Omni VII, I used the rear panel speaker plug
> for headphone audio and the ACC plug to connect a keyer.  Otherwise front
> panel plugs would block, or make very awkward, access to the Multi, BW, and
> gain knobs. 
>
> Gary W7TEA
>