[Elecraft] K3 "operating scripts" to help first-time users

[Doug Alspaugh]

Since I am struggling with the current format that sounds great to me



73 Doug N3QW
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "wayne burdick" <n6kr at elecraft.com>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2008 11:47
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 "operating scripts" to help first-time users


> Hi all,
> 
> While working on the next revision of the owner's manual, I've been 
> thinking that it gives a decidedly top-down (deductive) look at the 
> K3's controls and features. But for many people, a bottom-up 
> (inductive) approach leads to quicker results.
> 
> Imagine if, as a new user of the K3, you could have an "expert" looking 
> over your shoulder. He could step you through a series of actions to 
> set the radio up for a particular operating scenario, pointing out the 
> rig's powerful features along the way.
> 
> This is the idea behind "operating scripts." I'm imagining one or 
> two-page .html documents that can be either viewed on-line or printed. 
> Each would have a very specific title, something like:
> 
>    K3 Operating Script: CW DXing on 40 m
> 
> And an introduction, e.g.:
> 
>    This script will step you through a typical weak-signal DXing session
>    with the K3, in this case on 40 m. This band offers several unique
>    challenges (QRN, QRM) and opportunities (like gray-line long-path to
>    Asia or Africa). It's a great vehicle for demonstrating the K3's
>    noise blanking and filtering, as well as diversity receive with the
>    sub receiver.... (etc.)
> 
> It might be formatted as a table with two columns. The first would 
> provide unambiguous instructions, and the second could provide expected 
> observations, variations on commands, or helpful tips. Here's an 
> example:
> 
> ------------- Action -------------         ----------------- Notes 
> ------------------
> 
> Switch to 40 m by tapping BAND UP/DN       Also try: FREQ ENT, '7000', 
> '<-' on keypad
> 
> Tap MODE UP/DN to get to CW mode
> 
> Hold NORM (hold function of SHIFT/LO       Sets overall passband to 400 
> Hz; "wings" appear
> knob)                                      on the DSP graphic to show 
> passband is normalized
> 
> Etc.
> 
> Here's where your creativity comes in! Lead the new user through a 
> typical session, dealing with The Dragon, searching for DX, narrowing 
> down the passband using WIDTH, NORM ALT1/2, or presets I/II, notching 
> out big broadcast station carriers.... you get the idea.
> 
> I haven't thought it through much beyond that. But it's safe to say 
> that we'd accept accurate (tested) scripts from K3 owners and create a 
> page for them on our web site.
> 
> If you'd like to try your hand at this, feel free to send an example 
> script to me, and also copy it to Greg (AB7R), ab7r AT cablespeed DOT 
> com.
> 
> Some scripts I'd like to see:
> 
>   - 6 meter FM and repeaters
>   - Making the most of stereo speakers/phones (AFX, etc.)
>   - Pileup management in SPLIT mode
>   - Exploring the filter passband controls
>   - Filter setup: CONFIG menu vs. K3 Utility
>   - RTTY QSOs without a computer
>   - Setting up and using PC soundcard I/O
> 
> 73,
> Wayne, N6KR
> 
> ---
> 
> http://www.elecraft.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft    
> 
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com