[Elecraft] Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4

[Ken Alexander]

I don't know much about this sort of thing, but the command set (for the K2 at least) is available, so I would think it would be a relatively simple matter to program something like a Basic Stamp to receive pushbutton presses from a small outboard control panel and send the appropriate serial command to the K2 or K3.  You could probably read status back from the transceiver and illuminate status LEDs to show what's going on.

The smarter programmer types could probably use a PIC or two to do this and have a separate matrix type LCD to display status in a more attractive fashion.

This something I've always wanted to try.  I'm not totally crazy about needing a computer to operate my rig when all I want is a little easier access to some of the buried commands.

73 - Ken




--- On Tue, 11/25/08, Darwin, Keith <Keith.Darwin at goodrich.com> wrote:

> From: Darwin, Keith <Keith.Darwin at goodrich.com>
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Received: Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 6:27 PM
> I think it is a good idea.  In fact, I suggested the same
> thing for the
> K2 before there was a K3 (in those pre-K3, or B3 days). 
> Elecraft could
> create a new version of the K2 (K2-B, B for Big) with a
> larger front
> panel with dedicated controls.  Same for the K3.
> 
> I think it would be an easy thing to design and would be a
> popular
> add-on.  I see it as a money maker for Elecraft.
> 
> I'm sure they considered it back in B3 and so far we
> haven't seen it.
> My guess is the logistics of making it happen aren't so
> easy or it
> doesn't fit their market model.
> 
> - Keith N1AS -
> - K3 711 - 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From:  Ignacy
> 
> One issue with K3 is too many multifunction knobs and
> buttons. Also,
> some analog meters would be nice. Computer controls are
> fine but they
> are hard to use during contests.
> 
> I am wondering whether one can have a completely separate
> front panel
> with lots of knobs and buttons, nothin dual purpose.
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