[Elecraft] K3 is really a computer radio 2

[Charles Harpole]

That's my point, Rick.  When one wants to

really "get with it" for fast op, you and many

others use computer control.

The repeated reflector statements that 

list the "wish it had" seem almost as long as

"what it has" and that tells u something.


Charles Harpole



k4vud at hotmail.com







________________________________

Date: Sun, 19 Oct 2008 07:06:44 -0700
From: rtavan at gmail.com
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 is really a computer radio

I don't have any of the problems Charles mentions. The K3 front panel is very well designed, especially given its compact size. I change bands, modes and frequencies frequently. Although I have little patience for memorization, I find it very easy to remember my convention for using memory recall to go to 80m with Memory 8, 40m with Memory 4, etc. Although I have played around with Ham Radio Deluxe, a very nice program, I don't use it in day to day DXing, rag chewing, contesting or band searching. The K3 is a joy to use "as is" for every type of operating I do. I do use a logging program for contesting, of course, and it displays K3 frequency and mode. It can also change them. I don't use that capability for routine band/mode changes, preferring the front panel of the K3. I do use "point and shoot" to capture multipliers and that sometimes commands a band change. I may add a panadaptor some day.

/Rick N6XI


On 10/18/08, Charles Harpole <k4vud at hotmail.com> wrote:

After two solid days of using the K3 to chase

DX, changing bands and modes often,

I conclude that the K3 should be mated

with computer control for real flexibility in

this application of use.  The front panel is

mainly for DXpeditions that stay on one

freq/mode for long periods.  Otherwise,

I get a new band, or two, when I want to

activate the VOX, as a typical example of

the careful touch needed to get either

one small push or a longer push...

and the mistaken change also cancels

out my selection of Split when I finally get

back to the desired band.  More buttons to

CAREFULLY push.

And without using the complex and easily

forgotten scheme of programming the

memories as band/mode change agents,

going from CW band to phone means pushing

the excursion speed button (Coarse, Fine, etc.),

spinning the tuning knob frantically and changing

the mode button with a slight push, not a heavy one.

Yes, Elecrafters, I know there is a well-known

work-around, but I have now concluded that the K3

front panel is vy difficult and that complete computer

control is the answer, at least for DX chasers and

those who make many band/mode changes in a

short period of time.

I suggest Elecraft market a computer program for

the K3 asap, or at least make recommendations of

those that seem best.  But then, I ask myself, do I

want a FLEX substitute?   73,


Charles Harpole

k4vud at hotmail.com





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