[Elecraft] K3 Accessibility aids

[Dick Dievendorff]

I'm currently working on three different initiatives to aid access to K3
capabilities for all of us:

1) K3 Voice, an update to K2 Voice. This is a Windows program that provides
on-demand aural feedback (with Eric Swartz's voice) of K3 control settings
and, optionally, automatic aural feedback when controls are changed.  A
prototype of K3 Voice was shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las
Vegas.

The K3 has a substantial number of controls and configuration settings, and
we're currently expanding from K2 Voice capabilities to the K3 "normal
operation" set of controls toward configuration control.  The task is huge
and will evolve over time.

2) I'm working to improve the K3's Utility's accessibility so that it can be
used with a screen reader and no mouse. I have two blind K3 owners that are
evaluating tentative changes and are not shy about making recommendations.
They were particularly critical of the Crystal Filter configuration page
which is almost impossible to use without a mouse.

3) A CW memory editor (a dialog with within the K3 Utility) that helps CW
enthusiasts who have difficulty manipulating a paddle to set the K3's
internal CW memories using a computer keyboard.  Frankly I'll use this one
myself...

Expect to see some of these features later this month.

73 de Dick, K6KR



-----Original Message-----
From: "David Ferrington, M0XDF" <M0XDF at Alphadene.co.uk>
Date: Thursday, Feb 12, 2009 12:02 am
Subject: [Elecraft] Specific button feedback (was: terminal window in k3
utility)
To: wayne burdick <n6kr at elecraft.com>
CC: elecraft at mailman.qth.net

Perhaps it's time for us sighted ops wanting firmware features and  
additions etc. to take a step back and give Elecraft some time to  
introduce some form of feedback for our fellow ops with vision  
problems. I have no idea what would work best, but perhaps something  
sent in Morse? That does assume all non-sighted ops can read Morse.

An alternative would be a dedicated control program for the K3  
specifically designed to implement EVERY function of the rig (CONFIG  
menu and all) and give audible feedback.
Again I don't know how that would be done or how best, but I would  
guess the UI would need to be completely mouse-less.

We are so lucky to have the use of the K3 and be sighted, and the  
great response from Elecraft to all our whims and whines. It wouldn't  
hurt for us to let that consolidate with use for a while and allow the  
K3 to be used by those less fortunate than ourselves.
73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
-- 
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade
they know they shall never sit in. -Greek proverb


On 12 Feb 2009, at 06:49, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 Bob,

> There are 2 'modes' - the first is DATA mode set by the MODE switch,  
 and
 the second is the type of data mode set by the DATA MD button.

> The K3 must be in DATA mode, and to use the paddles for transmit, the
 DATA mode must be set for PSK D (psk31) or FSK D (rtty).

> I am not certain how hams like you and Gary would know the correct
 setting for the mode and DATA MD unless you first have a sighted  
 helper
 or other assist to read the display.

> 73,
 Don W3FPR


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