[Elecraft] K3 vs. Icom IC-7600

[Paul Christensen]

>> ....can't understand why the K3 didn't
>> come with a USB port instead of the outdated com port.

I can't speak on behalf of Elecraft but for the majority of us, it's a 
simple matter to convert from serial to USB and more difficult to convert in 
the opposite direction.

USB ports are not nearly as mechanically secure as the DB-9 connector.  An 
accidental strike of the USB plug in the lateral direction can easily cause 
damage the mating USB socket inside the rig (like a K3 used portable).  I've 
broken a couple USB ports on my laptop PCs as a result of inadvertent 
strikes.

Myself, I would like to see the beginnings of an optical S/PDIF standard 
that incorporates audio + data/rig control.

Paul, W9AC