[Elecraft] K3 firmware 2 years on and still much to do

[Paul Christensen]

> But while we are waiting and waiting for the K3 to do something that is no
> more and no less than what other radios do, we find all kinds of other
> things being addressed like improvements to the audio, nice though I'm 
> sure
> that is, which have far more recently become an issue.

I won't speak on behalf of Elecraft but I suspect the designers are 
prioritizing the roadmap based on necessity, user demand and available 
resources.   You may be one of a few users who want data EQ On/Off 
prioritized to the top of the list, irrespective of past advertising 
disclosure.  Strong demand from the larger user base may be invoking these 
changes in the "roadmap."  As a company, they reserve the right to move 
forward with a product in any way they desire (i.e., "features and 
specifications subject to change").

There's also a due-diligence obligation on the part of the prospective 
purchaser:  How difficult would it have been to ask Elecraft, prior to the 
purchase: "Will the data EQ bypass capability be absolutely ready at the 
time of production and purchase?"

> That's why some of us ask uncomfortable questions like is there a roadmap
> for the firmware development, so we can see when the issues that bug us 
> are
> going to receive some attention.

Dangerous.  If I'm a product developer, I am then held hostage to my own 
roadmap and delivery dates -- and many disgruntled users who will 
continuously point out that the company is driving off the designated 
roadways and loosing time in getting to the final destination (perhaps like 
the topic of this discussion).

Paul, W9AC