[Elecraft] Product Suggestion Big Box K3

[Tony Fegan VE3QF]

Hi John and others,

	I myself am very pleased in general with the operation and layout of 
the K3. It has stood 3 years of discussion and criticism and in general 
has passed with flying colours.

	That said, there is always room for "add-on" improvement. I don't think 
anyone is suggesting a change in the present layout of the K3. If you 
are 100% happy with what you have there is no need for further discussion.

	The main improvement for some of us is to the ergonomics of the front 
panel. The suggestion is for a larger front panel either as an option to 
replace the present panel or for a stand-alone panel/case that could 
even be used for remote control. Maybe we could get to use that RJ45 
socket which has kept us intrigued for so long. Why do radios have a 
vertical front panel? A panel set at 45 degrees would be much easier to 
see and operate.

	In recent years (I'm 79) my various body senses have started to 
deteriorate (I don't think I am alone!). My sight is not good. My sense 
of touch and manual dexterity has also deteriorated. Yes I manage to 
type but with the ring finger of each hand. It is difficult to change 
the width control on the K3 without moving the VFO. I cured this by 
fitting extra large and long knobs on the width and shift controls. Not 
pretty but it works. My only gripe with regard to the buttons is the 
control of VOX (aka the sneeze/cough button). The VOX always seems to 
take so long to disable and if the sneeze comes too soon you end up 
changing bands. I don't like foot switches which is another option.

	So, there is lots to dream about. Unfortunately it would be very 
difficult for an individual to design and build his own version of front 
panel. Any takers?

73
	Tony Fegan VE3QF

John Ragle wrote:
> Apparently the summer silly season is upon us? The ergonomics of the K3 
> are just fine the way they are. If one wants a bigga box, write to 
> Magnavox or some furniture manufacturer. I am an ancient and decrepit 77 
> years old with bad peripheral neuropathy and big fingers, and 
> nevertheless have no trouble turning knobs or pushing buttons on the K3. 
> Kudos to the designers of the machine, who took size into account along 
> with operating specifications. I wonder how the whiners manage to type? 
> Maybe they should ask for double-sized keyboards? My NSHO.
> 
> John Ragle -- W1ZI
>