[Elecraft] Big Box K-3

[RLVZ at aol.com]

Hi Elecrafters,
 
I think it's great to dream... that's what gave us the  magnificant K-3!
 
I'd love to have my small K-3 plus purchase a "Big Box K-3".  
 
Some of my Big Box K-3's dream features would include:
 
-Larger box with more spacing between controls.  (keep the same  location 
for the controls just space them out) 
-Band switch for each band.
-Mode switch for each mode.
-Bigger LED display for: SWR, Power Output, ALC, Proxessor.
-Built-In Power Supply.
-Both 10dB and 20dB Attenuators.
-200 watts transmitter output.  
 
Thank You Elecraft!
 
73,
Dick- K9OM
 
 
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