[Elecraft] STUPID QUESTION

[Don Wilhelm]

Bob,

If the "fat finger" problem is the same as the excuse for typing errors, 
then I agree - it should be interpreted as operator error, and has 
nothing to do with the K3 ergonomics.

The buttons are spaced greater than 9/16 inches apart both horizontally 
and vertically, and that is only 1/16 inch tighter than the standard 
keyboard I am typing on right now.

Fingers would have to be really "FAT" (and flat on the tips) for the K3 
buttons to be a problem.  Many radios use an even closer button spacing 
than the K3.

One of the old "rules of thumb" that I remember from the "good old days" 
when doing homebrew panel layouts is that pushbuttons should be spaced 
at 1/2 inch or greater, and secondary knobs (the small ones) should be 
placed no closer than 1 inch apart  - the K3 button and control spacing 
is greater than those old suggested minimums.

Yes, the K3 front panel is not huge (intentionally so), and some hams 
just like BIG radio panels.  You might want to ask the person who gave 
you that opinion if he ever operated a K3 - I would tend to believe that 
he has not.  We have heard of many converts to the K3 after guest 
operators have actually operated with one.

73,
Don W3FPR

Bob Peters wrote:
>  
>
> In my considering to buy the K-3 I was told that guys with fat fingers have
> trouble operating the radio due to its size. Comments from fat fingered
> people please.
>
>  
>
> Very Best 73's
>
> Bob Peters
>
> W1PE
>   
>