[Elecraft] Contesting use

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

I would spring for a big front panel only (with some mounting
attachments) that remotes the K3 over a piece of CAT5.  Unplug the
CAT5, it goes normal.  Function of buttons configurable.  Add a "null"
front to replace the regular front panel of the K3 together with a
back plane for the normal front panel to interface the normal front
panel to the rest of a K3.  This would allow a seamless use of the
smaller or larger "remote" front panel. Add an internet front for the
radio and an internet back for the front panel , and run the radio
from anywhere over a LAN or the internet. Publish the interfacing and
let the world write K3 front panel programs for K3's with "null" front
panels.  This would be in keeping with Elecraft's modular, only buy it
if you want it, approach. Put three or four radios up on the same CRT.

73, Guy.

On Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 12:01 PM, Tom W8JI <w8ji at w8ji.com> wrote:
> So, what the K3 really needs then is a contest oriented application on a
> computer.  Maybe something rich like PowerSDR but works with the K3 in a
> manner where contesting features (logging and contest log management) along
> with sophisticated macro control from a visual controls perspective.>>>
>
> No. That would never fly for this application.
>
> Operators need buttons or toggle switches that serve one function. Hands are
> too busy.
>
> <<<
> Indeed, now that I think about it, this would be a great application if it
> were designed to be configurable per each contester.  Arrangements of
> controls on the screen, sophisticated macro control via custom U/I, and
> other nifty features.>>>
>
> This is a different requirement, and may be one that totally conflicts with
> the target market. It may not be workable.
>
> Operators want a big panel, big knobs, and one easy to see and hit button
> that does one task. The last thing that sells into this application is a
> computer keyboard, mouse, or touch screen application. This is why people
> with ten or fifteen radios gravitate to the big boxes even though raw
> performance is less.
>
> <<Thus, instead of sitting in front of the K3 with its small format
> presentation and the overload commands on the buttons, the computer would be
> much more useful if all K3 functions were available.>>
>
> It would be much less useful. The computer screen is full of windows
> already, and clicking outside the window will stop the system from
> responding.
>
> What would be useful is a toggle switch from 1945. What would be painful is
> an iPad or keyboard function.  :-)
>
> What would be super, but I realize can never happen, is a big front panel
> with one control for one function. What would be almost as good is being
> able to program buttons for dedicated single functions. Like I use M1-M4 for
> bandwidth changes. It is much better than the rotary knob to just poke a
> preset button.
>
> There are many things that never get used, but I am not aware of any way to
> program them to a different use. Like I never use the ATU, because I don't
> have one. I never use the ANT, only have one port. Never use the NB or NR,
> because with a crowded band it just kills RX performance.
>
> Moving things off the panel, unless it is something up out of the way on
> another dedicated panel, is not an option.
>
> 73 Tom
>
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