[Elecraft] Newbie

Tue Aug 7 07:38:06 EDT 2012

Hi Robert,

Wayne said they they plan to beef up the digital modes section of the manual, so it will be interesting to see what information they put there. The challenge is that there are so many possible setups that it is just not practical to cover them all.

Concerning your questions around AGC, Don W3FPR has written an excellent article on this topic, and you can find it on his web page:
http://www.w3fpr.com/K3_AGC.htm

I would question whether a detailed treatment of the different types of batteries available is really appropriate for a radio user manual, but it would certainly be an excellent topic for an FAQ article.

73, Matt VK2ACL

On 07/08/2012, at 8:54 PM, va3bxg at gmail.com wrote:

> Based on the amount of questions and topics there is three areas of questions/improvements/additions to the guide I would suggest updating, given the admittedly targeting of new/lack of experience hams
> 
> 1) Digital operations. The how. What cable to hook where. The method of operation. Some of this In part, maybe outside the intention of the manual, but there is still quite a bit that should be added. Just look at the questions that are posted here and on KX3 reflector
> 
> 2) The whole area of the AGC/filter/setup. (And this is really where the manual lacks info for the new owner/newbie in my uneducated opinion) Again the number of questions from both newbies and experienced hams make it evident that information needs to be enhanced (true some people will never read the manual, but at least one can be directed to it, if the question a raises) this is where I am truly still having issues. Some hams here talk about the menu option to decrease/increase the AGC yet us 'new' guys have yet the complete understanding of what the AGC is supposedly doing and what the menu changing actual does.
> 
> 3) Power. Now admittedly I believe that has been covered in the manual appropriately. The questions still come. The differences between LiPo LiFePo4 as an example. I did ask the down to basic question and got some responses which I am still trying to digest. But as a side note and a related topic (and something that can be included in the new versions of the manual) is a section on travel. According to current US and international travel restrictions, what can and cannot be brought onboard. Yes they will change, but so will other items in the manual due to upgrades etc. Questions have been placed by all types of hams, on which battery can be carried on, side equipment etc. Again this may be not the high priority on the contents of the manual, but a truly nice to have. 
> 
> I truly believe that number #1 & #2 of my list should be included/updated within the manual. #3 is a nice to have but based on the questions also something to consider
> 
> And if it is not possible, what about a series of entries in the elecraft FAQ (my second choice)
> 
> I will borrow someone else sig. Here and say
> 
> Ok back to my hole
> 
> a 'kosher ham'
> 
> Robert
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Wayne Burdick <n6kr at elecraft.com>
> Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2012 21:17:38 
> To: Robert Galambos<va3bxg at gmail.com>
> Cc: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Newbie
> 
> Robert,
> 
> We did include a lot of material for first-time users, but we had to  
> draw the line somewhere. We're planning to expand the digital section,  
> and we'll always be improving it based on user feedback.
> 
> Meanwhile, if there are specific areas you'd like to know more about,  
> just ask. Our reflector is a great place to start. There's also the  
> ARRL Handbook, and other League guides to just about everything.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
> On Aug 6, 2012, at 8:22 PM, Robert Galambos wrote:
> 
>> i am also a newbie (i was the one who asked where the volume control
>> was...boy did i get flack for that one)
>> 
>> but i must tell you the manual could be really revamped up, to the  
>> point
>> that newbies can use it. right now, you may think that it is designed
>> with less experienced operators, but , in my opinion falls very  
>> short in
>> that regard.
>> 
>> the digital section is lacking on some practical information on where
>> cables should be used where (there are/were a lot of question about  
>> that
>> here and the KX3 reflector that proves my point)
>> 
>> while there is more practical information the a ICOM manual, it is not
>> anywhere close to where a new person can read it and use it as solely
>> use it reference material
>> 
>> On 12-08-06 9:59 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>>> Ralph,
>>> 
>>> I am going to assume the KX3, but you do need to specify the type  
>>> in the
>>> subject line for the best results.
>>> 
>>> The KXBC3 option is not yet available, so you need to "ignore" that  
>>> part
>>> of the manual.  It will do what it says when installed.  Note that  
>>> it is
>>> an option, and not required.  Until that option is available, you  
>>> will
>>> have to remove the batteries for re-charging (also the "clock" will  
>>> be
>>> rest to zero when you power off).
>>> 
>>> Newbies are welcome right here - ask away, and you will usually  
>>> find a
>>> response in short order.
>>> 
>>> The KX3 manual itself has a lot of "how-to" information in it.  I
>>> suggest you sit down with your KX3 along with the manual and "walk
>>> through" the procedures as you read the manual.
>>> 
>>> There is also a Yahoo Group for the KX3, but much of the  
>>> information is
>>> duplicated on this reflector.
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>> 
>>> On 8/6/2012 8:03 PM, Ralph Bagwell wrote:
>>>> Is there a "newbie" section ? I read the manual and still have  
>>>> difficulty with simple operations . ( I just opened the box )
>>>> 
>>>> I'm still trying to understand how to charge the batteries  ( for  
>>>> instance ) - I hate to "experiment" on such a nice piece of gear -  
>>>> I'd like absolute detail on "how-to" rather than clicking and  
>>>> turning knobs at almost random to do simple things . I don't want  
>>>> to hurt the beautiful device .
>>>> 
>>>> thanks,
>>>> 
>>>> ralph ( xe1hi )
>>>> 
>>>> 
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