[Elecraft] Is the K3 a "fun" radio to operate ?

[Jim Lowman]

I think the K3 (and K2) are fun radios to operate.  We've had a K3 at 
our QRP Field Day for the past two years, and the various operators 
didn't report any problems that I'm aware of.

Since I made a career in software development, menus are no big deal for 
me.  A well-designed transceiver has the least-needed options built into 
the menus.

When I look at something like a FTDX-5/9000 or the photos of the 
upcoming TS-990, what comes to mind with all of the controls is that 
these are "kitchen sink" radios.  In other words, they appear to be 
designed by engineers who took everyone's wish list and implemented each 
function via front-panel controls.  My question is, how often would the 
average amateur use many of these functions, if at all?

I think someone counted 140 controls on the TS-990!

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 1/16/2013 10:03 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> On a couple of earlier messages (one from Rob Sherwood) the notion of a "fun" radio to operate was raised and how that might become a deciding factor among many different radios with similar receive performance.
>
> My question is what is a fun radio?  I have heard that some think the K3, being somewhat menu driven, is not a fun radio where as something like a Yaesu with a button and knob for every function is fun.  I must be a contrarian because I think the less buttons without compromising performance or functionality is better.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>