[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

[Slava Baytalskiy]

I'm a new ham and an even newer K3 owner. For anyone who is function over form any day, like me - Elecraft's "learning curve" is the whole point!
If i had a radio for which i didn't even need to open the manual - i'd be bored with it in two days and probably wouldn't use it or care for it as much.
I did get the SS Hardware upgrade by the way (just in case, just because it was merely $20 after spending over $4K).

My .02c

Slava (Sal) W2RMS

On Apr 3, 2014, at 7:50 AM, Johnny Siu <vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk> wrote:

> Hello Bill,
> 
> As I mentioned in this forum in the past, Elecraft is excellent in production engineering.  They use real good components for the critical parts but also use the real cheapest components for the rest.  It is nothing wrong with Elecraft in terms of cost engineering and it is indeed a challenge to the design engineer as well.
> 
> As a result, you are now getting a tin box (yes, the advantage is light weight) but with excellent specifications in numbers.  I never gave a high score for the ergonomic of elecraft radios.  The screws in my K3 rust as well and this never happens in any of my other radios.
> 
> From time to time, I have been asked by local hams about my comments about elecraft radios.  I always say that elecraft radios are excellent but users have to face a deep learning curve.  I need to read the manuals from cover to cover as well as KE7X's books.
> 
> To conclude, I would consider Elecraft radios are really good but I have to accept less favourable ergonomics and relatively primitive enclosure and screws (yes, I know I can pay merely USD20 for stainless steel screws for an over $2.5k radio).
> 
> 73
> 
> Johnny VR2XMC
> K2, K3, KX3, KAT500, KPA500, P3
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> 寄件人︰ Bill W2BLC <w2blc at nycap.rr.com>
> 收件人︰ elecraft at mailman.qth.net 
> 傳送日期︰ 2014年04月3日 (週四) 6:19 PM
> 主題︰ [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics
> 
> 
> In a post speaking to the Sherwood chart, it was said, "........too many 
> people jump on one number to rate (rank) equipment and totally disregard 
> things like ergonomics (If they didn't the K3 would be at the bottom of 
> the list)."
> 
> What is so bad about how the K3 is designed (ergonomics)? This is not 
> the first time I have seen this said. I do not find it particularly 
> challenging to use the panel controls or the menus - but, maybe that's 
> just me. Is it the lack of curves and swirls or plastic molding? I go 
> for functionality of design - not eye candy.
> 
> The only thing I did to improve the controls on my K3 was to add a 
> TenTec tire to the main VFO knob - it increases the diameter slightly 
> and has a nicer feel to it than hard plastic.
> 
> Bill K-Line
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