[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> 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 issue is not "lack of curves and swirls or plastic molding" ...
I've given up counting the number of times the radio has changed
bands when I meant to change modes or vice versa or the number of
times I've engaged RIT when I wanted to turn off the speaker, the
number of times I've reset VFO B when I wanted to engage split, or
the number of times I've linked VFOs when I wanted to turn on the
KRX-3.  These are the problems with the limited number of tightly
packed, dual function controls and looking the same.

While I certainly appreciate the performance of the K3 - it is on
my operating bench whilst the MK V and FT-2000 gather dust in the
closet - having fewer dual function controls and band/mode controls
that are physically separated and very different in design *IS* a
major improvement in ergonomics.  If I had but one wish it would
be that Elecraft would give up on the thought that every radio
must be capable of operating from a backpack on a small 12V battery
and would produce a real home station radio with 24 or 48 V finals
and a large front panel supporting separate band and mode buttons.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 4/3/2014 6:19 AM, Bill W2BLC wrote:
> 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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