[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

[Jim Brown]

On 4/3/2014 6:49 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
> 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. 

Gee, I've blamed an occasional wrong button push on my advancing years.

I put my K3s to a rather wide range of uses (contesting, DX chasing, 
various digital modes) and with the sole exception of controls for the 
2nd RX, I consider K3 ergonomics quite good. I appreciate that the 
settings of most controls are memorized on a per band and per mode 
basis, which means that I don't need to readjust things as often. 
Indeed, I view the more compact size as a huge plus, because it takes up 
less horizontal space on the operating desk. For the same reason, the 
design of the P3 as a separate box allows me to put it on top of the K3 
rather than consuming additional desk space. I also appreciate size and 
weight when I want to carry it on an airplane! One of my neighbors, 
W0YK, regularly takes two K3s to Aruba in his carry-on (in custom cases 
by Rose)! I appreciate the reduced power consumption in my partially 
solar powered ham shack.

One of the secrets of a successful small business is building enough 
volume for a product to write off development costs, with something left 
over to pay salaries, take an occasional vacation, and fund development 
of new products. That requires identifying the market for their 
products, understanding the needs of those users, and differentiating 
their products from the competition. From where I sit, Eric and Wayne 
have been very good at figuring out what products satisfy this 
condition, and which are unlikely to do so. It also helps if you can 
build one thing and sell it to everyone (like iPhone, iPad, etc.), so 
the more things it does well help build volume.

73, Jim K9YC