[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

[Wes (N7WS)]

Amen

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