[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

[Phil Hystad]

My 2-bits:  |u>  and |d>

OK, what if Elecraft took the K3 and did a major ergonomic redesign of the radio and called it the K3-Ergo.  It could be twice as large, many single function buttons and dials and maybe even a more expanded multicolor LCD screen.  But, assume SAME K3 functionality.

How much more would this cost, maybe $300, $500, or maybe $750 more?

As for me and my ham shack -- leave the ergonomics alone, they are fine by me.  I like the K3 for what it is, not what people think it should be.  When the Elecraft bunch come out with a new radio, I will consider its benefits and features but look-and-feel will not be on top of the list.  But, then, I like the approach that Wayne and Eric and other other designers take on the radios and other equipment.

73, phil, K7PEH

On Apr 3, 2014, at 10:29 AM, Wes (N7WS) <wes at triconet.org> wrote:

> 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
> 
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