[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

Thu Apr 3 14:19:20 EDT 2014

 > But, assume SAME K3 functionality.

I'm not so sure *SAME* functionality is a fair question for the next
generation top of the line transceiver.

Among other things, the headphone amplifier really needs to be a bit
more stout than 100 mW - 500 mW if not 1 watt is more appropriate even
if the design includes some build out resistors to limit SPL.  The
speaker amplifier could certainly be more robust as well - 1.5 W per
channel doe not cut it in all cases - 5 or 10 W per channel is more
appropriate so the amplifier is not being run to it ragged edge and
possibly distortion under normal operation.

I've already listed several of the dual function controls that get
a lot of workout.  One can also add APF which is the *second* function
on a little used XFIL button and a bank of five to eight PF buttons to
those things that would be highly desirable.

On the inside - consider a better second mixer than the 612 to improve
window IMD.   Others have already mentioned putting the notch filters
*inside* the AGC loop.  24 or 48 volt finals would move transmit IMD
from the barely adequate low -30 dB range to around -40 dB as well as
offer 200 W capability for those who don't use an external amplifier.
Perhaps the synthesizer handling could be improved to allow transmit on
either VFO with the  main and subreceiver on different bands.  Finally,
consider a controller with more capability and DSP predistortion to
really make the transmit IMD shine.

None of this is difficult - nor even ground breaking technology - but
it would significantly improve a transceiver designed for home station
use rather than cripple an otherwise fine design by limiting size and
current consumptions.   I would guess the differential cost would be
less than $800 - and would be well worth it, IMO.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV

On 4/3/2014 1:42 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> 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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