[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

Thu Apr 3 14:27:05 EDT 2014

On Apr 3, 2014, at 11:19 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV <lists at subich.com> wrote:

> 
> > 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.
> 

No, it isn't a fair question but why be fair when you can ask anything.

But, I am now done with this topic as my interest in the new KX3
external accessory has grabbed all of my Elecraft attention bandwidth.

73, phil, K7PEH

> 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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