[Elecraft] KX3 Serious Errors in the Manual

[Mike Morrow]

Jim wrote:

> These paragraphs demand a serious and immediate rewrite. Yes, we've
> seen serious errors in equipment manuals for as long as I've been a ham,
> but we expect more from Elecraft. It is yet another example of confusion
> and muddled thinking resulting from using the word "ground" when other 
> words, like "radial" and "counterpoise" convey the correct meaning.

I wrote:

> There's no chance that you are being just a little pedantic, perhaps?

Jim wrote:

> None at all -- it is exactly errors like this that have led to 
> widespread misunderstandings about how these things work.

There is neither dispute with nor criticism of the technical points of
your original post.  My response certainly made none.  In that light,
those who take issue with my posting do so with a straw man.

The problem is presentation...namely your subject line assertion, and
your last paragraph, quoted above.  Both fully meet any reasonable
definition of pedantry, or hyperbole, or both.  I have several decades
experience communicating technical material in my profession (electrical
and nuclear engineering).  Pedantry and hyperbole mitigate against effective
communication...unless used in an obviously humorous presentation.  I
missed the humor in your presentation. :-)

I, for one, have never expected to be instructed in antenna principles
from the owner's manual of any radio I have ever purchased in 46 years
as a ham.  I would not be interested in any such material provided by
Elecraft or any other manufacturer.  I'd say remove it...it doesn't
belong in an equipment manual.  Have the manufacturers of all those
$300 to $600 magic sky hooks that folks buy for their KX3 put that
info in their manuals, if anywhere it must be other than one of the
many many proper handbooks. :-)

73,
Mike / KK5F