[Elecraft] A confession

[Don Wilhelm]

Mike,

I believe if you carefully examine the reports of "hiccups, bumps, and 
whatever", you will find that many (if not most) of them are the result 
of computer setup with the various logging and rig control applications 
that users attempt to set up or use with the K3. Another area of 
frequent "problem reports" is connections to a digital interface of some 
sort.

These are not K3 problems, but problems users have had setting up and 
using those applications and accessories and the computer problems which 
result.

The K3 has wisely chosen to 'put its computers' (microprocessors) inside 
the K3.  There are very few real problems with the K3 loaded with 
production level firmware.  There is no dependency on a variety of 
computers coupled with a variety of operating systems.  The Utility 
programs do need a computer to run, but are normally not needed for 
other than firmware loads and saving the configuration. The Utility 
programs do provide several user conveniences for things like loading CW 
memories more easily than doing it with the K3 alone - use of those 
added Utility features is optional and is the user's choice.

The K3 hardware has been quite solid for a long time now.

Yes, there are user questions that come up here frequently that are 
easily resolved through questions here on the reflector, and yes if you 
look at the problems that are revealed by those who load beta firmware, 
you may find some problem reports - but that is what beta firmware is 
all about, and only those who are willing to try it and report any 
problems should be using a beta version.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/10/2014 9:01 AM, mikerodgerske5gbc at yahoo.com wrote:
> The major thing he alluded to, I agree with. Elecraft needs more stable firmware and displays.
>
> I may be wrong but it seems there are too many instances of hiccups, bumps or whatever.
>
> I have a friend looking to buy and did not recommend the k3 without those disclaimers.
>
>