[Elecraft] Features wanted

[Greg]

In an earlier comment Wayne said that Elecraft takes comments made on this
reflector into consideration for future improvement.  I have two K3's and
don't really have any negative comments but I do have some things that I
would like to see improved -- or perhaps a better word would be "different"
in the next Elecraft radio.  While I recognize that the K3 was designed to
be compact, light, and efficient for portability, I would like to see a
version that is designed with style in mind.  I would pay more for better
"finish".  I used a FT1000D for many years before switching to the K3.
Performance-wise the K3 is superior...and performance is the primary
criteria for me in choosing a radio.  However, with respect to "finish", the
Yaesu radio is superior.  It "looks" and feels more expensive.  Not everyone
wants or needs a radio that is designed to be portable (and most active hams
have more than one radio anyway).  I'd like to see K3 performance come in a
sleeker design...If you spin the tuning knob on the Yaesu, it is smooth and
coasts along on ball bearings...the feel of the knobs and switches is
better.  A larger cabinet would allow bandswitch buttons labeled as such and
a larger cabinet would give more working space on the rear.  (With the
preamp, KPA500, KAT500, RTTY, external keyer, etc, the back on the K3
becomes a real kluge.)  A radio designed to be more "fixed station" could
also have the power supply built in and perhaps even have 150 - 200 watt
capability.  The P3 could be built in as well.  The display on an IC7800 is
really nice (in my opinion)...Elecraft could do something of similar
quality.  

I'm not suggesting that the K3 or K3S be "deleted" from the product line --
just an alternate packaging solution that would compete more favorably with
the Japanese look and feel.  I'd gladly pay significantly more for a radio
with K3 performance and IC7800 look and feel... and based on comments I have
heard from others, I think that Elecraft would find a market for it.  In
fact I know some  people who don't own a K3 because of the "look".  For some
price will always be the primary consideration.  For others, it is
secondary.  If Elecraft were to come out with a K3S "Deluxe" I would
probably own "both" radios...keeping the K3 for whatever portable
opportunity might present itself.  I do miss the "feel" of the FT1000D.

Also I would like to see the APF improved by allowing the peaking filter to
be "tuned" as it was on the FT1000D.  I almost always used the APF on the
Yaesu but end up turning it off when I try it on the K3.  I think the "peak"
is too narrow.

I realize I'm offering a lot of MY opinions here and not everyone will want
or agree with my suggestions...but it is what it is -- my wish list.  I'm
hoping that this subject does not start a lot of speculation on "what it
would cost" because that's not the point.  If Elecraft were to consider a
new design, they would have to determine the cost and its potential success
in the market.

Oh....one more thing -- tongue firmly in cheek -- a larger cabinet would
look good next to that 1500 watt amplifier that Elecraft teased us with at
Dayton some years ago...

73, Greg-N4CC