[Elecraft] K-Pod Usability

[Ed Muns]

The K-Pod really enhanced my SO2V operation in the NAQP RTTY contest last
night.  While running on VFO-A, I used the K-Pod predominantly for VFO-B to
tune the band, using the P3 as guidance, for finding other CQing stations to
work.  Overall, I felt I did a far better job (faster and more thorough)
using the K-Pod instead of the normal VFO-B knob.

(For SO2V, another configuration is to run on VFO-B so that S&P is done on
VFO-A.  While this has the advantage of a larger tuning knob, it still
requires the hand to reach over the keyboard.)

First, it was much easier to simultaneously tune VFO-B with the K-Pod next
to my keyboard so that my hand could more easily move between it and the
keyboard as needed.  Of course, with my RTTY contest configuration, I seldom
need both hands on the keyboard.  Nearly all keyboard usage is simply
tapping keys to which messages are mapped, so one hand is sufficient.  (This
also makes SO2R RTTY easier than CW and SSB where more touch typing is
needed.)  RTTY callsigns are grabbed automatically without typing them.

I used to reach for the VFO-B knob on the K3 front panel which worked fine
but is much more awkward and time consuming than using the K-Pod next to the
keyboard.  It is easier to fine tune with the K-Pod than the normal VFO-B
knob, reaching over the keyboard with my hand suspended in mid-air.

Second, the rocker switch beneath the K-Pod tuning knob is ergonomically
excellent.  When a station would call me offset from my VFO-A frequency, I
simply used my thumb to temporarily define the K-Pod knob for RIT, zero-beat
the calling station, then move the rocker switch back to VFO-B, all while my
hand was still near the keyboard with minimal movement.  Since my QSL
message clears the RIT offset, I was ready for the next caller, hopefully
closer to zero-beat.  I also have one of the K-Pod buttons programmed to
clear the offset when needed, so again not having to reach over the keyboard
to press CLR on the K3 front panel.

The K-Pod is capable of much, much more functionality, but it is first
important that it perform basic functions like these in a significantly
better way than the radio front panel.  That's what I experienced!

Ed W0YK