[Elecraft] P3 Product suggestion

[Dave Fugleberg]

The recent thread titled "P3 Point and Click" got me thinking...
I have a base model P3 (no VGA board or TX monitor). I really like how
smoothly it integrates with the K3. It has replaced the Softrock and
software panadapter that I had been using, with much less complexity- it
just works.

However, I do sometimes get frustrated with the 'twist and tap to QSY' user
interface. It is far too easy to accidentally rotate the knob in the
process of tapping it, and making a large excursion in frequency takes much
longer than a mouse point/click would.

My humble suggestion/wish would be for a whole new alternative product -
let's call it the P3x. The P3x would be a small box with IF in, VGA Out,
serial in/out, and a USB port for a mouse.  The user could supply their own
monitor in a size of their choice. It would basically be the same
electronics as the P3, but without the screen, controls, and big (mostly
empty) case.

All the normal P3 controls would be replaced by on-screen buttons with
dropdown menus where appropriate to set parameters like SPAN, etc. Perhaps
the mouse wheel could be incorporated in place of the knob for adjustments
like REF LVL. Of course, "Point and Click QSY" would be supported.

For extra credit, support for a 'gaming mouse' could be included (one of
those mice that has several additional configurable buttons) to support the
standard P3 buttons for those who prefer tactile buttons over clicking
on-screen controls.

To me, this would be a great alternative to the current P3, as it provides
the same excellent integration with the K-line, plus the choice of display
size AND mouse support.  I suspect that many ops who add the SVGA option to
their P3 do so simply for the larger screen, which makes the P3's own
screen redundant anyhow. It also seems odd to me to reach for the P3
controls while looking at the external monitor, so having the controls
integrated on screen with mouse control would be more natural.

While I'm dreaming, I'd also like it available as a P3i - same as the P3x,
but built as an internal option for the K3/K3s. OK, I have no idea where
that could fit in a fully loaded K3/K3s, but this is only a dream, after
all...

So, maybe I'm the only one who thinks this would be a great addition to the
product lineup...but there's my idea. No need to pay me royalties, but I'd
like SN 001 please :)

73 de W0ZF