[Elecraft] Will there be a K4

[Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP]

1. A bitmapped display, so that it could be updated with the software, 
and would support soft keys.

2. A touch screen. Whether to go this way is a hard call. Many operators 
hate them. But given that there are many good reasons to keep the same 
form factor, it gets harder and harder to cram all the functionality 
into the small space available. A touch screen could completely 
reconfigure itself when you change modes. There is the possibility of 
providing a configuration utility that would let the operator develop 
his/her own screens. I would never have to look at the XFIL button 
again. We could get rid of the touch/hold interface, which is still 
error-prone for me after decades.

3. A bus/backplane architecture. It would permit almost total hardware 
upgradeability. The current K3 goes in this direction, but not far 
enough. But use gold pins.

4. The CW Pitch adjustment should not produce a tone, but should let you 
hear normal signals.

5. NB/NR performance could be improved over the K3/K3S. (I haven't tried 
the KX3/KX2).

6. Please do NOT build in firmware functionality for modes like FT8. On 
the other hand, a bus/backplane arrangement could allow the operator to 
plug in a single board Windows or Linux computer that could be used for 
external software for digital modes or logging or countless other things.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
On 25 Mar 2019 02:14, Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote:
> Inquiring minds want to know:
> What would you all like to see as a “K4” ?
> 
> Eric
> elecraft.com