On Apr 3, 2014, at 11:19 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV <li...@subich.com> wrote:
> > > But, assume SAME K3 functionality. > > I'm not so sure *SAME* functionality is a fair question for the next > generation top of the line transceiver. > No, it isn't a fair question but why be fair when you can ask anything. But, I am now done with this topic as my interest in the new KX3 external accessory has grabbed all of my Elecraft attention bandwidth. 73, phil, K7PEH > Among other things, the headphone amplifier really needs to be a bit > more stout than 100 mW - 500 mW if not 1 watt is more appropriate even > if the design includes some build out resistors to limit SPL. The > speaker amplifier could certainly be more robust as well - 1.5 W per > channel doe not cut it in all cases - 5 or 10 W per channel is more > appropriate so the amplifier is not being run to it ragged edge and > possibly distortion under normal operation. > > I've already listed several of the dual function controls that get > a lot of workout. One can also add APF which is the *second* function > on a little used XFIL button and a bank of five to eight PF buttons to > those things that would be highly desirable. > > On the inside - consider a better second mixer than the 612 to improve > window IMD. Others have already mentioned putting the notch filters > *inside* the AGC loop. 24 or 48 volt finals would move transmit IMD > from the barely adequate low -30 dB range to around -40 dB as well as > offer 200 W capability for those who don't use an external amplifier. > Perhaps the synthesizer handling could be improved to allow transmit on > either VFO with the main and subreceiver on different bands. Finally, > consider a controller with more capability and DSP predistortion to > really make the transmit IMD shine. > > None of this is difficult - nor even ground breaking technology - but > it would significantly improve a transceiver designed for home station > use rather than cripple an otherwise fine design by limiting size and > current consumptions. I would guess the differential cost would be > less than $800 - and would be well worth it, IMO. > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > > On 4/3/2014 1:42 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: >> My 2-bits: |u> and |d> >> >> OK, what if Elecraft took the K3 and did a major ergonomic redesign of the >> radio and called it the K3-Ergo. It could be twice as large, many single >> function buttons and dials and maybe even a more expanded multicolor LCD >> screen. But, assume SAME K3 functionality. >> >> How much more would this cost, maybe $300, $500, or maybe $750 more? >> >> As for me and my ham shack -- leave the ergonomics alone, they are fine by >> me. I like the K3 for what it is, not what people think it should be. When >> the Elecraft bunch come out with a new radio, I will consider its benefits >> and features but look-and-feel will not be on top of the list. But, then, I >> like the approach that Wayne and Eric and other other designers take on the >> radios and other equipment. >> >> 73, phil, K7PEH >> >> On Apr 3, 2014, at 10:29 AM, Wes (N7WS) <w...@triconet.org> wrote: >> >>> Amen >>> >>> On 4/3/2014 6:49 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: >>>> >>>>> What is so bad about how the K3 is designed (ergonomics)? This is >>>>> not the first time I have seen this said. I do not find it >>>>> particularly challenging to use the panel controls or the menus - >>>>> but, maybe that's just me. Is it the lack of curves and swirls or >>>>> plastic molding? I go for functionality of design - not eye candy. >>>> >>>> The issue is not "lack of curves and swirls or plastic molding" ... >>>> I've given up counting the number of times the radio has changed >>>> bands when I meant to change modes or vice versa or the number of >>>> times I've engaged RIT when I wanted to turn off the speaker, the >>>> number of times I've reset VFO B when I wanted to engage split, or >>>> the number of times I've linked VFOs when I wanted to turn on the >>>> KRX-3. These are the problems with the limited number of tightly >>>> packed, dual function controls and looking the same. >>>> >>>> While I certainly appreciate the performance of the K3 - it is on >>>> my operating bench whilst the MK V and FT-2000 gather dust in the >>>> closet - having fewer dual function controls and band/mode controls >>>> that are physically separated and very different in design *IS* a >>>> major improvement in ergonomics. If I had but one wish it would >>>> be that Elecraft would give up on the thought that every radio >>>> must be capable of operating from a backpack on a small 12V battery >>>> and would produce a real home station radio with 24 or 48 V finals >>>> and a large front panel supporting separate band and mode buttons. >>>> >>>> 73, >>>> >>>> ... Joe, W4TV >>>> >>>> >>>> On 4/3/2014 6:19 AM, Bill W2BLC wrote: >>>>> In a post speaking to the Sherwood chart, it was said, "........too many >>>>> people jump on one number to rate (rank) equipment and totally disregard >>>>> things like ergonomics (If they didn't the K3 would be at the bottom of >>>>> the list)." >>>>> >>>>> What is so bad about how the K3 is designed (ergonomics)? This is not >>>>> the first time I have seen this said. I do not find it particularly >>>>> challenging to use the panel controls or the menus - but, maybe that's >>>>> just me. Is it the lack of curves and swirls or plastic molding? I go >>>>> for functionality of design - not eye candy. >>>>> >>>>> The only thing I did to improve the controls on my K3 was to add a >>>>> TenTec tire to the main VFO knob - it increases the diameter slightly >>>>> and has a nicer feel to it than hard plastic. >>>>> >>>>> Bill K-Line >>> >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> Message delivered to phys...@mac.com >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to li...@subich.com >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to phys...@mac.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
