[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Bill W2BLC
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

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Johnny Siu
Hello Bill, As I mentioned in this forum in the past, Elecraft is excellent in production engineering.  They use real good components for the critical parts but also use the real cheapest components for the rest.  It is nothing wrong with Elecraft in terms of cost engineering and it is indeed

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Slava Baytalskiy
I'm a new ham and an even newer K3 owner. For anyone who is function over form any day, like me - Elecraft's learning curve is the whole point! If i had a radio for which i didn't even need to open the manual - i'd be bored with it in two days and probably wouldn't use it or care for it as much.

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Kevin Stover
Sour grapes from guys who can't believe the K3 is the equal of or better than their rig which they spent too much on (5 digits, anybody still have their FTDX-9000's) to get the 100+ pretty lights and useless, mostly unused buttons. They can't knock the rig on it's performance, 7 years later,

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Gary Gregory
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder somebody once told me! Performance to me IS everythingeye candy has never helped in a pileup. Just my nickels worth Gary Vk1ZZ K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3. On 03/04/2014 11:05 PM, Kevin Stover kevin.sto...@mediacombb.net wrote: Sour grapes from

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Mike Harris
Good day, This must be a fairly recent thing, wanting all front panels to be the same except for the name. Over the years I've gone down the route of: Heathkit RA1 RX + HB TX, National NCX5 tcvr, FT101, Racal kit whilst in Antarctica, TS120V, Marconi and Eddystone equipment at the salt mine,

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Joe Subich, W4TV
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

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Johnny Siu
Yes, Joe, it seems that  they are gradually giving up the thought and eventually build the KX3 for backpacking.  The NR in KX3 is even better than K3  to my ears. I fully appreciate your experience and I experienced the same.  As I mentioned before, operating K3 is demanding and like a well

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Richard
Is there a rig out there that doesn't require a learning curve? Are hams mere plug-and-play guys and too lazy to read the manual? Can anyone break a pileup the first hour after purchasing an FT5K or IC7800? I remember a comment I read just after I got my previous rig (an FT1000MP) in 2001:

[Elecraft] Kxpa100 with k1

2014-04-03 Thread wf8o
Am wondering if anyone has paired this new amp With the k1. Please respond!! Tnx, Mike WF8o -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Kxpa100-with-k1-tp7586436.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Wheeler
I've been using Elecraft transceivers exclusively for 15 years (K2, now K3 as primary base station), so my recent personal experience is limited. I have heard it said that Elecraft approach of fewer buttons and knobs, with short presses and long presses on the buttons, is less user-friendly

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Johnny Siu
Hello Richard, I am user of both K3 and IC7800.  To me, the learning curve of Icom radios is not as deep as K3.  I would even say my Icoms are very user friendly. K3 is good for Dxpedition for its size - the smallest radio with true dual receivers.  However, the NR of my Icom is far better

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Buddy Brannan
Tuning in in the middle, but for my part, I’d much rather have multifunction knobs and buttons than menus buried in menus which are, in turn, buried in menus. I like that most of the menus on the Elecraft rigs are set once and forget. This makes me happy. And, unlike some manufacturers,

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Jim Miller
My first Elecraft was a used K2 (that had serious problems). When I open the box, I was seriously disappointed with the looks of it. Hooking it up and listening along side my original 746, I heard a lot more stations on the K2 on my attic dipole than on my real outside antenna. I thought

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Ian White
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). W4TV replied: The issue is not lack of curves and swirls or

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions on Antenna Analyzers

2014-04-03 Thread Edward R Cole
One comment I would make is having a portable, battery-powered, sel-contained analyzer is very handy for checking or tuning antennas outside the shack (like on top of the tower troubleshooting high SWR) or at Field Day or on your vacation setting up a portable antenna. It was very useful for

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Alan Bloom
On 04/03/2014 05:44 AM, Mike Harris wrote: This must be a fairly recent thing, wanting all front panels to be the same except for the name. I actually prefer a metal chassis to a plastic one. The K3 looks like it was constructed rather than popped out of a mold. But I guess I'm in the

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions on Antenna Analyzers

2014-04-03 Thread Jim Bennett
Before this thread is put to death, let me add my two pesos. And so as to not be rude, it is only slightly OT because I have a complete K-Line and a KX3 that I do my antenna analysis for About a year ago I purchased an AIM4170C. It is a super piece of equipment - it can show you as much or

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Wheeler
But I guess I'm in the minority...: Definitely not here :-) Phil W7OX On 4/3/14, 9:34 AM, Alan Bloom wrote: On 04/03/2014 05:44 AM, Mike Harris wrote: This must be a fairly recent thing, wanting all front panels to be the same except for the name. I actually prefer a metal chassis to a

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics or ?

2014-04-03 Thread Dick Dickinson
In general, I don't take exception to the comments regarding K3 ergonomics. One of my areas of interest for enhancements lays in the realm of received / perceived audio. Often I've seen the audio qualities of the K3 mentioned. Included in the aspect of receive audio are DSP / Noise

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Scott Manthe
On 4/3/14 12:11 PM, Ian White wrote: The *real* problem is that Elecraft has shown no interest in doing so. The stream of improvements that once made the K3 so exciting has slowed to a disappointing trickle, with too much still left undone. Like ergonomics, this feeling isn't universal. I'd

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Jim Brown
On 4/3/2014 6:49 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: 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

Re: [Elecraft] XP and other Vintage Operating Systems

2014-04-03 Thread Arlen Fletcher
Actually, the bad guys use the XP systems as a foothold from which to launch further incursions. And, unfortunately, Anti-Virus (AV) solutions are not terribly useful anymore. With more than 10,000 new virus signatures being logged per hour by the AV vendors, they just can’t keep up.

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Wes (N7WS)
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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Hystad
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

[Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Wayne Burdick
Hi all, We'll be showing a major new product -- a KX3 external accessory -- at the Visalia DX Convention. You can test-drive one at our booth. (By the way, I'm not referring to the 2-meter module. But that option will also be the subject of an announcement in the next week or two.) 73, Wayne,

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Wes (N7WS)
Nothing that follows has anything to do with ergonomics, which is the topic of this thread, but at my advanced age I no longer suffer fools gladly. I will answer other comments in another post but yours deserve special attention. My K3 is S/N 2059, what's yours? Mine would be even older but

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Gerald Manthey
? External PX3? , waterfall display? Keyboard? Just my guesses. Looking forward to see it. Gerald - KC6CNN On Apr 3, 2014 12:50 PM, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com wrote: Hi all, We'll be showing a major new product -- a KX3 external accessory -- at the Visalia DX Convention. You can

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Richard Thorne
KPA-1500 Rich - N5ZC On 4/3/2014 12:49 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hi all, We'll be showing a major new product -- a KX3 external accessory -- at the Visalia DX Convention. You can test-drive one at our booth. (By the way, I'm not referring to the 2-meter module. But that option will also be

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Tighe Kuykendall
A humble request for an announcement _with_ pictures here for those of us that aren't at Visalia. Tighe NK4I On 4/3/2014 1:49 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hi all, We'll be showing a major new product -- a KX3 external accessory -- at the Visalia DX Convention. You can test-drive one at our

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Greg
If I was a betting man I would say its an..Oooops. :) I will take donations via paypal for the victims/families impacted by the Oso/Arlington, WA mudslide and for each donation I'll tell you what I think it is. :) Just kidding...there's lots of ways already to donate. 73 Greg AB7R On

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Jim Brown
On 4/3/2014 10:49 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: We'll be showing a major new product -- a KX3 external accessory -- at the Visalia DX Convention. You can test-drive one at our booth. As a new KX3 owner, the one BIG thing I miss is a P3. 73, Jim K9YC

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Joe Subich, W4TV
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. 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

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT
Major external accessory? Maybe something like this? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Mission_Radioisotope_Thermoelectric_Generator On 4/3/2014 10:49 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hi all, We'll be showing a major new product -- a KX3 external accessory -- at the Visalia DX Convention. You can

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Hystad
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

[Elecraft] K3 and P3 Utilities under Ubuntu

2014-04-03 Thread Ramon Tristani
I am running Ubuntu Linux here and having difficulty installing and running the K3 and P3 Utilities. I would appreciate any help installing and running the applications under Ubuntu. __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

[Elecraft] New KX3 field-test firmware (rev. 1.95): TX RF output delay added for slow high-power amplifiers

2014-04-03 Thread Wayne Burdick
Hi all, We've learned from some KX3/KXPA100 customers that their high-power amplifiers require a delay from keyline assertion to application RF drive. The KX3 and KXPA100 have such fast QSK (break-in keying) that RF is present only 5 ms after the keyline goes low. This is too fast for some

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Edward R Cole
It took some time getting to know my K3 (I'd say about 3-weeks) till I was fairly comfortable with basic use. The short-vs-long press buttons did require some re-training on my part, but I see the utility of not having to find the FUNCtion button and then a second button to access alternative

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Tony Estep
I guess I am some sort of an oddball. I find no fault with my K3 at all. I had an FT-1000MP and to tell you the truth I found no fault with it either. The human interface is completely different, but you just learn to work it and then you know it and you never think about it again. Here is an

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Wheeler
I've worked on some space vehicles with RTGs. A couple have left the solar system, a good place for them. I'd not want one in my ham shack ;-) Phil W7OX On 4/3/14, 11:17 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote: Major external accessory? Maybe something like this?

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 supplemental heat sink

2014-04-03 Thread fredem
Your response has been gratifying. I am now taking pre-orders for the next run of heatsinks, if interest continues. Fred, VE7FMN, fsmeier(at)telus.net -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-supplemental-heat-sink-offering-tp7586146p7586467.html Sent from the

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Gary Smith
Remember in Oh God when George Burns as God admitted to Denver that he made a mistake and made the Avocado seed too large? I never forgot that part of the movie. When it comes to the K3, my only real ergonomics complaint the opposite of that seed problem, its that the VFO B knob is just too

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread W0MU
Odd I am 6'2 with big hands and I thought I would dislike the small size. I don't. I am thrilled with it especially for travel! I would not mind a K3 front panel on steroids for the home shack with more buttons. Sometimes the dual mode buttons can be confusing. The K3 could be more new

[Elecraft] K3- ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread RLVZ
I love the performance of the K3 and am grateful for the fine service that Elecraft provides. Elecraft is a fantastic company! That said, I'd also love to see a larger K3 for my ham shack which has individual band and mode buttons on the front panel, a larger display that spaces the

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 supplemental heat sink

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Wheeler
I've installed Fred's heat sink on my KX3. It meets my criteria for adding cooling to the KX3: * Is cosmetically attractive (in the black finish); and if anything adds to the rig's appearance * Does not require any mods to the basic KX3 (like drilling more holes or removing the

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Jan
In earlier posts, Bill, W2BLX responded to a post by Johnny Siu, VR2XMC. These posts are below. I would like to comment on Johnny's rebuttal, because the root of the problem may be semantic. Johnny justifies his remarks about ergonomics by discussing tin boxes and rusty screws. Neither have

Re: [Elecraft] K3- ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Joe W2KJ
Howdy Gang: I'm holding out for the K4 (grin). 73, Joe W2KJ I QRP, therefore I am __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:

[Elecraft] External controls for the K3?

2014-04-03 Thread Hisashi T Fujinaka
I'm embarassed to admit this but I have a question: In CW pileups, I usually have M1 programmed to send my callsign and M2 to just send the standard callsign 5NN TU. The thread on ergonomics made me think about the cramp I get in my hand holding it up by the top of the rig. Has anyone ever

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced

2014-04-03 Thread Dauer, Edward
First time I've seen the commercial equivalent of a DXpedition pileup chasing an unknown call sign. But count me in. How do I go up 5 to get in line? Ted, KN1CBR K3-KPA500-KAT500-P3-KX3 __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

Re: [Elecraft] K3 and P3 Utilities under Ubuntu

2014-04-03 Thread David Sanders W4DES
If you are running a 64-bit version of Ubuntu, you need the 32-bit libraries to be installed since the utilities are compiled for 32-bit linux. I’m not sure exactly how on Ubuntu, but for 64-bit debian you would need a sequence of commands like this: #dpkg —add-architecture i386 #apt-get update

[Elecraft] K3 ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread r miles
My K3 is a LOT more ergonomic than that JA HF radio that looked like the grille from '52 Buick. K9IL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread David and Dianne on Comcast
Joe, W4TV and Ian, GM3SEK; I found both of your posts to be spot on with me and very insightful. I own K3 #371 and have been disappointed with the lack of its further development in the past 18 months or the finishing of some features as mentioned by Ian.. And as much as I have tried,

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Batt Err

2014-04-03 Thread gt-i
Indeed, 2 Cells were completely dead, but after increasing the supplied voltage to 14V the charging started. Hopefully all cells are still alive! Alan, where did you get that valuable information re 14.5V from? I couldn't find anything in the manual. Thanks for all the suggestions! 73 Gernot

Re: [Elecraft] External controls for the K3?

2014-04-03 Thread Mike Markowski
Hisashi, Not as convenient as physically remoting the buttons, but I wrote a small C program that sends commands to the K3. I then made some short aliases using that program name. If I type the letter a the K3 sends my call, AB3AP. If I type 9 it sends R 5nn TU (7 sends R 57n TU, etc.).

[Elecraft] KX3 is ON after AC power outage

2014-04-03 Thread Ken G Kopp
Have had two AC outages recently and both times my KX3 ... which was OFF ... has turned ON with the return of power. Everything in the shack is powered by a large Astron PS that runs 24/7 via RigRunner fused Power Pole boxes. . The KX3 comes on in receive mode and set for CW. Has anyone else

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KX3 is ON after AC power outage

2014-04-03 Thread Matt VK2RQ
Is something connected to the Mic jack on your KX3? Could it be applying a voltage to the PTT line, even if only in a transient manner? Applying a voltage 8-12V for 100ms will cause the KX3 to turn on. As for the mode it comes back up in, this will probsbly depend on what mode it was in the

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 is ON after AC power outage

2014-04-03 Thread Matt Zilmer
Hi Ken, It's possible that the KX3 is getting an outside signal to power on. If you have a cable attached from ACC2 to a device that behaves as described below, it could cause the KX3 to power on. I don't know what device type to suggest, because I don't know your station's layout. From p28 of

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 is ON after AC power outage

2014-04-03 Thread Matt Zilmer
Hi Ken, It's possible that the KX3 is getting an outside signal to power on. If you have a cable attached from ACC2 to a device that behaves as described below, it could cause the KX3 to power on. I don't know what device type to suggest, because I don't know your station's layout. From p28 of

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread MontyS
I don't want any rig to be the last rig I Own. I had a K3, and loved it, for over 5 years. I will probably get another one in the future. I've owned a HW-100, a Swan - the first with a digital readout, a Kachina 505 - the first computer-controlled radio, an IC-756 Pro with a color screen, a

[Elecraft] KX3 - CW weighting

2014-04-03 Thread pa3deb
Hi, I'm experiencing a difference in handling the cw-weighting by my KX3 (serial 4766, MCU 01.87, DSP 01.28) I don't have a scope, but my hearing is ok ;-) I adjusted the menu setting for cw weight to 1.15, because I like a little bit more rounded tone. I can only hear that back, when I use the

Re: [Elecraft] External controls for the K3?

2014-04-03 Thread Walter Underwood
How about a separate keypad that allows direct frequency entry and has macros? When Nick (N3WG) is finished with the PigPad, it will be available. http://blog.pignology.net/2014/02/pigpad-prototype.html wunder K6WRU On Apr 3, 2014, at 1:41 PM, Hisashi T Fujinaka ht...@twofifty.com wrote: I'm

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread GRANT YOUNGMAN
I have to admit, I find most of this discussion a bit odd. Why, is the K3 less “fun” today than it was two years ago? Why do you expect Elecraft to deliver more radio than you purchased? If I buy an SL245 (that’s a car, not a radio!), I don’t then 3 years later grouse about the fact that it

[Elecraft] [KX3] Unstable SWR Reading (maxwel...@aol.com)

2014-04-03 Thread Gary Hawkins
Hi Tom, Regrading your comments below: I am seeing a similar concern with my KX3/KXPA100 home station. The KXPA100 ATU tunes it right down to 1.1-1.2. Then when I start transmitting it jumps up between 2 and 3. This doesn't happen all of the time nor on all bands. I have worked with Dick and

[Elecraft] Subject: re K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Jeffrey Otterson
I can put up with the ergonomics of the K3 -- I knew about the ergonomic issues when I bought it. There is a limit to the amount of user interface you can put on the front panel of a compact radio. What does bug me is what another commenter wrote about: the K3 remains unfinished. It is

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread george fritkin
I sure hope it is an hardware only product.  Speaking quite candidly, I am tired of the countless software updates fixing bugs that should have been caught before the product is released.   George, W6GF On Thursday, April 3, 2014 4:27 PM, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: On

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Goldtr8 (KD8NNU)
I don’t get the whole ergonomics thing as I find the radio easy to use. Its way easier than my IC-7000 which is a small radio but has way more layers of menus. ~73 Don KD8NNU -.- -.. ---.. -. -. ..- -Original Message- From: MontyS Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2014 6:13 PM To: David

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT
Of course not. This is for *portable* use. On 4/3/2014 12:46 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote: I've worked on some space vehicles with RTGs. A couple have left the solar system, a good place for them. I'd not want one in my ham shack ;-) Phil W7OX On 4/3/14, 11:17 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote:

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Ian White
I have to admit, I find most of this discussion a bit odd. Why, is the K3 less fun today than it was two years ago? Why do you expect Elecraft to deliver more radio than you purchased? Because that is precisely what Elecraft did deliver in the early days of the K3 - both the fun part and the

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread David and Dianne on Comcast
Grant-NQ5T, A lot of folks were weighing in on this topic before me... but since you chose to re-post my original text in your reply (BTW hasn't Eric asked us repeatedly not to do that?) I can only infer that you are directing your comments to my post. So You find my comments odd? I

Re: [Elecraft] External controls for the K3?

2014-04-03 Thread Fred Jensen
You might consider checking out Pignology. For several reasons, built-in furniture in the shack is a big one, my KPA500 sits on the desk because of the weight, and the K3 is on a shelf about 7 inches [18 cm, we're inching our way to metric :-)] above it. It's on the right [again, built in

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Bill W2BLC
Guess I stirred up a hornet's nest on the ergonomics subject. However, that said, after the last round of firmware updates my K-Line has become the best station I have ever owned. Simply put: It does what it is advertised to do - pretty much as easy or complicated as you choose. So, I guess

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Don Wilhelm
I have to compare the K2 firmware development and its time span with the firmware development of the K3. The K2 was introduced in 1999 and its firmware was improved to add new functions up until about 2006 (about the time the K3 was being developed). Yes, the update rate slowed considerably

Re: [Elecraft] External controls for the K3?

2014-04-03 Thread Matt Maguire
Do you have something like a Winkeyer? You could use it in standalone mode, and use the CW memory buttons on that to send your call/RST. 73, Matt VK2RQ On Fri, Apr 4, 2014 at 11:18 AM, Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net wrote: You might consider checking out Pignology. For several reasons,

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Wheeler
Sounds like you're going for last rigS, Marty :-) Phil W7OX On 4/3/14, 3:13 PM, MontyS wrote: I don't want any rig to be the last rig I Own. I had a K3, and loved it, for over 5 years. I will probably get another one in the future. I've owned a HW-100, a Swan - the first with a digital

Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft product to be shown and announced this Friday

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Wheeler
I like the updates, George. Beats waiting five years for today's version. With the K2 firmware updates were truly firm: Buy new chips (there are six or so in a fully optioned K2), disassemble the K2 and install them. Sorta a PITA compared to the K3/KX3/etc. approach. Phil W7OX On 4/3/14,

[Elecraft] Heat Sinks with machined call sign.

2014-04-03 Thread Gary Schultz
Heat sinks are back on eBay just do a search for KX3 or my call N8WTT __ 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

[Elecraft] April Fools

2014-04-03 Thread Richard Thorpe
This whole ergonomics thread is an April Fools joke right? Not to mention some guy complaining about software updates. Has this list gone crazy? K6CG __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Re: [Elecraft] April Fools

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Hystad
I think all Elecraft users (myself included) are spoiled. Can you imagine the Icom reflector (is there even any in existance) having the same conversation about their radio dead because the stream of firmware updates has slowed down. On Apr 3, 2014, at 6:12 PM, Richard Thorpe kis...@me.com

[Elecraft] this sight

2014-04-03 Thread Rstafford12
I really like this site. However, it seems to me that many people have too much time on their hands. Clean it up. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm

[Elecraft] K3 - firmware development (was : Ergonomics)

2014-04-03 Thread Johnny Siu
Hello Don, It is prefectly understandable for a slower rate of firmware changes because K3 is now quite a mature radio.  In other words, K3 is no longer a  'work-in-progress' radio. Once a product is mature, company may spend its effort to develop next generation product or consider additional

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Wayne Burdick
Guess I stirred up a hornet's nest on the ergonomics subject. I spent the day alternately documenting the color and size of the hornets, for future reference, and hiding from them. However, that said, after the last round of firmware updates my K-Line has become the best station I have

Re: [Elecraft] this sight

2014-04-03 Thread Charlie , W5COV
Well in almost 50 years of being a ham, I have to say the K3 and KX3 are the two best overall quality radios I have ever had the pleasure to operate, even briefly. Since I will also never in my lifetime likely be able to afford one of my own, if anyone is so upset with theirs , for looks,

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT
Since last rig implies something far more final, I'd agree with the original poster. I don't want a last rig either. 73 -- Lynn On 4/3/2014 5:55 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote: Sounds like you're going for last rigS __ Elecraft mailing

Re: [Elecraft] External controls for the K3?

2014-04-03 Thread Bill Brooks
You might try Pignology. I have two of the PigKnobs, one for each K3. You can remotely tune at different rates and it has 8 programmable buttons for K3 macros. It works really well and if you spend long hours tuning, like contesting, it is a real relief to be able to run many radio functions

[Elecraft] forum activities (was : April Fools)

2014-04-03 Thread Johnny Siu
Hello Phil, I like this forum not only because it talks about our K-line but also it gives me much radio knowledge.  Perhaps, you will note that I often put up Off Topic questions about radios in this forum. There are many educated and knowledgeable elmers here.  They gave me valuable advices

Re: [Elecraft] April Fools

2014-04-03 Thread Reginald J Mackey SR
Yes...yes indeed... Reggie k6xr Amateur radio 58 years DXCC, RCC, WAC Sent from my iPad On Apr 3, 2014, at 6:12 PM, Richard Thorpe kis...@me.com wrote: This whole ergonomics thread is an April Fools joke right? Not to mention some guy complaining about software updates. Has this list

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Wheeler
Sometimes a useful way to put it, like when discussing buying the K3/P3, KX3, KPA500 and KAT500 with my wife. And who knows, at my age Elecraft may not come up with one better soon enough (Murphy's Law may attack me now, with some imminent Elecraft announcement unrelated to the KX3) :-) My

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Vic Rosenthal K2VCO
I too am an 'old' K3 owner (in more than one sense). I have K3 #0007. Yes, /seven/. I was one of the incredibly lucky members of a focus group when the K3 was still in prototype form. I love my K3 as much as anyone can 'love' a radio. But I agree with Dave, Joe and Ian that the K3 still has

Re: [Elecraft] External controls for the K3?

2014-04-03 Thread Fred Jensen
Yes, I have a WinKeyUSB which N1MM uses to key my K3. I try hard to paddle right using the K3 keyer, it makes guest op sessions so much easier. I have a paddle on the WinKey to the left of the Pigknob and mouse, and sometimes, I think when I'm tired, I end up using it because it's so much

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Phil Hystad
I once suggested to Wayne that he charge something for 'premium' firmware, possibly with specialized features that not everyone would want. That would give them some revenue to finance continued development for existing products. He told me -- in no uncertain terms -- that Elecraft would

[Elecraft] OT: application of directional Quad in UHF

2014-04-03 Thread Johnny Siu
Hello Elecrafters, It is off-topic and you can press 'DEL' now. Hong Kong is quite a hilly place in the rural areas. Local ham societies are often providing radio communication support services to charity organisations having fun raising sports activities in these areas.  We have to set up UHF

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Fred Jensen
OK Wayne and all the rest: I don't hang on the list eagerly waiting for the latest firmware update. After I got my K3 kit [#642], I was inundated with firmware updates. Most were important and meant something to me, I knew I'd bought in early and expected this. As time passed, the update

[Elecraft] IBM's resources (OT)

2014-04-03 Thread Tony Estep
On Thu, Apr 3, 2014 at 7:47 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: ...Elecraft is nowhere the size of IBM and does not have those huge resources = Don's comment reminded me of one of the great hacker stories of all time. When IBM launched the 360, it obsoleted all its

Re: [Elecraft] Heat Sinks with machined call sign.

2014-04-03 Thread Rick Robinson
Gary, glad you posted. I wanted to thank you for the fantastic work on my heatsink. I don't get on eBay often so a big thanks to you. I have looked and listened to all the research and designs that have been around for several months and all seemed to have their place. I liked yours right off the

[Elecraft] K3 VOX per mode

2014-04-03 Thread Carl Clawson
OK, Elecraft staff, since you say you're not done with f/w updates to the K3. This got kicked around on the reflector a couple years ago but I don't see that it ever got a definite answer whether it will be taken care of: The VOX setting is the same for SSB and for AFSK/DATA A. This is wrong. VOX

[Elecraft] Connecting CWSkimmer to my K3

2014-04-03 Thread pastormg2
Good Morning, This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I am seriously considering using CWSkimmer with my K3. But it seems that some of the sound cards that I might use are not available. I have heard about the SDR-IQ, but I don't think I can connect that to the IF Output on the K3 and still use it for

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Stephen Bloom
OK, so I gotta ask ...Am I the only one on this reflector who does the vast majority of his radio adjustments via CAT/software? About the only time I touch the radio is tuning the VFO nobs, Power up and down, and occasionally the AF gain. I like having the options (as opposed to say a FlexRadio)

[Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread ANDY NEHAN
My recent previous rig was the FT897 so by comparison the K3 has trully wonderful ergonomics. I accept that having multifunction controls is not ideal but that has to be weighed against a front panel twice as big. I am happy with the choices made by Elecraft - as they say one cannot

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT
I do have one rhetorical question for the group on this topic, and it applies to my KX3 as well. Unlike brand Y, or brand K, or brand I, these radios are largely software defined, and features can be added that weren't part of the original design. While I don't have a list handy, I'm sure

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

2014-04-03 Thread Walter Underwood
You could extend an existing button function. Perhaps add the 60m band to the band up/down buttons. Or add a mode to the mode buttons. That would be one way to include ESSB or Synchronous AM detection. The mode rotation on my Lowe HF-150 includes several flavors of AM. I doubt it will happen,

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