Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

It's not how many knobs but..how many knobs does the operator know how to 
use correctly.   

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 30, 2017, at 5:54 PM, Fred Jensen  wrote:
> 
> QKK? "How many knobs does your radio have?"
> QKK 146 "My radio has 146 knobs"
> 
> QKU? "How many of those do you know how to use"
> QKU 2 "I know how to use 2 of them"
> 
> QKB? "Would one of those be the Big Knob?"
> QKB "Yep"
> 
> 73,
> 
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
> 
>> On 9/30/2017 12:10 PM, Kevin Stover, AC0H wrote:
>> 
>> Maybe it's that the higher button and knob count increases the machismo? "I, 
>> a Real Radio Man, can operate this radio that looks like a 707 cockpit" 
>> (caveman grunting and chest thumping ensues), and it will really impress the 
>> neighbors.
>> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Fred Jensen]

QKK? "How many knobs does your radio have?"
QKK 146 "My radio has 146 knobs"

QKU? "How many of those do you know how to use"
QKU 2 "I know how to use 2 of them"

QKB? "Would one of those be the Big Knob?"
QKB "Yep"

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 9/30/2017 12:10 PM, Kevin Stover, AC0H wrote:


Maybe it's that the higher button and knob count increases the 
machismo? "I, a Real Radio Man, can operate this radio that looks like 
a 707 cockpit" (caveman grunting and chest thumping ensues), and it 
will really impress the neighbors.




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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Kevin der Kinderen]

Wow. Was this some sort of allergic reaction to someone else's opinion?
They make a drug for that.

Now that 70 lb rigs are declared only suitable for people with an
inferiority complex we can all relax in front of our HW-8s knowing that
anyone with a bigger rig doesn't match up to us in areas that really count.

73,
Kev K4VD
K4VD Club #1


On Sat, Sep 30, 2017 at 3:10 PM, Kevin Stover, AC0H 
wrote:

> Totally agree Bob.
>
> It's the "Real Radio Man" arrogance that kicks in with a new radio.
>
> As for the button/knobs vs. menu's argument, what is the difference
> between a button or knob on the face of the rig that gets adjusted once and
> never touched again and a making the same change with a menu?
>
> There is no difference in functionality.
>
> Maybe it's that the higher button and knob count increases the machismo?
> "I, a Real Radio Man, can operate this radio that looks like a 707 cockpit"
> (caveman grunting and chest thumping ensues), and it will really impress
> the neighbors.
>
> Possibly people don't know how to set the rig up and have to fiddle with
> it continuously? Knobs and buttons do make fiddling easier. They do not
> change the fact that you do not know the radio or how to set it up.
>
> The days of the 70lb Samsonite sized rig with 100+ knobs and buttons
> (TS-990S) are over Real Radio Men.
>
>
>
> On 9/28/2017 4:35 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
>
>> One other point is the hams mentality ;   "I've operated hundreds of ham
>> radios and I know how this one works".  HA!   Better read the dang manual
>> two or three times.   Also the Fred Cady, KE7X has a wealth of information
>> not included in the standard Elecraft K3S Owner's Manual.
>>
>> Regarding manuals, I've often thought when a person orders a new radio,
>> the manual should be shipped some 2 or 3 weeks to the buyer in advance,
>> before the radio ships.  Perhaps this would encourage one to learn a bit
>> more about the radio, as opposed to taking it out of the box, connecting a
>> few cables and start turning knobs and pushing buttons.  Then they
>> exclaim:  "uh, where did I put that manual because this dang thing doesn't
>> work."
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>
>
>>>
>>>
> --
> R. Kevin StoverAC0H
> FISTS #11993
> SKCC #215
> NAQCC #3441
> ARRL
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Kevin Stover, AC0H]

Totally agree Bob.

It's the "Real Radio Man" arrogance that kicks in with a new radio.

As for the button/knobs vs. menu's argument, what is the difference 
between a button or knob on the face of the rig that gets adjusted once 
and never touched again and a making the same change with a menu?


There is no difference in functionality.

Maybe it's that the higher button and knob count increases the machismo? 
"I, a Real Radio Man, can operate this radio that looks like a 707 
cockpit" (caveman grunting and chest thumping ensues), and it will 
really impress the neighbors.


Possibly people don't know how to set the rig up and have to fiddle with 
it continuously? Knobs and buttons do make fiddling easier. They do not 
change the fact that you do not know the radio or how to set it up.


The days of the 70lb Samsonite sized rig with 100+ knobs and buttons 
(TS-990S) are over Real Radio Men.




On 9/28/2017 4:35 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
One other point is the hams mentality ;   "I've operated hundreds of ham 
radios and I know how this one works".  HA!   Better read the dang 
manual two or three times.   Also the Fred Cady, KE7X has a wealth of 
information not included in the standard Elecraft K3S Owner's Manual.


Regarding manuals, I've often thought when a person orders a new radio, 
the manual should be shipped some 2 or 3 weeks to the buyer in advance, 
before the radio ships.  Perhaps this would encourage one to learn a bit 
more about the radio, as opposed to taking it out of the box, connecting 
a few cables and start turning knobs and pushing buttons.  Then they 
exclaim:  "uh, where did I put that manual because this dang thing 
doesn't work."


73

Bob, K4TAX







--
R. Kevin StoverAC0H
FISTS #11993
SKCC #215
NAQCC #3441
ARRL
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Jim Brown]

On 9/28/2017 9:05 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote:
One of the limitations of a compact rig is that the state of a 
particular control or button is often displayed in another location on 
the panel far from the button location itself. 


Gee -- every time I buy (or otherwise need to use) a new product, I 
RTFM. As a result, I've never had any problem with knowing how the K3 
works and getting it to do what I want it to do. And I never bother with 
FAQs, which are written either for users who have never RTFM, or who 
don't know much about the functions for which the product is designed, 
or for products for which the manual is so bad that everyone has 
questions. :)


I'll be 76 years old in a few weeks, and I've been a ham for 62 years. 
I've owned and/or used dozens of radios over the years. I find the 
design and user interface of the K3 series of radios VERY well thought 
out and both the front panel controls and the display quite logical. But 
then, I RTFM.


Another thing -- a K3 is pretty easy to pack as a carry-on -- W0YK 
carries two of them in the passenger compartment for DX and contest 
trips! Try carrying on ONE of those big boat rigs.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Drew AF2Z]

One of the limitations of a compact rig is that the state of a 
particular control or button is often displayed in another location on 
the panel far from the button location itself.


In typical use you search for the control's indicator somewhere on the 
display screen in order to check its status (say AGC-S, AGC-F, etc); 
then search elsewhere for the control; then back to the indicator to 
watch it while you operate the control/button.


You aren't really conscious of all the extra mental gymnastics you go 
through zigzagging your attention back and forth, but it's one reason 
why a boat anchor is more satisfying to operate-- not simply fewer 
controls, but the controls are self indicating or directly adjacent to 
meters, pilot lamps, etc.


Dislocating the status indicators from the controls also makes learning 
to operate the rig more difficult initially and probably leads to 
recurring errors like SPLIT.


73,
Drew
AF2Z





On 09/28/17 13:16, dyarnes wrote:

Hi All,

I generally am pretty reticent to take issue with my “Tucson Compadre” West, 
N7WS, as he most often is making very good points.  However, I think he 
exaggerates a bit (perhaps intentionally) in attributing so much of the split 
operation error to K3 owners.  There are a lot of us, but not even remotely 
close to being that many of us!!  I tend to attribute that error, more than 
anything, to the lost art of “mentoring”.  Too many hams these days have never 
been effectively schooled in proper/normal operating procedures, and have no 
clue as to the meaning of the simple term “UP”!

Admittedly, there have been occasions when I was guilty of the sin mentioned, 
but only momentarily.  The K3 does have the “delta F” light to warn you, and 
the display does indicate “split”.  I do wish both were more obvious.  
Externally it looks like there might have been sufficient room to make both of 
those LED’s bigger and brighter.  The “split” indicator on the LCD could be 
bigger as well!  That would be a very good enhancement.  Is that possible 
through firmware?

If there is a problem with the K3, I think it can be attributed to the 
trade-off between rig size and display size.  I, for one, am happy with a 
smaller piece of gear on my desk, but I must admit that some of the display 
info is pretty difficult for these old eyes to see clearly.

I’m inclined to agree with those who don’t feel the K3 requires an inordinate 
amount of menu accessing.  I think Elecraft did a marvelous job of putting most 
needed adjustments right on the front panel.  I have had a much bigger problem 
in this respect with other rig brands.  Of course, the urge to make rigs 
smaller caused much of this, but even some very big rigs have this problem.  
The Ten-Tec Orion II is a good example.  It has a big, beautiful display, and 
lots of panel space, but still you need to make several button pushes to make 
very commonly needed changes like power level and keyer speed.  Both of these 
are instant adjustments on the K3’s front panel.

Most rigs these days are fairly complex and versatile.  Some are unduly complex 
or convoluted, but I don’t think that applies to the K3.  However, if you reach 
for a knob or a button on any of these rigs, you better be paying attention!  I 
think most operator errors are due to just that, and not to design issues.  If 
something on your K3 doesn’t sound or act right, take a good, hard look at your 
display and panel indicators.  The answer is probably right there in front of 
you!  How many times have we seen a response like ‘Are you on antenna 1 or 
antenna 2?”

Dave W7AQK







From: Wes Stewart 

Have you never turned on VOX when you meant to change bands? Or set up VFO A and
B to split frequencies and then accidentally (and unknowingly) written A to B
when you tried to turn on Split?? Your Split indicator gives you comfort but
you're still transmitting on the DX.? Probably half the, "He's split you moron"
comments in pileups are directed at K3 owners. And don't even get me started
about memory management.

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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Yes, actually before I ordered my K3S I went on line and printed a full copy.  
This helped me make my decision on the choice of options.  I ordered the radio 
and while waiting, I read and re-read the manual.   After 18 mos or so of using 
the radio, very satisfactorily I might add, I ordered the Fred Cady book and 
have learned a lot more.  

All the hours reading and studying have been very worthwhile.   I highly 
suggest others do the same. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 28, 2017, at 4:56 PM, Bill Johnson <k9...@live.com> wrote:
> 
> You probably know the manual is viewable on line. When I order something, I 
> read and reread.  There is more than I can remember.  But I do remember some 
> of the major settings and those that appeal to me.
> 
> 73,
> Bill
> K9YEQ
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
> Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:35 PM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?
> 
> One other point is the hams mentality ;   "I've operated hundreds of ham 
> radios and I know how this one works".  HA!   Better read the dang manual two 
> or three times.   Also the Fred Cady, KE7X has a wealth of information not 
> included in the standard Elecraft K3S Owner's Manual.
> 
> Regarding manuals, I've often thought when a person orders a new radio, the 
> manual should be shipped some 2 or 3 weeks to the buyer in advance, before 
> the radio ships.  Perhaps this would encourage one to learn a bit more about 
> the radio, as opposed to taking it out of the box, connecting a few cables 
> and start turning knobs and pushing buttons.  Then they
> exclaim:  "uh, where did I put that manual because this dang thing doesn't 
> work."
> 
> 73
> 
> Bob, K4TAX
> 
> 
>> On 9/28/2017 4:16 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:
>> Dave, W7AQK is absolutely right. Many of my early problems with the K3 
>> came from pushing a button without looking at the radio.
>> 
>> It also helps to learn what each of the items displayed on the panel 
>> means, even the ones you don't think you need to know about. You may 
>> have accidentally changed one an shot yourself in the foot.
>> 
>> My last serious case of transmit on the DX frequency came because my 
>> P3/SVGA display for the 2nd VFO looked red, even though I wasn't in 
>> split. The P3 colors were much clearer, but I didn't look at the P3.
>> Another ham called me on the telephone to inform me of the error of my 
>> ways. (Thanks!) Now I check the delta-F light and the SVGA.
>> 
>> 73 Bill AE6JV
>> 
>>> On 9/28/17 at 10:16 AM, w7...@cox.net (dyarnes) wrote:
>>> 
>>> However, if you reach for a knob or a button on any of these rigs, 
>>> you better be paying attention!  I think most operator errors are due 
>>> to just that, and not to design issues.  If something on your K3 
>>> doesn’t sound or act right, take a good, hard look at your display 
>>> and panel indicators.  The answer is probably right there in front of 
>>> you!  How many times have we seen a response like ‘Are you on antenna
>>> 1 or antenna 2?”
>> 
>> --
>> --- Bill Frantz| The first thing you need when  | Periwinkle
>> (408)356-8506  | using a perimeter defense is a | 16345 Englewood 
>> Ave www.pwpconsult.com | perimeter. | Los Gatos, 
>> CA 95032
>> 
>> __
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>> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to 
>> rmcg...@blomand.net
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Bill Johnson]

You probably know the manual is viewable on line. When I order something, I 
read and reread.  There is more than I can remember.  But I do remember some of 
the major settings and those that appeal to me.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:35 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

One other point is the hams mentality ;   "I've operated hundreds of ham radios 
and I know how this one works".  HA!   Better read the dang manual two or three 
times.   Also the Fred Cady, KE7X has a wealth of information not included in 
the standard Elecraft K3S Owner's Manual.

Regarding manuals, I've often thought when a person orders a new radio, the 
manual should be shipped some 2 or 3 weeks to the buyer in advance, before the 
radio ships.  Perhaps this would encourage one to learn a bit more about the 
radio, as opposed to taking it out of the box, connecting a few cables and 
start turning knobs and pushing buttons.  Then they
exclaim:  "uh, where did I put that manual because this dang thing doesn't 
work."

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/28/2017 4:16 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:
> Dave, W7AQK is absolutely right. Many of my early problems with the K3 
> came from pushing a button without looking at the radio.
>
> It also helps to learn what each of the items displayed on the panel 
> means, even the ones you don't think you need to know about. You may 
> have accidentally changed one an shot yourself in the foot.
>
> My last serious case of transmit on the DX frequency came because my 
> P3/SVGA display for the 2nd VFO looked red, even though I wasn't in 
> split. The P3 colors were much clearer, but I didn't look at the P3.
> Another ham called me on the telephone to inform me of the error of my 
> ways. (Thanks!) Now I check the delta-F light and the SVGA.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 9/28/17 at 10:16 AM, w7...@cox.net (dyarnes) wrote:
>
>> However, if you reach for a knob or a button on any of these rigs, 
>> you better be paying attention!  I think most operator errors are due 
>> to just that, and not to design issues.  If something on your K3 
>> doesn’t sound or act right, take a good, hard look at your display 
>> and panel indicators.  The answer is probably right there in front of 
>> you!  How many times have we seen a response like ‘Are you on antenna
>> 1 or antenna 2?”
>
> --
> --- Bill Frantz    | The first thing you need when  | Periwinkle
> (408)356-8506  | using a perimeter defense is a | 16345 Englewood 
> Ave www.pwpconsult.com | perimeter. | Los Gatos, 
> CA 95032
>
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> rmcg...@blomand.net


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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

One other point is the hams mentality ;   "I've operated hundreds of ham 
radios and I know how this one works".  HA!   Better read the dang 
manual two or three times.   Also the Fred Cady, KE7X has a wealth of 
information not included in the standard Elecraft K3S Owner's Manual.


Regarding manuals, I've often thought when a person orders a new radio, 
the manual should be shipped some 2 or 3 weeks to the buyer in advance, 
before the radio ships.  Perhaps this would encourage one to learn a bit 
more about the radio, as opposed to taking it out of the box, connecting 
a few cables and start turning knobs and pushing buttons.  Then they 
exclaim:  "uh, where did I put that manual because this dang thing 
doesn't work."


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/28/2017 4:16 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:
Dave, W7AQK is absolutely right. Many of my early problems with the K3 
came from pushing a button without looking at the radio.


It also helps to learn what each of the items displayed on the panel 
means, even the ones you don't think you need to know about. You may 
have accidentally changed one an shot yourself in the foot.


My last serious case of transmit on the DX frequency came because my 
P3/SVGA display for the 2nd VFO looked red, even though I wasn't in 
split. The P3 colors were much clearer, but I didn't look at the P3. 
Another ham called me on the telephone to inform me of the error of my 
ways. (Thanks!) Now I check the delta-F light and the SVGA.


73 Bill AE6JV

On 9/28/17 at 10:16 AM, w7...@cox.net (dyarnes) wrote:

However, if you reach for a knob or a button on any of these rigs, 
you better be paying attention!  I think most operator errors are due 
to just that, and not to design issues.  If something on your K3 
doesn’t sound or act right, take a good, hard look at your display 
and panel indicators.  The answer is probably right there in front of 
you!  How many times have we seen a response like ‘Are you on antenna 
1 or antenna 2?”


-
Bill Frantz    | The first thing you need when  | Periwinkle
(408)356-8506  | using a perimeter defense is a | 16345 Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com | perimeter. | Los Gatos, CA 95032

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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Bill Frantz]

Dave, W7AQK is absolutely right. Many of my early problems with 
the K3 came from pushing a button without looking at the radio.


It also helps to learn what each of the items displayed on the 
panel means, even the ones you don't think you need to know 
about. You may have accidentally changed one an shot yourself in 
the foot.


My last serious case of transmit on the DX frequency came 
because my P3/SVGA display for the 2nd VFO looked red, even 
though I wasn't in split. The P3 colors were much clearer, but I 
didn't look at the P3. Another ham called me on the telephone to 
inform me of the error of my ways. (Thanks!) Now I check the 
delta-F light and the SVGA.


73 Bill AE6JV

On 9/28/17 at 10:16 AM, w7...@cox.net (dyarnes) wrote:

However, if you reach for a knob or a button on any of these 
rigs, you better be paying attention!  I think most operator 
errors are due to just that, and not to design issues.  If 
something on your K3 doesn’t sound or act right, take a good, 
hard look at your display and panel indicators.  The answer is 
probably right there in front of you!  How many times have we 
seen a response like ‘Are you on antenna 1 or antenna 2?”


-
Bill Frantz| The first thing you need when  | Periwinkle
(408)356-8506  | using a perimeter defense is a | 16345 
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com | perimeter. | Los Gatos, 
CA 95032


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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[dyarnes]

Hi All,

I generally am pretty reticent to take issue with my “Tucson Compadre” West, 
N7WS, as he most often is making very good points.  However, I think he 
exaggerates a bit (perhaps intentionally) in attributing so much of the split 
operation error to K3 owners.  There are a lot of us, but not even remotely 
close to being that many of us!!  I tend to attribute that error, more than 
anything, to the lost art of “mentoring”.  Too many hams these days have never 
been effectively schooled in proper/normal operating procedures, and have no 
clue as to the meaning of the simple term “UP”!  

Admittedly, there have been occasions when I was guilty of the sin mentioned, 
but only momentarily.  The K3 does have the “delta F” light to warn you, and 
the display does indicate “split”.  I do wish both were more obvious.  
Externally it looks like there might have been sufficient room to make both of 
those LED’s bigger and brighter.  The “split” indicator on the LCD could be 
bigger as well!  That would be a very good enhancement.  Is that possible 
through firmware?

If there is a problem with the K3, I think it can be attributed to the 
trade-off between rig size and display size.  I, for one, am happy with a 
smaller piece of gear on my desk, but I must admit that some of the display 
info is pretty difficult for these old eyes to see clearly.  

I’m inclined to agree with those who don’t feel the K3 requires an inordinate 
amount of menu accessing.  I think Elecraft did a marvelous job of putting most 
needed adjustments right on the front panel.  I have had a much bigger problem 
in this respect with other rig brands.  Of course, the urge to make rigs 
smaller caused much of this, but even some very big rigs have this problem.  
The Ten-Tec Orion II is a good example.  It has a big, beautiful display, and 
lots of panel space, but still you need to make several button pushes to make 
very commonly needed changes like power level and keyer speed.  Both of these 
are instant adjustments on the K3’s front panel.  

Most rigs these days are fairly complex and versatile.  Some are unduly complex 
or convoluted, but I don’t think that applies to the K3.  However, if you reach 
for a knob or a button on any of these rigs, you better be paying attention!  I 
think most operator errors are due to just that, and not to design issues.  If 
something on your K3 doesn’t sound or act right, take a good, hard look at your 
display and panel indicators.  The answer is probably right there in front of 
you!  How many times have we seen a response like ‘Are you on antenna 1 or 
antenna 2?”

Dave W7AQK







From: Wes Stewart 

Have you never turned on VOX when you meant to change bands? Or set up VFO A 
and 
B to split frequencies and then accidentally (and unknowingly) written A to B 
when you tried to turn on Split?? Your Split indicator gives you comfort but 
you're still transmitting on the DX.? Probably half the, "He's split you moron" 
comments in pileups are directed at K3 owners. And don't even get me started 
about memory management.

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Re: [Elecraft] New Product Idea for Elecraft - addendum

[Shel Radin KF0UR]

And for completeness, we'd like to mention the QRPworks "K-Board" as another
viable option.

The K-Board holds 200 messages or macros, in 10 groups of 20.  And each
group of 20 can be named..."Field Day", Contest A", Contest B", etc.

Like the SideKar and SideKar Plus, each of the 200 slots can be a message or
a macro...your choice.   And each can be named so it's easier to remember
what it does.  That's especially useful for macros if you haven't memorized
all the commands :-)

And like the SideKar and SideKar Plus, you can create and modify the
messages/macros using the free Message Management Utility for the PC or Mac
(in addition to creating/modifying them on the device).

73,

Shel KF0UR
www.QRPworks.com




--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Between my operation of SSB, CW and digital modes, I find the radio 
makes all the changes necessary as I change modes and bands.   Thus once 
configured as I operate, no changes to any menu's are needed.


One thing I did conclude...the radio is a lot smarter than I 
am.  Thanks Wayne, Eric and the crew for such a great design and 
implementation.


73

Bob, K4TAX





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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Wes Stewart]

Exactly.  We heard for years that manufacturing legal limit amplifiers wasn't a 
market Elecraft wanted to enter.  Whoops, hello KPA1500.


Wes  N7WS

On 9/27/2017 12:18 PM, Kevin der Kinderen wrote:

​I don't see a problem with Elecraft or any manufacturer expanding their
line if they've identified a market and regardless of their current
products. To say otherwise would be like telling Yaesu they shouldn't come
out with a lightweight portable rig with buried menus because Yaesu users
only like big rigs with many knobs. How does one affect the other?

Ya, I like (maybe a little more than like) my KX3 but because of that I'd
be seriously interested in any rig Elecraft brought to the market. Smaller
or larger.

If you want a big boat, buy one. Except Elecraft doesn't have one so take
your money elsewhere? Odd message.

73,
Kev K4VD


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Re: [Elecraft] New Product Idea for Elecraft - addendum

[Raymond Sills]

I put in a vote for the Ham Central Terminal, too.  I have one for my KX3, and 
it makes operating (especially in a contest) very easy.  Certainly, the SideKar 
series would work as well.


(Same disclaimer as Ted's) :)



-Original Message-
From: Dauer, Edward <eda...@law.du.edu>
To: elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wed, Sep 27, 2017 9:58 am
Subject: [Elecraft] New Product Idea for Elecraft - addendum

The K-Pod (and Fred Cady’s text on macro programming) solved much of the 
problem for me, though I recently added a piece of equipment that greatly 
expands the availability of keyboard-driven macros for the K3 and the KX3 – and 
does a bunch of other stuff including keyer messaging and contest logging with 
serial number increment, which the K3 keyer lacks.  The SideKar or SideKar Plus 
made by QRPWorks.  Painless plug and play for K3 K3S KX3 and KX2.  Also comes 
with Elecraft-level personal service from Shel, KF0UR.  I have no financial 
interest in QRPWorks – just a satisfied customer with now more macro control 
capability than I know how to use.

Ted, KN1CBR


--

Message: 27
Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2017 11:51:07 +
From: brian <als...@comcast.net>
To: "Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> 'Elecraft Reflector'"
<elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?
Message-ID: <59cb90ab.2040...@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

Byron,

Absolutely not.  Functionality of KPOD is way too limited.

 


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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Kevin der Kinderen]

​I don't see a problem with Elecraft or any manufacturer expanding their
line if they've identified a market and regardless of their current
products. To say otherwise would be like telling Yaesu they shouldn't come
out with a lightweight portable rig with buried menus because Yaesu users
only like big rigs with many knobs. How does one affect the other?

Ya, I like (maybe a little more than like) my KX3 but because of that I'd
be seriously interested in any rig Elecraft brought to the market. Smaller
or larger.

If you want a big boat, buy one. Except Elecraft doesn't have one so take
your money elsewhere? Odd message.

73,
Kev K4VD
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Jim Brown]

Yep. The most I've ever had to do is tweak VOX level, and that's VERY 
rare. I plug my Yamaha CM500 into the rear panel, which, by default, 
mutes the speaker, so I have the Speaker * Phones toggle assigned to a 
PF key. Since 2008, I've not found a need for the other PF key. Maybe 
it's VOX level. :)


I LOVE the lightweight, small footprint design of the K3 -- when I 
replaced a pair of FT1000MPs on my very cramped operating desk, it gave 
me lots of space for useful accessories. I agree with Ken Kopp -- if you 
want a big boat, buy one. :)


73, Jim K9YC

 On 9/26/2017 11:29 PM, David Gilbert wrote:
I don't understand the need for all that menu access in the first 
place for normal operating.  I've literally operated complete major 
contests (CQWW, ARRL DX, etc) without ever changing anything in the 
menu, and that covers dramatic changes in operating conditions 
(propagation, QRN, QRM, etc).  Yes, I played around with many of the 
settings when I first got my K3, but once I settled on what I felt 
were the optimum settings for the majority of my operations I haven't 
touched them since.  Everything I need to change on the fly is already 
right there on the front panel. 



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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Bill Breeden]

I guess that's the beauty of a complete K line station.  I change bands 
with the buttons on the KPA500 and verify that I'm not transmitting on 
the DX by observing the cursors on the P3.  After setting up the K3 the 
way I wanted it, I now access the menus less than once a month.


73,

Bill - NA5DX


On 9/27/2017 7:39 AM, Wes Stewart wrote:
Have you never turned on VOX when you meant to change bands? Or set up 
VFO A and B to split frequencies and then accidentally (and 
unknowingly) written A to B when you tried to turn on Split?  Your 
Split indicator gives you comfort but you're still transmitting on the 
DX.  Probably half the, "He's split you moron" comments in pileups are 
directed at K3 owners. And don't even get me started about memory 
management.


So I bought a KPod.  I'll spare you the agony of reading about the 
tribulations I had with that. It took me making a video clip of the 
malfunction to convince Elecraft that the issue I was seeing was 
real.  Fixed with new firmware in the K3S not the KPod. Nevertheless 
it's a promise unfulfilled.  It's simply a trigger for macros you have 
to write and save in the limited space for macros in the radio.  The 
KPod doesn't save anything.


The other aftermarket keypad solution requires that you own a P3.

I don't mind things infrequently accessed being buried in menus. But 
how about a knob to change bands?  We have a couple of knobs for fine 
frequency adjustment, why not one for coarse adjustment?


Wes  N7WS

On 9/26/2017 11:29 PM, David Gilbert wrote:


I don't understand the need for all that menu access in the first 
place for normal operating.  I've literally operated complete major 
contests (CQWW, ARRL DX, etc) without ever changing anything in the 
menu, and that covers dramatic changes in operating conditions 
(propagation, QRN, QRM, etc).  Yes, I played around with many of the 
settings when I first got my K3, but once I settled on what I felt 
were the optimum settings for the majority of my operations I haven't 
touched them since. Everything I need to change on the fly is already 
right there on the front panel.


The fact that there are lots of deep options doesn't mean it makes 
sense to have to constantly diddle with them.


Dave   AB7E


On 9/26/2017 5:49 PM, Emory Schley wrote:
Ron, AC7AC, wrote, under another subject heading: "I'm not bothered 
by choosing between a dozen switches but sorting through half a 
dozen menu items to change one gives me a headache."
  That pretty much sums up my attitude as well, and I've heard other 
hams– MANY other hams–  complain about menus, but I don't recall 
ever hearing anyone complain about excess knobs, buttons, dials, 
etc. Reading Ron's thoughts made me wonder out loud, why can't 
Elecraft or some third party make a "magic box" that would be 
completely impotent by itself, but with the capability to mate up to 
one of these small miniaturized wonders like the KX2 or KX3, and 
which would contain oodles of manual controls for virtually every 
function the parent rig is capable of providing?
  This would NOT impact the normal functioning of the parent rig, 
but would act as an accessory for those who eschew menus and such, 
and who like their rigs bigger, bulkier and in more traditional 
formats. I envision a box of switches, buttons, knobs, perhaps even 
gauges that would be cable-fed (or wi-fied) from the little parent 
rig sitting behind the magic box. Its size would be whatever was 
necessary to accommodate the design and would resemble a 
normal-sized base station. You could conceivably have a separate 
control for each function the parent rig provides, or if logic 
dictated, then several controls might be multi-purpose.
  Then an op could have the best of both worlds. He/she could use 
his/her KX2/KX3 as a portable rig in the normal way, but when 
returned to the home station, it could be plugged back into the 
magic box to power it in a more expansive and convenient manner.
  Elecraft seems to always be on the lookout for new products. 
Here's one they might be able to put on the market, up and running, 
quickly because most of the engineering has already been worked out 
for the parent rig.

  Emory Schley
N4LP
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Art Nienhouse]

*/I second the motion an Elecraft Maestro full featured with buttons 
knobs for functions like a normal radio,  point and click computer 
interface as well  and wifi hook up is all good.

Regards
Art
ka9zap
/*
On 9/27/2017 6:51 AM, brian wrote:

Byron,

Absolutely not.  Functionality of KPOD is way too limited.

I think what he is envisioning is something like an optional 
detachable or attachable face plate (like the TS480) has.  It may be 
huge in size and for example might have individual band buttons, lots 
of knobs for other functions and maybe single function push button 
instead to press/tap multifunction buttons. Maybe most of the buttons 
could be customized.


Such an offering could satisfy both worlds.  One world doesn't think 
they need any hardware interface and wants to run everything by 
computer.  The second world prefers a more traditional knob/button 
interface. Keep in mind the demographics.  Closely spaced small 
buttons and knobs are difficult for many older people to use.  Reading 
the small captions is also an issue.


The design of such a detachable interface that satisfies most would be 
a challenge.  It may be that there needs to be several different sized 
offerings.  Market size may be a real issue.


In either case, there would be no escape from some menus.  There is 
simply too much functionality to put everything on a hardware interface.


Keep in mind the FLEX history.  It started out as all computer 
control. Then they developed the Maestro hardware interface because 
many found the all computer interface lacking.


73 de Brian/K3KO


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[Elecraft] New Product Idea for Elecraft - addendum

[Dauer, Edward]

The K-Pod (and Fred Cady’s text on macro programming) solved much of the 
problem for me, though I recently added a piece of equipment that greatly 
expands the availability of keyboard-driven macros for the K3 and the KX3 – and 
does a bunch of other stuff including keyer messaging and contest logging with 
serial number increment, which the K3 keyer lacks.  The SideKar or SideKar Plus 
made by QRPWorks.  Painless plug and play for K3 K3S KX3 and KX2.  Also comes 
with Elecraft-level personal service from Shel, KF0UR.  I have no financial 
interest in QRPWorks – just a satisfied customer with now more macro control 
capability than I know how to use.

Ted, KN1CBR


--

Message: 27
Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2017 11:51:07 +
From: brian <als...@comcast.net>
To: "Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> 'Elecraft Reflector'"
<elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
    Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?
Message-ID: <59cb90ab.2040...@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

Byron,

Absolutely not.  Functionality of KPOD is way too limited.

 


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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Wes Stewart]

Have you never turned on VOX when you meant to change bands? Or set up VFO A and 
B to split frequencies and then accidentally (and unknowingly) written A to B 
when you tried to turn on Split?  Your Split indicator gives you comfort but 
you're still transmitting on the DX.  Probably half the, "He's split you moron" 
comments in pileups are directed at K3 owners. And don't even get me started 
about memory management.


So I bought a KPod.  I'll spare you the agony of reading about the tribulations 
I had with that. It took me making a video clip of the malfunction to convince 
Elecraft that the issue I was seeing was real.  Fixed with new firmware in the 
K3S not the KPod. Nevertheless it's a promise unfulfilled.  It's simply a 
trigger for macros you have to write and save in the limited space for macros in 
the radio.  The KPod doesn't save anything.


The other aftermarket keypad solution requires that you own a P3.

I don't mind things infrequently accessed being buried in menus. But how about a 
knob to change bands?  We have a couple of knobs for fine frequency adjustment, 
why not one for coarse adjustment?


Wes  N7WS

On 9/26/2017 11:29 PM, David Gilbert wrote:


I don't understand the need for all that menu access in the first place for 
normal operating.  I've literally operated complete major contests (CQWW, ARRL 
DX, etc) without ever changing anything in the menu, and that covers dramatic 
changes in operating conditions (propagation, QRN, QRM, etc).  Yes, I played 
around with many of the settings when I first got my K3, but once I settled on 
what I felt were the optimum settings for the majority of my operations I 
haven't touched them since.  Everything I need to change on the fly is already 
right there on the front panel.


The fact that there are lots of deep options doesn't mean it makes sense to 
have to constantly diddle with them.


Dave   AB7E


On 9/26/2017 5:49 PM, Emory Schley wrote:
Ron, AC7AC, wrote, under another subject heading: "I'm not bothered by 
choosing between a dozen switches but sorting through half a dozen menu items 
to change one gives me a headache."
  That pretty much sums up my attitude as well, and I've heard other hams– 
MANY other hams–  complain about menus, but I don't recall ever hearing 
anyone complain about excess knobs, buttons, dials, etc. Reading Ron's 
thoughts made me wonder out loud, why can't Elecraft or some third party make 
a "magic box" that would be completely impotent by itself, but with the 
capability to mate up to one of these small miniaturized wonders like the KX2 
or KX3, and which would contain oodles of manual controls for virtually every 
function the parent rig is capable of providing?
  This would NOT impact the normal functioning of the parent rig, but would 
act as an accessory for those who eschew menus and such, and who like their 
rigs bigger, bulkier and in more traditional formats. I envision a box of 
switches, buttons, knobs, perhaps even gauges that would be cable-fed (or 
wi-fied) from the little parent rig sitting behind the magic box. Its size 
would be whatever was necessary to accommodate the design and would resemble 
a normal-sized base station. You could conceivably have a separate control 
for each function the parent rig provides, or if logic dictated, then several 
controls might be multi-purpose.
  Then an op could have the best of both worlds. He/she could use his/her 
KX2/KX3 as a portable rig in the normal way, but when returned to the home 
station, it could be plugged back into the magic box to power it in a more 
expansive and convenient manner.
  Elecraft seems to always be on the lookout for new products. Here's one 
they might be able to put on the market, up and running, quickly because most 
of the engineering has already been worked out for the parent rig.

  Emory Schley
N4LP
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[kevino z]

I guess if every menu item had an applicable CAT command, it could be feasible. 
But I don’t think they all do, do they?
-Kevin (KK4YEL)

No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of 
electrons were terribly inconvenienced !

On Sep 27, 2017, at 07:52, brian 
> wrote:

Byron,

Absolutely not.  Functionality of KPOD is way too limited.

I think what he is envisioning is something like an optional detachable or 
attachable face plate (like the TS480) has.  It may be huge in size and for 
example might have individual band buttons, lots of knobs for other functions 
and maybe single function push button instead to press/tap multifunction 
buttons.  Maybe most of the buttons could be customized.

Such an offering could satisfy both worlds.  One world doesn't think they need 
any hardware interface and wants to run everything by computer.  The second 
world prefers a more traditional knob/button interface. Keep in mind the 
demographics.  Closely spaced small buttons and knobs are difficult for many 
older people to use.  Reading the small captions is also an issue.

The design of such a detachable interface that satisfies most would be a 
challenge.  It may be that there needs to be several different sized offerings. 
 Market size may be a real issue.

In either case, there would be no escape from some menus.  There is simply too 
much functionality to put everything on a hardware interface.

Keep in mind the FLEX history.  It started out as all computer control. Then 
they developed the Maestro hardware interface because many found the all 
computer interface lacking.

73 de Brian/K3KO

On 9/27/2017 1:08 AM, Byron Servies wrote:
Hi there!

Isn't this the niche the K-Pod was supposed to fill?  Fully
programmable external control with additional outputs for station
control?

73, Byron N6NUL
(sorry for the dup, Emory)

On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 5:49 PM, Emory Schley 
> wrote:

Ron, AC7AC, wrote, under another subject heading: "I'm not bothered by choosing 
between a dozen switches but sorting through half a dozen menu items to change 
one gives me a headache."

That pretty much sums up my attitude as well, and I've heard other hams– MANY 
other hams–  complain about menus, but I don't recall ever hearing anyone 
complain about excess knobs, buttons, dials, etc. Reading Ron's thoughts made 
me wonder out loud, why can't Elecraft or some third party make a "magic box" 
that would be completely impotent by itself, but with the capability to mate up 
to one of these small miniaturized wonders like the KX2 or KX3, and which would 
contain oodles of manual controls for virtually every function the parent rig 
is capable of providing?

This would NOT impact the normal functioning of the parent rig, but would act 
as an accessory for those who eschew menus and such, and who like their rigs 
bigger, bulkier and in more traditional formats. I envision a box of switches, 
buttons, knobs, perhaps even gauges that would be cable-fed (or wi-fied) from 
the little parent rig sitting behind the magic box. Its size would be whatever 
was necessary to accommodate the design and would resemble a normal-sized base 
station. You could conceivably have a separate control for each function the 
parent rig provides, or if logic dictated, then several controls might be 
multi-purpose.

Then an op could have the best of both worlds. He/she could use his/her KX2/KX3 
as a portable rig in the normal way, but when returned to the home station, it 
could be plugged back into the magic box to power it in a more expansive and 
convenient manner.

Elecraft seems to always be on the lookout for new products. Here's one they 
might be able to put on the market, up and running, quickly because most of the 
engineering has already been worked out for the parent rig.

Emory Schley
N4LP
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[brian]

Byron,

Absolutely not.  Functionality of KPOD is way too limited.

I think what he is envisioning is something like an optional detachable 
or attachable face plate (like the TS480) has.  It may be huge in size 
and for example might have individual band buttons, lots of knobs for 
other functions and maybe single function push button instead to 
press/tap multifunction buttons.  Maybe most of the buttons could be 
customized.


Such an offering could satisfy both worlds.  One world doesn't think 
they need any hardware interface and wants to run everything by 
computer.  The second world prefers a more traditional knob/button 
interface. Keep in mind the demographics.  Closely spaced small buttons 
and knobs are difficult for many older people to use.  Reading the small 
captions is also an issue.


The design of such a detachable interface that satisfies most would be a 
challenge.  It may be that there needs to be several different sized 
offerings.  Market size may be a real issue.


In either case, there would be no escape from some menus.  There is 
simply too much functionality to put everything on a hardware interface.


Keep in mind the FLEX history.  It started out as all computer control. 
Then they developed the Maestro hardware interface because many found 
the all computer interface lacking.


73 de Brian/K3KO

On 9/27/2017 1:08 AM, Byron Servies wrote:

Hi there!

Isn't this the niche the K-Pod was supposed to fill?  Fully
programmable external control with additional outputs for station
control?

73, Byron N6NUL
(sorry for the dup, Emory)

On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 5:49 PM, Emory Schley  wrote:


Ron, AC7AC, wrote, under another subject heading: "I'm not bothered by choosing 
between a dozen switches but sorting through half a dozen menu items to change one gives 
me a headache."

That pretty much sums up my attitude as well, and I've heard other hams– MANY other hams– 
 complain about menus, but I don't recall ever hearing anyone complain about excess 
knobs, buttons, dials, etc. Reading Ron's thoughts made me wonder out loud, why can't 
Elecraft or some third party make a "magic box" that would be completely 
impotent by itself, but with the capability to mate up to one of these small miniaturized 
wonders like the KX2 or KX3, and which would contain oodles of manual controls for 
virtually every function the parent rig is capable of providing?

This would NOT impact the normal functioning of the parent rig, but would act 
as an accessory for those who eschew menus and such, and who like their rigs 
bigger, bulkier and in more traditional formats. I envision a box of switches, 
buttons, knobs, perhaps even gauges that would be cable-fed (or wi-fied) from 
the little parent rig sitting behind the magic box. Its size would be whatever 
was necessary to accommodate the design and would resemble a normal-sized base 
station. You could conceivably have a separate control for each function the 
parent rig provides, or if logic dictated, then several controls might be 
multi-purpose.

Then an op could have the best of both worlds. He/she could use his/her KX2/KX3 
as a portable rig in the normal way, but when returned to the home station, it 
could be plugged back into the magic box to power it in a more expansive and 
convenient manner.

Elecraft seems to always be on the lookout for new products. Here's one they 
might be able to put on the market, up and running, quickly because most of the 
engineering has already been worked out for the parent rig.

Emory Schley
N4LP
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Bill]

I will second what David said - check out his website. I have one and it 
does 98% of my hands on with the K3. You can fully customize the 48 
controls to suit your specific needs. Best addition to the K3 I ever made.


Bill W2BLC

--
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we can do without. - John Dolan

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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Dave Cole (NK7Z)]

Emory,
Check out:

http://nk7z.net/adding-external-keypad-k3/

This is a short how to to add a 64 key keypad to the K3/P3, and fire off 
macros to it via that keypad.


You preload the Pr with Macros, and then use the external keypad to fire 
them off to the radio/panadaptor.


73s and thanks,
Dave
NK7Z
http://www.nk7z.net
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[David Gilbert]

I don't understand the need for all that menu access in the first place 
for normal operating.  I've literally operated complete major contests 
(CQWW, ARRL DX, etc) without ever changing anything in the menu, and 
that covers dramatic changes in operating conditions (propagation, QRN, 
QRM, etc).  Yes, I played around with many of the settings when I first 
got my K3, but once I settled on what I felt were the optimum settings 
for the majority of my operations I haven't touched them since.  
Everything I need to change on the fly is already right there on the 
front panel.


The fact that there are lots of deep options doesn't mean it makes sense 
to have to constantly diddle with them.


Dave   AB7E


On 9/26/2017 5:49 PM, Emory Schley wrote:

Ron, AC7AC, wrote, under another subject heading: "I'm not bothered by choosing 
between a dozen switches but sorting through half a dozen menu items to change one gives 
me a headache."
  
That pretty much sums up my attitude as well, and I've heard other hams– MANY other hams–  complain about menus, but I don't recall ever hearing anyone complain about excess knobs, buttons, dials, etc. Reading Ron's thoughts made me wonder out loud, why can't Elecraft or some third party make a "magic box" that would be completely impotent by itself, but with the capability to mate up to one of these small miniaturized wonders like the KX2 or KX3, and which would contain oodles of manual controls for virtually every function the parent rig is capable of providing?
  
This would NOT impact the normal functioning of the parent rig, but would act as an accessory for those who eschew menus and such, and who like their rigs bigger, bulkier and in more traditional formats. I envision a box of switches, buttons, knobs, perhaps even gauges that would be cable-fed (or wi-fied) from the little parent rig sitting behind the magic box. Its size would be whatever was necessary to accommodate the design and would resemble a normal-sized base station. You could conceivably have a separate control for each function the parent rig provides, or if logic dictated, then several controls might be multi-purpose.
  
Then an op could have the best of both worlds. He/she could use his/her KX2/KX3 as a portable rig in the normal way, but when returned to the home station, it could be plugged back into the magic box to power it in a more expansive and convenient manner.
  
Elecraft seems to always be on the lookout for new products. Here's one they might be able to put on the market, up and running, quickly because most of the engineering has already been worked out for the parent rig.
  
Emory Schley

N4LP
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Don Wilhelm]

During normal operation, the controls on the front of the K3/K3S will 
have all the control that is needed.  There is no need to drill down 
into the menu for operation.


The menu is normally for setup of your K3 which can be customized to 
your preferences before any serious operating events.


I wonder what form of operating you are doing that requires constant 
access to the menu system.


The K-Pod was not intended to alter the menu settings, it is an 
accessory that allows the operator (primarily contester of DXer) who 
uses a keyboard to reach the commonly used controls (VFO A, VFO B and 
RIT) without moving the hands to the radio - it is only a small distance 
to move the hand from the keyboard to the K-Pod.


Yes, the K-Pod can initiate up to 16 K3 Macros via the buttons.  What 
those macros may be are defined by the user.


So if you are constantly using the menu system for some adjustments 
during normal operation, it would be wise to write macros that access 
that menu item(s) from a K-Pod button tap or hold.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/26/2017 9:08 PM, Byron Servies wrote:

Hi there!

Isn't this the niche the K-Pod was supposed to fill?  Fully
programmable external control with additional outputs for station
control?

73, Byron N6NUL

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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Dave Fugleberg]

Have you looked at Win4K3?
I realize it's not the hardware solution you wanted, but it does bring out
all the controls to a PC screen so you can point and click at pretty much
any of them rather than going through the menus on the radio...

I suppose one could build exactly what you proposed using a box of knobs,
switches, and meters connected to an Arduino or similar microcontroller,
which would talk to the radio via the serial port.

I actually did build a controller of sorts using a Arduino nano stuffed
inside an old optical mouse. I used the mouse wheel and buttons and
assigned them specific serial commands to send to the K3. Works pretty well
for its intended purpose. An expansion of that idea could likely give you
most of what you want.
On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 8:09 PM Byron Servies  wrote:

> Hi there!
>
> Isn't this the niche the K-Pod was supposed to fill?  Fully
> programmable external control with additional outputs for station
> control?
>
> 73, Byron N6NUL
> (sorry for the dup, Emory)
>
> On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 5:49 PM, Emory Schley  wrote:
> >
> > Ron, AC7AC, wrote, under another subject heading: "I'm not bothered by
> choosing between a dozen switches but sorting through half a dozen menu
> items to change one gives me a headache."
> >
> > That pretty much sums up my attitude as well, and I've heard other hams–
> MANY other hams–  complain about menus, but I don't recall ever hearing
> anyone complain about excess knobs, buttons, dials, etc. Reading Ron's
> thoughts made me wonder out loud, why can't Elecraft or some third party
> make a "magic box" that would be completely impotent by itself, but with
> the capability to mate up to one of these small miniaturized wonders like
> the KX2 or KX3, and which would contain oodles of manual controls for
> virtually every function the parent rig is capable of providing?
> >
> > This would NOT impact the normal functioning of the parent rig, but
> would act as an accessory for those who eschew menus and such, and who like
> their rigs bigger, bulkier and in more traditional formats. I envision a
> box of switches, buttons, knobs, perhaps even gauges that would be
> cable-fed (or wi-fied) from the little parent rig sitting behind the magic
> box. Its size would be whatever was necessary to accommodate the design and
> would resemble a normal-sized base station. You could conceivably have a
> separate control for each function the parent rig provides, or if logic
> dictated, then several controls might be multi-purpose.
> >
> > Then an op could have the best of both worlds. He/she could use his/her
> KX2/KX3 as a portable rig in the normal way, but when returned to the home
> station, it could be plugged back into the magic box to power it in a more
> expansive and convenient manner.
> >
> > Elecraft seems to always be on the lookout for new products. Here's one
> they might be able to put on the market, up and running, quickly because
> most of the engineering has already been worked out for the parent rig.
> >
> > Emory Schley
> > N4LP
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
>
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> - www.cqp.org
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Re: [Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Byron Servies]

Hi there!

Isn't this the niche the K-Pod was supposed to fill?  Fully
programmable external control with additional outputs for station
control?

73, Byron N6NUL
(sorry for the dup, Emory)

On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 5:49 PM, Emory Schley  wrote:
>
> Ron, AC7AC, wrote, under another subject heading: "I'm not bothered by 
> choosing between a dozen switches but sorting through half a dozen menu items 
> to change one gives me a headache."
>
> That pretty much sums up my attitude as well, and I've heard other hams– MANY 
> other hams–  complain about menus, but I don't recall ever hearing anyone 
> complain about excess knobs, buttons, dials, etc. Reading Ron's thoughts made 
> me wonder out loud, why can't Elecraft or some third party make a "magic box" 
> that would be completely impotent by itself, but with the capability to mate 
> up to one of these small miniaturized wonders like the KX2 or KX3, and which 
> would contain oodles of manual controls for virtually every function the 
> parent rig is capable of providing?
>
> This would NOT impact the normal functioning of the parent rig, but would act 
> as an accessory for those who eschew menus and such, and who like their rigs 
> bigger, bulkier and in more traditional formats. I envision a box of 
> switches, buttons, knobs, perhaps even gauges that would be cable-fed (or 
> wi-fied) from the little parent rig sitting behind the magic box. Its size 
> would be whatever was necessary to accommodate the design and would resemble 
> a normal-sized base station. You could conceivably have a separate control 
> for each function the parent rig provides, or if logic dictated, then several 
> controls might be multi-purpose.
>
> Then an op could have the best of both worlds. He/she could use his/her 
> KX2/KX3 as a portable rig in the normal way, but when returned to the home 
> station, it could be plugged back into the magic box to power it in a more 
> expansive and convenient manner.
>
> Elecraft seems to always be on the lookout for new products. Here's one they 
> might be able to put on the market, up and running, quickly because most of 
> the engineering has already been worked out for the parent rig.
>
> Emory Schley
> N4LP
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[Elecraft] New product idea for Elecraft...?

[Emory Schley]

Ron, AC7AC, wrote, under another subject heading: "I'm not bothered by choosing 
between a dozen switches but sorting through half a dozen menu items to change 
one gives me a headache."
 
That pretty much sums up my attitude as well, and I've heard other hams– MANY 
other hams–  complain about menus, but I don't recall ever hearing anyone 
complain about excess knobs, buttons, dials, etc. Reading Ron's thoughts made 
me wonder out loud, why can't Elecraft or some third party make a "magic box" 
that would be completely impotent by itself, but with the capability to mate up 
to one of these small miniaturized wonders like the KX2 or KX3, and which would 
contain oodles of manual controls for virtually every function the parent rig 
is capable of providing?
 
This would NOT impact the normal functioning of the parent rig, but would act 
as an accessory for those who eschew menus and such, and who like their rigs 
bigger, bulkier and in more traditional formats. I envision a box of switches, 
buttons, knobs, perhaps even gauges that would be cable-fed (or wi-fied) from 
the little parent rig sitting behind the magic box. Its size would be whatever 
was necessary to accommodate the design and would resemble a normal-sized base 
station. You could conceivably have a separate control for each function the 
parent rig provides, or if logic dictated, then several controls might be 
multi-purpose.
 
Then an op could have the best of both worlds. He/she could use his/her KX2/KX3 
as a portable rig in the normal way, but when returned to the home station, it 
could be plugged back into the magic box to power it in a more expansive and 
convenient manner.
 
Elecraft seems to always be on the lookout for new products. Here's one they 
might be able to put on the market, up and running, quickly because most of the 
engineering has already been worked out for the parent rig.
 
Emory Schley
N4LP
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