As outside observer, it seems the K3 is more of a process than a
product. I doubt it will ever be a finished product, with a static list
of features and capabilities.
Instead, one buys into an ongoing, organic, developing process. It has
never been "finished" and likely never will. You either accept the
process or maybe you don't because they spend more time developing
features you are not interested in, whilst the one's you desire remains
on the wish list.
From initial release to the present, the K3 has undergone continual
development, subject to updates, upgrades, and re-design. My friend
ordered his before there were any actually built and available for sale.
The rig today is very different from what he expected at the time he
placed his order.
As an ongoing process, it is subject to a myriad of vagaries and
uncertainties, and (inevitably) disappointments that your feature did
not get updated or improved or even off the drawing board.
So, you either like it or you don't. You should buy it for what it can
do on the date of purchase, not for what it might be able to do on some
uncertain, unspecified later date. Whatever it becomes should be seen
as "gravy" or as a bonus.
As an outside observer, I believe the Elecraft management have
intentionally bitten off more than they can chew so as to do as much as
is possible, considering all ideas and suggestions, and implementing
those within reach. They could have opted to close the book and rake in
the profits on a static set of specifications.
A unique characteristic of this process is that it is quite transparent,
open, and shared with the consumer. The company could have played its
cards much closer to the vest, and there would be no disappointment
because no one would have any clue what might come next, if anything,
until it does.
Instead, they elected to take the far more dangerous, open course, and
cut the customer in on the process. THAT is unique, but does open the
door to some disappointment as one's pet improvement remains delayed
whilst others' desires are fulfilled.
I consider any future enhancement, upgrade, or improvement as falling
into two categories:
1) mandatory updates to maintain or effectuate stated specifications
(i.e., warranty updates) and
2) optional updates implementing wish list items for additional or
different features or capabilities.
The first type are required to comply with warranty obligations, the
second type is optional and bonus to the buyer. As I believe the
Elecraft management is sincere, it will do its best to implement all the
category 2 option features it can, within the constraints of time,
resources, and profitability.
As such, while your pet update may languish on the drawing board, you
did not buy the rig with that in mind, as it was not a stated feature
when you purchased it, and you bought into a process which is subject to
uncertainty. But you have bought into a process where management does
mean what it says and is doing its best. I cannot see how one could ask
for more.
No one else is as keen on selling a process, ... just the rig as it is
on date of sale.
Just My take, anyway.
-------------------------- JHR ---------------------
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