Flex 5000: GREAT specs, zero radio-ness. One method of "tuning the
band" is to use a "hand tool" (like you use on a pdf file) and you
"pull" the band across your display (like Goole Maps). Very, ummmm,
different. User interface (tactile) is all but lacking. There is
this external device with pushbuttons and a knob to use, but I like at
least two knobs (one for each VFO or one for VFO and one for RIT/XIT).
If they ever get a better (much better) human interface, this will be
one to watch.
Just get three of those sexy USB knobs. There should be a way to bind
them to the various knob-functions in software.
OTOH, it wouldn't be hard to build a panel that had all the switches
and knobs and then spoke to the software over USB. Use the CRT to
make useful pictures like the pan display, metering, status messages,
etc.
This is an interesting User Interface (UI to us computer geeks)
issue. One of the best things in the world to keep confusion to a
minimum is a panel with knobs and switches that each do one and only
one thing. Put labels on 'em and it is pretty hard to get confused
about which "mode" the button is in. I got this from Jef Raskin who
was in part responsible for the original Apple Macintosh. He is
right. Frankly, this is where I think the K3 wins.
OTOH, I wonder about the "open-ness" of the K3's software to allow
hackers to add new modes and new modulations. Making the K3 "open"
with some kind of SDK would clinch the deal hands-down.
PPS...best "other" Tee Shirt: "Power is no substitute for Skill."
Love it.
And to add to that, "Power is no substitute for propagation.
Sometimes it is better just to MUF it."
Brian Lloyd 3191 Western Drive
brianl AT lloyd DOT com Cameron Park, CA 95682
+1.916.367.2131 (voice) +1.270.912.0788 (fax)
There is a time to laud one's country and a time to protest. A good
citizen is prepared to do either as the need arises.
PGP key ID: 12095C52A32A1B6C
PGP key fingerprint: 3B1D BA11 4913 3254 B6E0 CC09 1209 5C52 A32A 1B6C
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