The only thing I've found less than optimum is the b-set press to gain
access to sub-rx settings. It would be far more convenient to be able
to manipulate sub-rx filter settings, antenna selection, band changes
(eventually, as it's not supported in firmware yet), etc., w/o going
through b-set, as well as another S-meter on display for the sub-rx (and
filter/ant selection feedback).
However, keeping in mind this is (or at least was) a "field" rig, the
lack of direct control/feedback is understandable to keep things
compact. However, with performance and specs being so damn good, it's
taking over the desk position in more and more stations, esp. serious
contesters/dxers. Just browse through the 3830 reflector log
submissions, K3s are all over the place, including "big-gun" shacks, and
gaining more acceptance than any other rig before it. With this shift,
it may be advantageous to expand FP control. With SO2R, the sub-rx
would see minimal use anyways, but DXers and SO2V ops would have far
less fiddling around with some things broken out of b-set.
Perhaps the next generation K-3 (K-3-Pro) could be a re-work of the
front panel user-interface, ie. add a few more knobs/buttons and larger,
more comprehensive display. Instead of re-designing any of the guts
(ie. RF and daughter boards), a new, larger (taller) case, FP PCB + LCD,
the extra knobs, new button film, et. al. could be offered as a retrofit
kit, which basically just requires transferring the existing innards.
Best 73 es cu in SS
Eric NO3M (ex. NI3S)
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