You're absolutely right. It's really odd but his criticism of the small size of the K-3 would undoubtedly be one of the easiest things to change should the spirit move the company. I also own an Orion II. Opening the case of that radio is a revelation. It has lots of empty space. It is obvious it could have been packaged in a much smaller container. However, I'm sure the objective of the designers was to have a larger radio for those who want it. I ensure Elecraft could do the same thing -- repackage the existing electronics of the K-3 into a much larger box and shazam, we would have the K-4.
I am not discounting the desires of some to have a physically larger radio with the same electrical performance of the K-3. But I don't think it is wise to forget what I'm sure was an important design criteria of the team which designed the radio -- make it as complete as possible in a small, portable container so it can be used in as many circumstances as possible. I also have an FT 1000D which has many desirable qualities, considering its age. But at 50+ pounds I guarantee it will not be going on many trips with me. That is in contrast to the K-3 which would travel very well with the possible problem that I might have trouble finding it in the car when I reach my destination. Bruce-W8FU -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ed Muns Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 10:44 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Eham.net K3 review by QRPNEW > I read the review, and while "QRPNEW" took a few unwarranted > pot shots at the K3, I also thought he made some interesting > and valid points. This "review" is either a joke or the creation of someone who doesn't understand the purpose of a HF transceiver. It was clear, just partway through, that this anonymous poster had zero credibility. > The gist of his comments is that the K3 > can't quite decide whether it wants to be a small portable > transceiver, or a full-sized full-featured base station > transceiver, and in trying to be both it falls short in > several respects. This statement is completely backwards. One of the incredible achievements of the K3 is that it is the most portable of serious HF transceivers AND it outperforms other HP transceivers in all the ways that matter. Yes, there are some specific situations and specific users for which the K3 is not perfect, but the radio hits the mark for the vast majority of diverse users. Ed - W0YK _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
