The idea makes perfect sense actually...especially if one owns a recent
imported transceiver that is nearly 100% menu-driven (e.g., Yaesu FT-100D).
After owning a Yaesu FT-1000MP, I found that I was always referring to the
manual, even for the set-up and change of relatively simple features. I
don't believe it's anyone's intent to avoid having to use the manual, only
that they can begin operating without having done so. I suspect that radios
that are fully-loaded with rich "features" that are difficult to navigate
and manage are a turn-off to some. I have noticed that on some radios, if I
don't use a feature for some time, despite having read the complete manual,
I need to keep it handy to refresh my recollection. If I take a radio on
the road with me, I do not necessarily want to bring my manual to operate
it.
-Paul, W9AC
----- Original Message -----
From: "George, W5YR" <w5yr@att.net>
To: "W7TRX" <w7trx@mindspring.com>
Cc: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2000 0:07 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Jupiter- How easy to operate?
>
> I think that I am missing a very basic point here:
>
> Why would anyone spend over a thousand bucks for a radio and then not be
> willing to spend the time that it takes to absorb the contents of an
> instruction manual that tells how to operate it?
>
> Which is more important for a radio: doing the job it is intended to do,
> and do it well, or being easy to operate? Why?
>
> I agree that it is initially convenient for a radio to be "intuitively
> obvious" to operate, but how much of the inherent performance of a
> complex rig goes unrealized if the owner is unwilling to invest the time
> required to learn "all about it."
>
> Tracy, I am not trying to rattle your chain especially, but I see this
> same sentiment a lot and wonder what is behind it.
>
> 72/73, George W5YR - the Yellow Rose of Texas NETXQRP 6
> Fairview, TX 30 mi NE Dallas in Collin county QRP-L 1373
> Amateur Radio W5YR, in the 55th year and it just keeps getting better!
> Icom IC-756 PRO #02121 (9/00) Kachina #91900556 (12/99) IC-765 (6/90)
>
> W7TRX wrote:
> >
> > The Jupiter is an intriguing rig. The trait that I am most interested in
is
> > ease of use. How intuitive is it to operate? I really don't care for
radios
> > with tons of menus, cryptic buttons, and non-intuitive procedures to
work
> > them. I have sold several 2m mobile and HT rigs for just this reason. I
> > currently have an Icom 706IIG. I've learned how to work it for day to
day
> > needs, but to access all the other features requires the operators
manual
> > within reach. Ten-Tec advertises the Jupiter as simple to operate. The
pics
> > I've seen would seem to confirm this.
> >
> > So, how about it, new Jupiter owners. Can you understand and operate
this
> > radio without looking at the operations manual?
> >
> > Keep your bells and whistles. I'm hankering from a solid, easy to use
radio.
> > I fear I'll have to go back to an 80s vintage radio or analog to achieve
> > this.
> >
> > Thanks for your input.
> >
> > 73, Tracy
> > W7TRX
>
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>
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