[CQ-Contest] Fwd: K3 initial comments

[PaulKB8N at aol.com]

In a message dated 7/6/2007 1:07:46 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  
btippett at alum.mit.edu writes:

It seems  very clear to me that a lot of thought went into the
types and positioning  of K3 controls.  For example I see that
RF Gain and AF Gain are on the  innermost part of two separate
concentric knobs rather than both being on  the same control (as
on the TS-930S, MP and FT-2000).  This makes  sense to me since
these are likely two of the most often adjusted knobs for  my
style of operating. 


Bill,
 
I had just the opposite view, why not put them both on a concentric knob  
like Omni VI?  I consider the RF Gain to be THE most important control for  
receiving, but I think it is prudent to "bundle" controls that are used together  
on the same shaft whenever possible.  Squelch concentric with the AF  Gain?  
Huh?
 
That brings me to the width/shift knobs.  I always loved the Drake R-4  
series, it was a stroke of genius by some ergonomics-conscious designer to put  the 
filter selection stem on the Peak control shaft.  What flexibility and  ease 
of operation!  I don't know why Elecraft didn't consider something  like that 
with the width/shift knobs.
 
Bottom line:  Smaller radios don't have to mean smaller knobs, a  sensible 
grouping of controls can create space on the front panel for slightly  larger 
concentric controls that will minimize those precise hand movements  between 
controls that frustrate us so much.
 
This having been said, when I learned of the capabilities  of the K3, I 
plunked down my money faster than an addict buying  crack cocaine.  I'm sure I'm in 
for  a magnificent high!
 
Paul, K5AF



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