[TenTec] Form Factor and Display Size

[Barry N1EU]

I don't want to have to push a button to display my selectivity or PBT
setting.  I don't want to do a push-hold to switch the display so that I
can see the subrx settings (and push-hold to get back to main settings).  I
don't want to have to twiddle the MIC knob to see my mic gain setting, or
the CMP knob to see my compression setting, or the PWR knob to see my power
setting.  ETC ETC  I want them all visible, all the time, at a glance.

73, Barry N1EU

On Fri, Jul 5, 2013 at 4:28 PM, Jim Brown <k9yc at audiosystemsgroup.com>wrote:

> On 7/5/2013 2:52 AM, Barry N1EU wrote:
>
>> The form factor of the K3 limits it to a very small display, my main
>> objection.  An Orion-size display is a huge advantage.
>>
>
> My 71 year old eyes ain't what they used to be, but I find the form factor
> and the modularity of the K3 just about ideal.  The P3 spectrum analyzer is
> in a separate box that the same height and depth of the K3, but less than
> half the width. This allows it to be placed on either side of the K3, or on
> top, which is how I do it. The modularity allows me to buy only as much
> radio as I need, and to add options later as I see the need (or have the
> funds) to do so. That weight and form factor also make it more likely that
> I drag it on an airplane for a DX trip -- W0YK had soft cases specially
> made so that he can drag two of them for his regular trips to the Caribbean
> that set RTTY contesting records.
>
> The more compact form factor made a HUGE improvement on my operating desk
> when the K3s replaced a pair of FT1000MPs (boats the size of the Orion,
> somewhat different shape, no spectrum display).
>
> The P3 spectrum analyzer can be set to any bandwidth between 2 kHz and 200
> kHz, and for any full scale range between 6 and 72 dB. It also has an
> option for display on a computer monitor. Both P3 and external monitor can
> also display a waterfall, or waterfall plus spectrum. The external monitor
> greatly increases the frequency resolution of the spectrum display, as well
> as the time interval of the waterfall (the longest setting displays a full
> minute). This is REALLY helpful when you're trying to find an open
> frequency to call CQ during a contest, or where to fit your call in a DX
> pileup, or to see band openings on 6M and 10M.
>
> One advantage of the modularity is that you can choose which features YOU
> need for your style of operation.  If you're always going to be driving an
> amp, you don't need the antenna tuner. For most everyday operating, even
> for most contests, I find the P3 much more useful than the second RX. The
> exception is for diversity reception on 160, 80, and 40M.  Since the two
> options are in the same range of cost, it allows the user to choose (and to
> add the other later).
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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