Hello listers,
It seems that the more modern the rigs get the less accessible they get.

For instance the little Yaesu ft817nd has to be accessorized with one of two 
keypads to make it workable. You still would have to get many of the fine 
options from w4rt to turn it into a real radio such as the two board 
filters, a better battery pack and a host of other accessories.

Also if you use the keypad fromJohn Hansen or Radio Mate from BHI of England 
you can't use the accessory jack on the back.

I understand that the box for the k2 that reads out in CW is pretty complete 
in the information it has to give.

With respect to the Elecraft k3 now is the time to urge the manufacturer to 
make it accessible while it is the development stages. Not when they've 
shipped a thousand of them.

Their comments about a small market is just junk.

As a blind person I'd be willing to pay at least $300 additional if the rig 
could be made completely accessible.

If I were to get a rig right now I'd probably get a Kenwood TS480SAT which 
is quite accessible out of the box.

Or a Ten-Tec Argonaut V which I would propose to control with a computer 
program such as the n4PY program.

For my needs right now I only require 20 watts or so and easily turn down 
the power on a Kenwood.

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Best 73's,

Eric
KU3I