well, there are DJ style consoles that have this kind of functionality, but 
what you are really using is what is called a control surface.
I find it pretty neat that the radio software allows you to control it via a 
control surface.
There are lots of various control surfaces availible, from around $100 for 
basic ones, up to $2000 for really high end advanced ones.
Most of them aren't much bigger than a desktop computer keyboard, usually 
smaller.
They are used allot in audio work stations, or digital audio work stations 
as they relate to controlling recording software with a piece of hardware.

Which model are you using Jim?

73
Colin, V A6BS
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Duke, K5XU" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 8:00 PM
Subject: The DJ Console


> Hi, Jim.
>
> How much does this console cost, and how much space does it take on
> the desk?
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Jim Kutsch" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 8:33 PM
> Subject: Re: I have to ask
>
>
> Richard,
> To add to what others have already said, yes, there are a few of us
> working
> on software defined radio with screen readers.  I have the Flex 1500
> and
> find the PowerSDR software can be used with Jaws to some limited
> degree.
> There are keyboard shortcuts for most of the controls.  Still, it's
> far from
> "accessible."  I started writing some Jaws scripts and that's helping.
>
> There's a neat alternative though.  A device called the DJ Console can
> be
> interfaced as a control unit for SDR.  This console is a DJ mixing
> board
> with lots of buttons and knobs.  It connects by USB to your PC.  Then,
> you
> can assign the various knobs and buttons to control various pieces of
> the
> SDR software.  For example, I have the large knob assigned as main
> tuning, a
> smaller knob for volume, a button for band selection, etc.
>
> Flex Radio and Elecraft are both great SDR radios.  The Flex uses your
> PC
> and has no controls on the hardware itself whereas the  Elecraft has
> an
> internal processor and knobs and buttons.
>
> 73,
> Jim, KY2D
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Richard Fiorello
> Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2011 8:10 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: I have to ask
>
> Hi folks;
> I made the mistake of going to a local radio club meeting the other
> night.
> They were demonstrating software defined radio.  Someone had I believe
> a
> plex 3000 and a laptop.  Got all the usual stuff about how great the
> display
> was but when they started discussing the fact that you had to set up
> virtual
> cables I lost it.  I guess I too am a certifiable ot.
> Has anyone tried playing with one of these things and a screen reader?
> Sounded like he used hrd for somethings and the software that came
> with the
> radio for others.
> On a more sain note, someone also suggested that the k3 was also a
> software
> defined radio.  Can the k3 be used all by itself without a pc
> connected?
> Thanks
>
> --
> richard