hello richard, to answer your question about the k3 and computers, 
the answer is absolutely.  i don't have to be tied to a computer, so 
i would never buy a radio that needed a computer to make it work.  i 
have been using a k3 for 2 and a half years, and i only hook it to 
the computer when they have new updated firmware for it.  i have a 
stand-alone box that sits on top of the k3 that gives me speech 
output for frequency read out and mike settings processor settings 
power output so i don't over drive my amplifier and also whether i am 
in split mode or not.  makes my operating the radio very easy.  take 
care, c u mike w6quv



At 05:09 PM 9/15/2011, you wrote:
>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