1. Topics
  2. Please send us some components to the UK

Please send us some components to the UK

trevor MØTDZ / MØDX
 

One for the Elecraft team 

We are sadly lacking in anyone who can fix our Elecraft radios here in the UK.  W&S the “official” support centre can only deal with warranty repairs (via board swaps ?) as their tech guy is not with them any more with their move to Portsmouth.

There are other repair centres here but (you) Elecraft will not supply replacement parts to them. 

Can you please have a think about how this situation can be rectified.  Perhaps we, the punters, can buy the replacement bits from you if you are not happy to send direct to one of the repairers. It would be good to hear your ideas on how you can help you loyal fan base here.

From a long term Elecraft fan with loads of radios you that might need repairing in the future and as one contemplating dropping 5K on a 4.
Ted G7BQM
 

Afraid I second this.  I was let down with a used K3 repair a while ago and myself and a friend at the local radio club, have both put off contemplating a K4 until this is resolved.

73, Ted G7BQM

K2, K3, KX2 and KX373, Ted G7BQM

On 8 Nov 2022, at 08:00, trevor MØTDZ / MØDX <m0tdz@...> wrote:

One for the Elecraft team 

We are sadly lacking in anyone who can fix our Elecraft radios here in the UK.  W&S the “official” support centre can only deal with warranty repairs (via board swaps ?) as their tech guy is not with them any more with their move to Portsmouth.

There are other repair centres here but (you) Elecraft will not supply replacement parts to them. 

Can you please have a think about how this situation can be rectified.  Perhaps we, the punters, can buy the replacement bits from you if you are not happy to send direct to one of the repairers. It would be good to hear your ideas on how you can help you loyal fan base here.

From a long term Elecraft fan with loads of radios you that might need repairing in the future and as one contemplating dropping 5K on a 4.
ANDY NEHAN
 

Currently I would not even contemplate the purchase of a K4. I note that Elecraft have gone VERY quiet which may be a sign that the company is struggling.


Andy




------ Original Message ------
From: "Ted Turk via groups.io" <g7bqmted@...>
To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, 8 Nov, 2022 At 08:29
Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

Afraid I second this. I was let down with a used K3 repair a while ago and myself and a friend at the local radio club, have both put off contemplating a K4 until this is resolved.

73, Ted G7BQM

K2, K3, KX2 and KX373, Ted G7BQM

On 8 Nov 2022, at 08:00, trevor MØTDZ / MØDX <m0tdz@...> wrote:

One for the Elecraft team

We are sadly lacking in anyone who can fix our Elecraft radios here in the UK. W&S the “official” support centre can only deal with warranty repairs (via board swaps ?) as their tech guy is not with them any more with their move to Portsmouth.

There are other repair centres here but (you) Elecraft will not supply replacement parts to them.

Can you please have a think about how this situation can be rectified. Perhaps we, the punters, can buy the replacement bits from you if you are not happy to send direct to one of the repairers. It would be good to hear your ideas on how you can help you loyal fan base here.

From a long term Elecraft fan with loads of radios you that might need repairing in the future and as one contemplating dropping 5K on a 4.
David Ferrington, M0XDF
 

If this isn’t a repeat for our benefit, you might do better posting on the official Elecraft list or even sending to support direct. 
And I support you in this, we really could do with a reliable support Eng in Europe.  

-73 de M0XDF (long list of K3 related kit and mini modules)

On 8 Nov 2022, at 08:46, ANDY NEHAN via groups.io <andy.nehan@...> wrote:


Currently I would not even contemplate the purchase of a K4. I note that Elecraft have gone VERY quiet which may be a sign that the company is struggling.


Andy




------ Original Message ------
From: "Ted Turk via groups.io" <g7bqmted@...>
To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, 8 Nov, 2022 At 08:29
Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

Afraid I second this. I was let down with a used K3 repair a while ago and myself and a friend at the local radio club, have both put off contemplating a K4 until this is resolved.

73, Ted G7BQM

K2, K3, KX2 and KX373, Ted G7BQM

On 8 Nov 2022, at 08:00, trevor MØTDZ / MØDX <m0tdz@...> wrote:

One for the Elecraft team

We are sadly lacking in anyone who can fix our Elecraft radios here in the UK. W&S the “official” support centre can only deal with warranty repairs (via board swaps ?) as their tech guy is not with them any more with their move to Portsmouth.

There are other repair centres here but (you) Elecraft will not supply replacement parts to them.

Can you please have a think about how this situation can be rectified. Perhaps we, the punters, can buy the replacement bits from you if you are not happy to send direct to one of the repairers. It would be good to hear your ideas on how you can help you loyal fan base here.

From a long term Elecraft fan with loads of radios you that might need repairing in the future and as one contemplating dropping 5K on a 4.
Geert Jan de Groot
 

Out of interest, what parts are you looking for? I find that the majority of my repairs - encoders, connectors, diodes, can be done by myself once I know the generic part number.
Alan Baker - G4GNX
 

That is a very unfair a possibly damaging rumour, which is totally unfounded. You really should think twice before posting opinions such as this, dressed up as fact.

You only have to see the current posts on the K4 forum to know that Elecraft is alive and well and responding to customers whenever necessary, as well as updates from time-to-time.

Just because W&S aren’t up to the job in the UK doesn’t mean that Elecraft are bad. Perhaps we could persuade one of the other established Ham Radio suppliers to take on the franchise, as W&S clearly don’t deserve to keep it.

73,
Alan - G4GNX




On 8 Nov 2022, at 08:46, ANDY NEHAN via groups.io <andy.nehan@...> wrote:

Currently I would not even contemplate the purchase of a K4. I note that Elecraft have gone VERY quiet which may be a sign that the company is struggling.

Andy
Bob Hammond G4DBW
 

Got to say I agree - Elecraft has no engineering support/repair facility worthy of the Elecraft brand in the UK since W&S moved to Portsmouth. 

UK owners are left to fend for themselves purchasing components modules direct from the US and fixing our own kit. 
Certainly one factor in my not contemplating future purchases of Elecraft equipment in the UK. 

Surprised Elecraft haven’t renegotiated a better deal for UK support of their current model range. 
mikerodgerske5gbc
 

And I would say certain ones still post on this forum although not every day. 

73
Mike R

7!
Absolutely Awesome 

On Nov 8, 2022, at 6:24 AM, Alan Baker - G4GNX <g4gnx@...> wrote:

That is a very unfair a possibly damaging rumour, which is totally unfounded. You really should think twice before posting opinions such as this, dressed up as fact.

You only have to see the current posts on the K4 forum to know that Elecraft is alive and well and responding to customers whenever necessary, as well as updates from time-to-time.

Just because W&S aren’t up to the job in the UK doesn’t mean that Elecraft are bad. Perhaps we could persuade one of the other established Ham Radio suppliers to take on the franchise, as W&S clearly don’t deserve to keep it.

73,
Alan - G4GNX




On 8 Nov 2022, at 08:46, ANDY NEHAN via groups.io <andy.nehan@...> wrote:

Currently I would not even contemplate the purchase of a K4. I note that Elecraft have gone VERY quiet which may be a sign that the company is struggling.

Andy
trevor MØTDZ / MØDX
 

Geert.  Thank you for the offer.

Latest urgency sorted (fingers crossed) as of yesterday when the man in our club with the problem managed to source a LM317HV TO-220 voltage regulator from China ( having had no luck sending it to Italy and everywhere here) for the fan power supply rail in the KPA. That worked and ends a 4 month hunt to get is going again.

I'm happy to say that again the brilliance of the local radio clubs comes to the rescue.  My point being that without our knowledgeable club members and with my lack of skills in the fault finding department having an expert to turn to ( there are loads in the UK but just not supported) who has access to the necessary components would be nice.  Or indeed essential as the radios get less self mend able.
David Aslin - G3WGN
 

When the 6Gs DXpedition group needed some hardware updates to our KPA500s, we sent them to the Elecraft European repair centre in Italy. We received excellent service.
The work was done pre Brexit, so apart from cost, shipping back and forth was straightforward.  The big issue now is the complex paperwork involved in import/export and dealing with the VAT charges. This could certainly be alleviated with a UK repair centre, which would remove a major concern about purchase and support of Elecraft products in UK.
73, David G3WGN M6O 
Owner/user of K2, K3 with all K3S upgrades, P3, KX3, K4D, W2, KPA100, KPA500, KAT500, XG3.
henk
 

So if I get this right: 
All was ok pre-Brexit.
Now it is a hassle and the solution is asking a vendor to open/licence a UK facility.

Why should the vendor do anything?
The UK choose Brexit, so has to live with the consequences. Not to ask someone else to solve a UK-generated problem.

Just my 2 cents
Henk



Verzonden vanaf mijn Galaxy


-------- Oorspronkelijk bericht --------
Van: David Aslin <david@...>
Datum: 09-11-2022 14:16 (GMT+01:00)
Aan: Elecraft-K3@groups.io
Onderwerp: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

When the 6Gs DXpedition group needed some hardware updates to our KPA500s, we sent them to the Elecraft European repair centre in Italy. We received excellent service.
The work was done pre Brexit, so apart from cost, shipping back and forth was straightforward.  The big issue now is the complex paperwork involved in import/export and dealing with the VAT charges. This could certainly be alleviated with a UK repair centre, which would remove a major concern about purchase and support of Elecraft products in UK.
73, David G3WGN M6O 
Owner/user of K2, K3 with all K3S upgrades, P3, KX3, K4D, W2, KPA100, KPA500, KAT500, XG3.
Alan Baker - G4GNX
 

You didn’t get it right!!!

All was not OK pre-Brexit. Current issues have nothing whatsoever to do with Brexit.

In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a World shortage of components. There’s nothing to stop us ordering components direct from Elecraft but if they don’t have any, you won’t get any!

The service/repair issue is nothing to do with Brexit either. W & S, the main UK agent for Elecraft, moved premises and their (apparently only) engineer/technician did not move with them. As far as components are concerned, they’re in the same boat as the rest of us. If there aren’t any available, they can’t supply, simple as that.

Why bring a political (Brexit) argument into the forum? Like most people outside the UK, you have no idea what effects Brexit does or does not have on UK supplies.

73,
Alan - G4GNX




On 9 Nov 2022, at 14:04, henk <henk@...> wrote:

So if I get this right: 
All was ok pre-Brexit.
Now it is a hassle and the solution is asking a vendor to open/licence a UK facility.

Why should the vendor do anything?
The UK choose Brexit, so has to live with the consequences. Not to ask someone else to solve a UK-generated problem.

Just my 2 cents
Henk
Paul G4KZY
 

I doubt that the fact that the sole UK distributor having moved and lost its one and only tech able to do component level repairs to Elecraft equipment has much to do with Brexit.  As Alan mentioned previously, it is more to do with whether the distributor is doing an adequate job, combined with (according to Trevor), a refusal by Elecraft to provide components to other repair centres here.

You ask why should the vendor do anything?  For the same reason that any vendor does things - to be able to improve its customer service by helping its customers, therefore enhance its reputation and sell more equipment.  In other words, because it is in their interests to do something.  The other main equipment makers seem to manage OK in the UK, so why can't Elecraft?

Just my 2 pennies worth.

73,

Paul

On 09/11/2022 14:04, henk wrote:

So if I get this right: 
All was ok pre-Brexit.
Now it is a hassle and the solution is asking a vendor to open/licence a UK facility.

Why should the vendor do anything?
The UK choose Brexit, so has to live with the consequences. Not to ask someone else to solve a UK-generated problem.

Just my 2 cents
Henk



Verzonden vanaf mijn Galaxy


-------- Oorspronkelijk bericht --------
Van: David Aslin <david@...>
Datum: 09-11-2022 14:16 (GMT+01:00)
Onderwerp: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

When the 6Gs DXpedition group needed some hardware updates to our KPA500s, we sent them to the Elecraft European repair centre in Italy. We received excellent service.
The work was done pre Brexit, so apart from cost, shipping back and forth was straightforward.  The big issue now is the complex paperwork involved in import/export and dealing with the VAT charges. This could certainly be alleviated with a UK repair centre, which would remove a major concern about purchase and support of Elecraft products in UK.
73, David G3WGN M6O 
Owner/user of K2, K3 with all K3S upgrades, P3, KX3, K4D, W2, KPA100, KPA500, KAT500, XG3.
ANDY NEHAN
 

I have heard it said that W&S are otherwise known as Wallace and Gromit - has anyone else heard this??


Andy




------ Original Message ------
From: "Paul G4KZY" <paul.g4kzy@...>
To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, 9 Nov, 2022 At 15:07
Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

I doubt that the fact that the sole UK distributor having moved and lost its one and only tech able to do component level repairs to Elecraft equipment has much to do with Brexit. As Alan mentioned previously, it is more to do with whether the distributor is doing an adequate job, combined with (according to Trevor), a refusal by Elecraft to provide components to other repair centres here.

You ask why should the vendor do anything? For the same reason that any vendor does things - to be able to improve its customer service by helping its customers, therefore enhance its reputation and sell more equipment. In other words, because it is in their interests to do something. The other main equipment makers seem to manage OK in the UK, so why can't Elecraft?

Just my 2 pennies worth.

73,

Paul

On 09/11/2022 14:04, henk wrote:
So if I get this right:
All was ok pre-Brexit.
Now it is a hassle and the solution is asking a vendor to open/licence a UK facility.

Why should the vendor do anything?
The UK choose Brexit, so has to live with the consequences. Not to ask someone else to solve a UK-generated problem.

Just my 2 cents
Henk



Verzonden vanaf mijn Galaxy


-------- Oorspronkelijk bericht --------
Van: David Aslin <david@...>
Datum: 09-11-2022 14:16 (GMT+01:00)
Onderwerp: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

When the 6Gs DXpedition group needed some hardware updates to our KPA500s, we sent them to the Elecraft European repair centre in Italy. We received excellent service.
The work was done pre Brexit, so apart from cost, shipping back and forth was straightforward. The big issue now is the complex paperwork involved in import/export and dealing with the VAT charges. This could certainly be alleviated with a UK repair centre, which would remove a major concern about purchase and support of Elecraft products in UK.
73, David G3WGN M6O
Owner/user of K2, K3 with all K3S upgrades, P3, KX3, K4D, W2, KPA100, KPA500, KAT500, XG3.
Frank Krozel
 

Which one is Gromit? LOL



Sincerely,  Frank Krozel 
 
(630) 924-1600
 
BS, Electrical Engineering
AAS, Electrical Engineering Technology
FCC Lic.# PG-18-19178,   KG9H

Electronic Instrument Associates - Central, Inc. ...since 1971


On Nov 9, 2022, at 10:21 AM, ANDY NEHAN via groups.io <andy.nehan@...> wrote:

I have heard it said that W&S are otherwise known as Wallace and Gromit - has anyone else heard this??

Andy



------ Original Message ------
From: "Paul G4KZY" <paul.g4kzy@...>
To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, 9 Nov, 2022 At 15:07
Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

I doubt that the fact that the sole UK distributor having moved and lost its one and only tech able to do component level repairs to Elecraft equipment has much to do with Brexit. As Alan mentioned previously, it is more to do with whether the distributor is doing an adequate job, combined with (according to Trevor), a refusal by Elecraft to provide components to other repair centres here.

You ask why should the vendor do anything? For the same reason that any vendor does things - to be able to improve its customer service by helping its customers, therefore enhance its reputation and sell more equipment. In other words, because it is in their interests to do something. The other main equipment makers seem to manage OK in the UK, so why can't Elecraft?

Just my 2 pennies worth.

73,

Paul

On 09/11/2022 14:04, henk wrote:
So if I get this right:
All was ok pre-Brexit.
Now it is a hassle and the solution is asking a vendor to open/licence a UK facility.

Why should the vendor do anything?
The UK choose Brexit, so has to live with the consequences. Not to ask someone else to solve a UK-generated problem.

Just my 2 cents
Henk



Verzonden vanaf mijn Galaxy


-------- Oorspronkelijk bericht --------
Van: David Aslin <david@...>
Datum: 09-11-2022 14:16 (GMT+01:00)
Onderwerp: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

When the 6Gs DXpedition group needed some hardware updates to our KPA500s, we sent them to the Elecraft European repair centre in Italy. We received excellent service.
The work was done pre Brexit, so apart from cost, shipping back and forth was straightforward. The big issue now is the complex paperwork involved in import/export and dealing with the VAT charges. This could certainly be alleviated with a UK repair centre, which would remove a major concern about purchase and support of Elecraft products in UK.
73, David G3WGN M6O
Owner/user of K2, K3 with all K3S upgrades, P3, KX3, K4D, W2, KPA100, KPA500, KAT500, XG3.
mikerodgerske5gbc
 

So send them to Italy as before. 

73
Mike R

7!
Absolutely Awesome 

On Nov 9, 2022, at 10:23 AM, Frank Krozel <frank@...> wrote:

Which one is Gromit? LOL



Sincerely,  Frank Krozel 
 
(630) 924-1600
 
BS, Electrical Engineering
AAS, Electrical Engineering Technology
FCC Lic.# PG-18-19178,   KG9H

Electronic Instrument Associates - Central, Inc. ...since 1971


On Nov 9, 2022, at 10:21 AM, ANDY NEHAN via groups.io <andy.nehan@...> wrote:

I have heard it said that W&S are otherwise known as Wallace and Gromit - has anyone else heard this??

Andy



------ Original Message ------
From: "Paul G4KZY" <paul.g4kzy@...>
To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, 9 Nov, 2022 At 15:07
Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

I doubt that the fact that the sole UK distributor having moved and lost its one and only tech able to do component level repairs to Elecraft equipment has much to do with Brexit. As Alan mentioned previously, it is more to do with whether the distributor is doing an adequate job, combined with (according to Trevor), a refusal by Elecraft to provide components to other repair centres here.

You ask why should the vendor do anything? For the same reason that any vendor does things - to be able to improve its customer service by helping its customers, therefore enhance its reputation and sell more equipment. In other words, because it is in their interests to do something. The other main equipment makers seem to manage OK in the UK, so why can't Elecraft?

Just my 2 pennies worth.

73,

Paul

On 09/11/2022 14:04, henk wrote:
So if I get this right:
All was ok pre-Brexit.
Now it is a hassle and the solution is asking a vendor to open/licence a UK facility.

Why should the vendor do anything?
The UK choose Brexit, so has to live with the consequences. Not to ask someone else to solve a UK-generated problem.

Just my 2 cents
Henk



Verzonden vanaf mijn Galaxy


-------- Oorspronkelijk bericht --------
Van: David Aslin <david@...>
Datum: 09-11-2022 14:16 (GMT+01:00)
Onderwerp: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

When the 6Gs DXpedition group needed some hardware updates to our KPA500s, we sent them to the Elecraft European repair centre in Italy. We received excellent service.
The work was done pre Brexit, so apart from cost, shipping back and forth was straightforward. The big issue now is the complex paperwork involved in import/export and dealing with the VAT charges. This could certainly be alleviated with a UK repair centre, which would remove a major concern about purchase and support of Elecraft products in UK.
73, David G3WGN M6O
Owner/user of K2, K3 with all K3S upgrades, P3, KX3, K4D, W2, KPA100, KPA500, KAT500, XG3.
Alan Baker - G4GNX
 

Sounds like a plan. 🙂

73,
Alan - G4GNX




On 9 Nov 2022, at 18:38, mikerodgerske5gbc via groups.io <mikerodgerske5gbc@...> wrote:

So send them to Italy as before. 

73
Mike R

7!
Absolutely Awesome 
Ray Maxfield
 

Love them, Wallace and Gromit !

Ray WA6VAB K3

 

From: ANDY NEHAN via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 8:21 AM
To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io
Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

 

I have heard it said that W&S are otherwise known as Wallace and Gromit - has anyone else heard this??

 

Andy





------ Original Message ------
From: "Paul G4KZY" <paul.g4kzy@...>
To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, 9 Nov, 2022 At 15:07
Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

I doubt that the fact that the sole UK distributor having moved and lost its one and only tech able to do component level repairs to Elecraft equipment has much to do with Brexit. As Alan mentioned previously, it is more to do with whether the distributor is doing an adequate job, combined with (according to Trevor), a refusal by Elecraft to provide components to other repair centres here.

You ask why should the vendor do anything? For the same reason that any vendor does things - to be able to improve its customer service by helping its customers, therefore enhance its reputation and sell more equipment. In other words, because it is in their interests to do something. The other main equipment makers seem to manage OK in the UK, so why can't Elecraft?

Just my 2 pennies worth.

73,

Paul

On 09/11/2022 14:04, henk wrote:

So if I get this right:

All was ok pre-Brexit.

Now it is a hassle and the solution is asking a vendor to open/licence a UK facility.

 

Why should the vendor do anything?

The UK choose Brexit, so has to live with the consequences. Not to ask someone else to solve a UK-generated problem.

 

Just my 2 cents

Henk

 

 

 

Verzonden vanaf mijn Galaxy

 

 

-------- Oorspronkelijk bericht --------

Van: David Aslin <david@...>

Datum: 09-11-2022 14:16 (GMT+01:00)

Onderwerp: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Please send us some components to the UK

 

When the 6Gs DXpedition group needed some hardware updates to our KPA500s, we sent them to the Elecraft European repair centre in Italy. We received excellent service.

The work was done pre Brexit, so apart from cost, shipping back and forth was straightforward. The big issue now is the complex paperwork involved in import/export and dealing with the VAT charges. This could certainly be alleviated with a UK repair centre, which would remove a major concern about purchase and support of Elecraft products in UK.

73, David G3WGN M6O

Owner/user of K2, K3 with all K3S upgrades, P3, KX3, K4D, W2, KPA100, KPA500, KAT500, XG3.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft
 

Hi Trevor,

I apologize for the confusion on this. There seems to be some misinformation out there with regard to our supplying of spare parts. We sell spare parts for repairs to anyone. The only times we haven't quickly sent out a spare parts for a repair has when those parts are in short supply or are unavailable. 

W&S does have a one of their current staff doing basic repairs and he is in regular contact with our senior Techs.

Also, our official European repair center in Bologna (northern Italy), run by Carlo Bianconi,  is highly competent to repair any of our radios down to the component level. He has a lab on a par with our tech lab and access to all of our documentation and test software. (Think of him as equivalent to a Ferrari master mechanic :-)  He talks with our technical team directly on a regular basis, and many of our distributors and European customers send their more difficult repairs directly to him.  Carlo speaks excellent English (having worked for a US company at one time) and is a pleasure to work with. I can't recommend him more highly.  He provides in and out of warranty service. Contact him at:
carlobianconi -at- iol.it     

Rene Lutz of Lutz Electronics in Switzerland also can perform repairs on most of our radios. He also speaks English and German.  See: lutz-electronics.ch

I don't recall being contacted by other independent repair people in the U.K.  Feel free to send info on any that you feel are competent to my direct email address below. 

73,
Eric    WA6HHQ
COO, Elecraft
eric    -at-    elecraft.com
Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft
 

One additional clarification - We also ship spare parts for repairs all around the world. 

73,
Eric
1 - 20 of 28