Date
1 - 11 of 11
K3 aging questions
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Rob
Good Day,
New guy here. I'm looking at a used K3 in the 1800 serial number range, and am wondering how these radios are aging It's a pretty basic radio with the 2.7 kHz filter and maybe the Phase Noise upgrade. Thanks for any replies. 73, Rob WA9UAA |
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Chuck Miller
My K3 is in the 1050 range, and has aged well. I've done most of the updates except USB and KSYB3A. My favorite radio.
73, Chuck N0NC |
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David Probst, ND4K
My K3 is in the high 2,000's, so not quite as old, and seems to be aging well. This is especially noteworthy as it used to be a contesters radio. Never one to buy into the hype, I see what all the excitement was about--this is a very good rig. David+ ND4K
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Mike - K8CN
Hi Rob,
I won't comment on the aging question because
my K3/10 (the low power PA only) is in the
6000-range of serial numbers. It still works
great, and I did the KSYN3A upgrade for lower
phase noise/dynamic range improvement as well.
The principal issue with acquiring a used K3
or K3s is availability of certain parts for future
repairs. I ordered the 100 watt PA module
in May 2021 when Elecraft issued a 'last call'
for orders on K3/K3s modules to make final
production runs. The electronics supply chain woes
are well documented, and the KPA3A PA module
production is apparently a victim of those delays -
I am still waiting hopefully for my order to be
fulfilled.
There seem to be a greater number of K3 and K3s
radios on the major ham swap sites this year,
especially as the K4 sales have ramped up and
some K4 buyers part with their K3 radios. Those
offered radios may have some of the other upgrades
installed already, e.g. the sub-receiver, ATU, etc., but
that is the only route by which to obtain upgrade
modules for a base K3 or K3s since Elecraft closed
its 'last call' solicitation.
I'm not trying to dissuade you from your prospective
purchase - just want you to be aware of what
issues may arise in the future if repairs are needed
or you wish to add functionality to the base K3.
73,
Mike, K8CN
(still using the K2 I built in 2006, no failures
apart from the RF Gain pot and the front
panel headphone jack - well-known issues
with that radio, and easily fixed with parts
still available!)
From: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> on behalf of Rob via groups.io <rhmeyer50@...>
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2022 10:19 AM To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> Subject: [Elecraft-K3] K3 aging questions CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the University System. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Good Day, New guy here. I'm looking at a used K3 in the 1800 serial number range, and am wondering how these radios are aging It's a pretty basic radio with the 2.7 kHz filter and maybe the Phase Noise upgrade. Thanks for any replies. 73, Rob WA9UAA |
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I have K3 sn:1455. Zero issues, runs like an absolute champ. I bought it used about 8mos ago and have used the heck out of it. Only mod since manufacture is a 500k cw filter, no other updates or trips to the mother ship. Your mileage may vary,
but this one is a dream.
Derek / K0ATV
From: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> on behalf of Carter, Michael <k8cn@...>
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2022 10:10:12 AM To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] K3 aging questions
Hi Rob,
I won't comment on the aging question because
my K3/10 (the low power PA only) is in the
6000-range of serial numbers. It still works
great, and I did the KSYN3A upgrade for lower
phase noise/dynamic range improvement as well.
The principal issue with acquiring a used K3
or K3s is availability of certain parts for future
repairs. I ordered the 100 watt PA module
in May 2021 when Elecraft issued a 'last call'
for orders on K3/K3s modules to make final
production runs. The electronics supply chain woes
are well documented, and the KPA3A PA module
production is apparently a victim of those delays -
I am still waiting hopefully for my order to be
fulfilled.
There seem to be a greater number of K3 and K3s
radios on the major ham swap sites this year,
especially as the K4 sales have ramped up and
some K4 buyers part with their K3 radios. Those
offered radios may have some of the other upgrades
installed already, e.g. the sub-receiver, ATU, etc., but
that is the only route by which to obtain upgrade
modules for a base K3 or K3s since Elecraft closed
its 'last call' solicitation.
I'm not trying to dissuade you from your prospective
purchase - just want you to be aware of what
issues may arise in the future if repairs are needed
or you wish to add functionality to the base K3.
73,
Mike, K8CN
(still using the K2 I built in 2006, no failures
apart from the RF Gain pot and the front
panel headphone jack - well-known issues
with that radio, and easily fixed with parts
still available!)
From: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> on behalf of Rob via groups.io <rhmeyer50@...>
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2022 10:19 AM To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> Subject: [Elecraft-K3] K3 aging questions CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the University System. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Good Day, New guy here. I'm looking at a used K3 in the 1800 serial number range, and am wondering how these radios are aging It's a pretty basic radio with the 2.7 kHz filter and maybe the Phase Noise upgrade. Thanks for any replies. 73, Rob WA9UAA |
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Gordon Murphy
Hello, I think they’re aging well. My serial number is earlier than yours; they are easily repairable (at least in the states), knock out QRM and QRN better than my Yaesu FTDX-10, light and transmit a clean signal. If I had to pick one or the other, I’d pick my K3. But I plan on keeping both because I can’t justify buying a K4. I use Wilcox Engineering in Pennsylvania for help with any repairs but the factory is still available too. They just might take a little longer at times. 73, Gordon, KB5HRF
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Frank Krozel
Rob. Welcome
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I have had many K3’s over the years Most problems I have experienced are related directly to the past user ripping out filters and accessories before shipment Also they don’t understand the software well enough to reconfigure the radio and sometimes real bargains can be found because of this In fact, I don’t believe I ever even had a failure with pins, again probably due to the fact that I do check to make sure all boards are seated, and I might put in a filter or two that I have hanging around, before I exercise the radio These radios are bulletproof. Have fun Sincerely, Frank Krozel t: 1-630-924-1600 frank@... BSEE, AASEET, FCC Lic.# PG-18-19178, KG9H Electronic Instrument Associates - Central, Inc. ...since 1971 w: www.electronicinstrument.com d/l our linecard at http://www.electronicinstrument.com/lc.pdf On Nov 18, 2022, at 9:58 AM, Rob via groups.io <rhmeyer50@...> wrote:
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Rob
Thanks for all the replies, I have yet to make a decision.
73, Rob WA9UAA |
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Lou Kolb
I have had K3 S/n 4290 for 11 years now and I dearly love the radio.
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However the key pads on either side of the display are beginning to fail. In fact, I just finished writing to Elecraft support about it. It is far-and-away my favorite radio, so I hope the parts are still available. If I had the money, I'd upgrade to a K3s. Lou WA3MIX On 11/18/22, Rob via groups.io <rhmeyer50@...> wrote:
Thanks for all the replies, I have yet to make a decision. |
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Lawrence Godek
I have one in the 7xx range. I've sent it back a couple of times for upgrades but it is running 24 x 7. I bought it about 10 years ago iirc and love it to pieces. It has lots of filters, 2 receivers, full coverage of all High frequencies including 6 m plus lots more. I can't imagine being without it. I also own an Elecraft KX3 wrap rig that is fun to operate and make Qsos with. Larry/w0ogh
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I have a very old (#70) K3 100 watt with sub receiver. It is still my favorite radio. It also has the IF interface that I connect to an LP-PAN and a Behringer 192 ksps USB audio device which provides a panadapter display. The great Win4K3 software knits this all together beautifully to give you PC control and point and click tuning on the panadapter. You can also do this without using an LP-PAN by using an SDR like an RSP1a.
I have had to replace my K3IO card twice over the years. The other problem I've seen is that the buttons start operating strangely, apparently due to corrosion. There are posts here on this. With a few trials you can isolate the miscreant and simply exercising it repeatedly cleans the contacts. -- 73 Bob KD8CGH |
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