[Elecraft] K3-Latest K3 Review on EHAM

[W6NEK]

Hi Mike,
I agree with you that, from his prospective, Solardx feels like he has 
posted an honest review.  However, I further feel that without any feedback 
to Elecraft, to allow them to participate with Solardx, to confirm that he 
has a defective unit, is a rush to judgment and a premature post to eHam. 
In his review, Solardx states (and I quote) "I might have a faulty unit and 
I am not really sure".  At that point I would expect Solardx to contact 
Elecraft and turn over the problem for them to resolve.  This would have 
provided Elecraft engineering with valuable information and would also 
remove the burden from Solardx to eventually get his K3 transmit problem 
fixed.  A premature post on eHam will not bring the quickest response from 
Elecraft.  However, an email to K3support at elecraft.com will.

I know this to be true because of a problem I had with my K3/100 (SN312).
When I finished assembly of my K3 I had no receive audio from the built-in 
speaker and I also had no Line Out audio either.  All other modes and 
functions on the K3 worked fine.  I emailed Elecraft support, at the link 
above, and got a quick response from Gary Surrency.  I described my problem 
and it was though that I had a faulty KIO3 assembly.  I requested the 
replacement and Scott King sent a new KIO3 assembly immediately. 
Unfortunately, the new KIO3 did not fix my problem.  I updated Gary and he 
arranged for me to receive an RSA # and I returned the unit to Elecraft for 
their inspection.  Once the unit arrived at Elecraft I received an email 
from Rene Morris.  He did preliminary tests and then called me on the 
telephone to discuss his findings and to ensure that once they returned my 
K3 that everything was going to be 100% operational.  He replaced the DSP 
board and the unit will be given a full factory alignment.  I should receive 
the repaired radio back by the middle of this week.  The point is that 
unless you bring a failure, or suspected failure, to the attention of 
Elecraft then all you're doing is making yourself frustrated.  Making 
frustrated eHam posts is not really helping to FIX the problem.  Given the 
fantastic response I experienced from Elecraft Support there is no excuse to 
not call upon them to take the lead and provide the final solution to your 
problem.  Weather it's a simple repair or a change to the design/firmware, 
give Elecraft a chance to participate!

Given the fact that Solardx admitted: "I might have a faulty unit and I am 
not really sure", tells me he made a frustrated, disappointed, premature 
eHam post.

Best 73,
Frank - W6NEK

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "AD6XY - Mike" <m.j.willis at rl.ac.uk>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2008 10:38 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3-Latest K3 Review on EHAM


>
> My goodness - this is absolutely terrible. Someone posts an honest review 
> of
> their experience and loads of people attack them for criticising their 
> baby
> by not giving it full marks? I really expected more of the Elecraft
> community.
>
> Perhaps the transmitter is faulty - it is entirely possible the PA bias 
> has
> failed or there is a problem with the driver, in the alignment or 
> elsewhere.
> Perhaps solardx really has a point. Whatever, their experience is still 
> just
> as valid as anyone elses.
>
> I am really concerned now that all the good reviews of the K3 might not be
> as honest and unbiased as I thought.
>
> Mike