[Elecraft] K3: "secret" hardware changes?

[Vic K2VCO]

DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote:
> G4ILO posted:
> http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2008-February/083716.html
> 
> Is this just a rumor or factual?  I find the idea that this actually
> has happened to be very scary (the "unannounced" part).

There's an IMD mod to the Hardware AGC circuit. It is not complicated 
and can be done with leaded components (or SMT) in a few minutes. I do 
not know if it has been added to production radios yet or if the ARRL's 
unit has it.

There have been several versions of it. Perhaps Elecraft hasn't settled 
on a final version.

Improvements in turnaround time for AMTOR (etc.) have been made in 
firmware. Further improvement is planned; I don't know if it will be 
made in firmware or hardware

There is a single capacitor whose value was changed to improve CW 
waveshape.

I'm sure that at some point -- if it is decided to add these changes to 
production radios -- Elecraft will tell us what serial numbers  are 
affected and how to do them if we wish, just like they did with the K2.

If they are not announced, it's not because they will be forever secret. 
It's because the Elecraft staff has plenty to do without dealing with 
this right now.

Would it be better for Elecraft to not make any changes where they see 
an opportunity for improvement?
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco