[Elecraft] The K3 in comparison to the Big Guns

[George]

Modern radios do malfunction in such a way that repair of them is likely beyond the capability of most owners, unless the radio came from Elecraft.  

Should such an event occur with your radio, would you rather pack and ship back to the factory a brick (Icom, etc), or a feather (A K3 module).  The heaviest K3 module is probably less than 2  pounds, and the Elecraft guys at Aptos can tell you which one is bad, based on the symptoms you describe. I cannot imagine a problem which would require the return of my entire K3.  

I recently had a minor (not disabling) problem with my K3.  I called Elecraft and described the symptoms.  The very helpful Elecraft tech told me a particular module needed replacment.  A replacement was shipped that day and  I had the new module in my hands (on the east coast) three days later, with return postage for my faulty module included in the package.  Cost me hothing but a brief phone call.  Deinstalling and reinstalling the module took 30 minutes max.  K3 now fixed and fine. How many weeks would a Big Gun owner be without his pride and joy??  With Elecraft I don't feel the need for a standby radio, so I sold my Pro lll Icom.  The Kenwood is next.   

Add to this the high level of expert help from Aptos, and the fact that I have never heard their telephone ring more than twice before a pleasant sounding (not a recording) lady picked up, and you have a win-win experience. 

73 from George, N4YM

K2 # 4758
K3 # 340