[Elecraft] K3 DIY vs factory assembled: "If I get a bad part, will I be stuck?"

[DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL]

I have been posting a LOT of private messages since I don't think they
add much (anything) to general knowledge on the reflector.  But this
time, I think this has some merit for those who are still "thinking
about" a K3, factory-assembled versus DIY (kit).

So the recent question raised (not by me) as I see it boils to one of concern:

If I buy it assembled, it's "guaranteed to work" cuz it's been tested,
VERSUS, what I assemble it myself and it's not up to snuff?  Am I
stuck?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!  The attitude I have noted from Elecraft is that they
fully support all their radios, even when you assemble it.  In the
earlier days of the K3, there were "not uncommon" emails on the
reflector about trading / swapping boards and defective parts (the
rare times that they occur).  These ran the full range from missing
some hardware (all radios I have built or helped to build had a
surplus), the infamous "cracked knob" (none of mine), even "I got two
left panels or I can't find the fiber washers.

IMHO, you will NOT be hung out to dry if you assemble it
yourself...you will have TONS of support if you want any and
especially if you need any.

The crew at support at elecraft.com is amazing.  I even got a response
(well, several) on a holiday weekend when something didn't seem quite
right.  Did you read that...on a HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

Very cool, very comforting.

Go for it.

de Doug KR2Q