[Elecraft] K3 eHam review after 2+ years

[Don Ehrlich]

Howard writes thoughtfully and I like his style.  His comments are well 
thought out and cleverly put and I welcome them.  Thank you Howard.  The 
early K3 was not your cup of tea but it is exactly what I wanted .. we all 
have different needs.  So, what else is new?

I have had my K3 #195 for 18 months now and I am simply delighted.  It was 
perfect for *me*.

Don K7FJ

>
> Well, I see the elecraft K3 as still a work in progress.
>
> No, I am not referring to the firmware/software mods.
>
> I am referring to continuing hardware mods.
> The latest is the audio filter to make SSB audio actually sound good - 
> like
> a good radio sounds.
>
> It was very nice of you all to buy the radios before everything worked
> right,
> and provide feedback to Elecraft,
> and test the hardware and software improvements,
> and open your multi-thousand dollar radios and stick your soldering iron 
> in
> there....
>
> but that's not for me.
> I want to buy a factory built radio - and be happy and done with it.
>
> Now, some things just don't make any sense whatsoever to me - but must to
> others.
> Why in world will someone pay so much money for 10watt 2meter in their
> elecraft, when
> they can buy a 50 watt 2m/70cm radio with more power, can be used for 
> MARS,
> and maybe even a built-in TNC for around the same amount?  I don't know -
> maybe someone wants to do weak signal
> SSB on 2m?  Well with 10 watts you'll also be providing weak signals for
> others to enjoy - hihi.
>
> I would never buy a new ICOM model in the first year - because usually 
> there
> are some hardware bugs found during the first year.  How many years should
> one wait for Elecraft?  I'm not sure.
>
> Then there is the K3's transmitter.  ARRL test reviews shows it on par 
> with
> the old 746pro's transmitter.  The Flex 5000's "new redesigned 
> transmitter"
> scores top of the class in ARRL testing.  Leaps and bounds better than the
> K3's transmitter.   I bet Elecraft may soon be redesigning its transmitter
> to meet or even 1-up Flex's transmitter.  Why not have the best cleanest
> transmitter to go along with the best receiver?
>
> Maybe I should wait for 2 years of no further hardware modifications - 
> then
> I'll know Elecraft finally finished the radio's hardware.  I just don't 
> have
> the self-confidence to go hardware-modding such an expensive radio.
>
> So, you are enjoying the world's best receiver now....and I'll enjoy it a
> few years from now.
>
> Yes, I can think this and not write it.
> But then you went and wrote how Elecraft has finished the radio.
>
> No hard feelings.
> Howard