[Elecraft] K3 eHam review after 2+ years

[Brett Howard]

Last I heard I think Elecraft will even sell new boards at near cost if
you want to follow the upgrade path.  That is if you're willing to send
back the previous board.  They may even do that if you screw up an
upgrade with a soldering iron but if you're not confident then meh... no
point in doing it..  I think that its fun to go in and perform the
upgrades and that way I know what each of them are and what they do.
Makes the radio that much more mine!

~Brett

On Sat, 2009-07-04 at 12:44 -0700, HowardZ wrote:
> 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