[Elecraft] K3 Repair

[Ed Lambert]

Hi Guys,

Please don't misunderstand my original question. (And thanks to all who have
contributed to an interesting discussion.)

I had been inactive for quite some time when I purchased a K2. That purchase
not only returned me to the hobby, but it also made me, probably, a lifetime
Elecraft devotee. I will be purchasing either a "tricked out" K2 or a K3.
The Asian manufacturers are not in consideration.

Please note that it is not my intention to be critical of Elecraft or the
K3. I understand the technology changes that have mandated a slight change
to the Elecraft business model where we are dealing, more or less, with a
line replaceable unit (LRU) concept radio as contrasted with a component
level repair model like the K1, K2, and KX1.

I am only trying to get an idea of the scope of the "problem", if there is
one. The repair times for the K3 seem to indicate a long queue and I
naturally wonder what is in that queue. If it is filled with K3's, I wonder
why. 

My life has changed from employment to retirement; every dollar is very
important to me in this new fixed income world in which I now live. If there
is some kind of quality control issue developing with the K3, I would like
to get a handle on it so that I can make an informed decision about a (2nd)
K2 purchase versus a more expensive K3 purchase.

I would not expect a zero defect business model to be in place at Elecraft.
Having said that, however, I would like to obtain and understand the
"out-of-the-box" and the "infant mortality" failure rate data for the K3, if
such information exists.

Thanks,
Ed, KD3Y, PE (electrical)