[Elecraft] K3 - reliability

[Jon Kåre Hellan]

On 08/04/2012 04:08 PM, Bill wrote:
> I have been reading the posts about the KX3 and it brings up a question
> about K3 reliability.
>
> Prior to my purchase of a K3 last winter, I did all the usual research
> on reflectors and boards. I was looking for real-life user information
> and experiences. What impressed me most was the lack of reported serious
> failures - those requiring a visit to the factory. I do know that some
> K3s have required factory level warranty repairs. The question is: how
> many or what percentage. And, is there a particular problem(s) that
> appears often.

I've never had to return my K3 to the factory. But I've had failures 
which required soldering 7 times. The latest was the oxidized PA power 
supply pins issue. Others include blown front end transistor, blown LPA 
transistors, blown SWR bridge diode, and a choke on the subreceiver 
board that had fallen off during transport.

I don't have much experience with other brands of ham gear, so I don't 
know what is considered expected reliablity. But I can't say that I'm 
impressed.

Elecraft support, however, is *really* impressive. Too bad that it's 
needed so often.

Actually, if I had been living in the USA, I probably *would* have sent 
it back to the factory for a checkup.

Jon LA4RT

>
> Most rigs, after being on the market for a period of time, have known
> short comings. Not so for the K3. I have read nothing that indicates a
> chronic problem(s).
>
> Based on the above, I purchased and built a K3. Five months after
> completion - the rig is at the factory awaiting warranty repair (dark
> display with MCU LD shown). Needless to say, I do question the K3's
> reliability factor and would be very interested in the particulars of
> other failures requiring a return to the factory for warranty repairs.
>
> I am still on the air, using my trusty Kenwood 480 while on vacation -
> so no total washouts.
>
> Kindly keep the flames to a minimum - this is a serious question that I
> should have pushed prior to purchase.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>