[Elecraft] K3 - reliability

[Gary]

Bill,
Reliability must be weighed against the repeatability of a problem in
numerous similar radios. I purchased my first Elecraft product in Sept 2010
which was a K3 kit and I've been reading the Elecraft reflector messages
since then. My K3 continues to work fine after assembly without any
catastrophic problems necessitating a trip back to Elecraft. My experience
suggests the occasional catastrophic failures we read about are the result
of a series of preceding events including but not limited to;
Assembly mistake(s)
Configuration mistake(s)
Firmware loading mistake(s)
Interfacing mistake(s)

I'm sorry to read that your K3 is giving you trouble but rest assured that
short of electrocuting the radio any problems with it are repairable and
Elecraft will get it working.
73,
Gary
N6LRV

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill
Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2012 7:08 AM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - reliability

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.

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

-- 
IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
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