[Elecraft] Are you satisfied with your K3?

[David Little]

And to elaborate on this theme, it is my setup on QTH up for trade.   It is
equal in price with a new FTDX-5000MP, and I am asking for the value of a
used MP for it.

Separately, I have tried to sell it for what used MPs are going for.

I had tried to sell it for that price previously on QTH, and got a lot of
flack about the price being too high.

Do the math.

Unfortunately, some gear retains resale value better than others.

I traded a FTDX-9000MP for the K3, P3, KPA-500, power supply, Heil Mic, Mic
stand and a Swan 700CX.

I based the trade on the published receive specs.  I had K3 fever, and was
pushing for the best possible receive specs and capabilities.  The KPA-500
would offer me 100 watts extra power, and the Pan Adaptor, while showing
potential for further development, fell a little short in comparison with
the DMU capabilities.

The 9000MP was used nearly exclusively for government spectrum in volunteer
contingency communications support.  Had I asked the correct questions, I
would have known before hand that the MARS/CAP software band limits removal
routine cut out a fair slice of spectral real estate between 7650 KHz and 10
MHz.  

Also, 100 percent of my operation on federal spectrum was in nets authorized
for mixed mode operations; where digital and voice communications were
allowed, and it was expected that the operators were capable of operating
either mode on command, and both modes within minutes (or less) of each
other.

Where the K3 excels in CW and Ham Band Dx, it doesn't match up with the
operability of an IC-718 in my application.  My mistake; no one else's - I
just never thought it possible for the limitations to be present in a rig of
that cost and reputation.

On top of that, the fellow I traded with claimed it to be perfect in every
way, and I had to replace a FET in the low power amplifier to get the power
stability and distorted transmit audio problem corrected.  The amp went back
to Elecraft, after it developed a high reflected power error, even into a
dummy load.  We live and learn.  I had tried to use it with an IC-756 Pro
II, and a LDG AT-1000 pro. The results of that combo was a fused antenna
relay in the 756 pro and all the magic smoke was driven from the AT-1000
Pro.  Fortunately, I was able to isolate the problem in the Icom and replace
the relay.  LDG made the tuner good, with an updated model; sent to me at no
cost.  We all need to be careful in our trades with fellow hams..  I hate to
admit that..

Where the features and operability of the K3 may have been a bit less than I
was expecting, the Elecraft Customer Service was a far more pleasant
experience.  Howard was able to point out the exact failed component over
the phone after a few trouble shooting procedures.  He was patient,
informative, and well versed on the product.  When the replacement FET that
I ordered from Elecraft arrived, and was replaced, a phone call netted more
patient responses from Howard as I set the Bias on all three of the FETs on
the LPA Board.  When I sent the KPA-500 in for repair, the turn around was
extremely quick, and the cost was certainly fair for the work done,.  No
complaints at all about how Elecraft supports their product.

All in all, I wish I hadn't ever let the FTDX-9000MP go, and wish I could
recover enough to get a FTDX-9000D and only lose 200 watts over the deal.  I
am still hopeful I could possibly recover enough to get a used FTDX-5000MP,
(lose 3 micro tune modules, true second receiver, the DMU, TFT screen, and
200 Watts).

If no hope of either of those possibilities, I will know that I at least
tried to recover the value of a used setup when compared with a used setup
of another manufacture, where both carried the same retail price and age.

But, FWIW, it is all on me.  No one forced me to keep trying to build the
best station for my type of operations.  I have done some reconsidering, and
will be moving away somewhat from the contingency communications volunteer
operations, and devote some time to other endeavors.  It is one of those
situations where you really wanted to do the best possible job that your
equipment would allow, and just got too close to the abyss.

I could have done worse, I suppose.  There is still a lot that can be done
with the setup in the environment that it was ultimately designed for.  

The shortcomings were in my expectations, not the equipment.  I maintain a
presence here, as the firmware is evolving, and I have already seen
improvement in the capabilities after less than 2 months of ownership; by
firmware evolution alone.  I only threw away the bath water; I kept the
baby.

David
KD4NUE


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.xxx.xxx  On Behalf Of Fred Smith
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 6:48 AM
To:  elecraft at mailman.xxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Are you satisfied with your K3?


I think it was fair question there are people who sell their K3's and other
Elecraft equipment to buy other radios. There is one on QTH.COM right now
wanting to trade his K3, P3, KAT500 for an FTDX-5000MP. I do see them for
sale all the time and always check to see the price and call on them if
there is a phone number. One of my first asked questions is why do you want
to get rid of the radio, you might be surprised at some of the answers. I'm
always looking for a deal on any Elecraft gear I don't have or my friends
might want.

Many of those selling are for a single reason they want a full size radio,
where I wanted to downsize and still have a SO2R setup. Elecraft can't be
beat for that, now if they would just bring out a legal limit ++ amp I would
need 2 of those.

I went from several different brands of radios down to 4 now including my
Elecraft as my "Main" HF gear and a Kenwood in the mobile for another.

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dr. William J.
Schmidt, II
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 11:33 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Are you satisfied with your K3?

Seriously?  Asking this qustion of the "K3 Reflector" is like asking a drug
addict if he likes drugs... or a drunk if he likes booze...   I suppose that
is as obvious as the question is.

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email:  bill at wjschmidt.com