[Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3

[Matt Zilmer]

I'd like to think that there wouldn't be such a problem with an early
unit.   Mine's s/n 24, so the first kit from Oct, 2007.  Every
applicable mod has been made to it, and I had one of the techs go over
it looking for update opportunities.  He couldn't find any, and
everything was in spec.

Elecraft may be the first Amateur Radio transceiver manufacturer to
ensure that there is no stigma associated with a low s/n transceiver,
as long as it's kept up to date.  Other manufacturers develop upgrades
that will only work on serial number so-and-so and up.  We don't have
that problem with the K3, something else that sets it apart besides
its specs and performance.

If you're expecting to buy an early K3, I'd suggest getting copies of
all the mod instructions and using them to inspect your candidate K3
for mods and upgrades.  This at least is reassuring, if not downright
necessary.  

Some of the PCBAs have different fab and assembly rev levels.  Except
for the DSP(s), I was told that all other board changes over the years
maintain the same specs.  The DSP upgrade actually improves
performance at audio frequencies, and there is an exchange program for
the older rev DSPs that defers some of the cost of the new ones.

73,
matt
W6NIA


On Mon, 22 Sep 2014 22:18:27 -0500, you wrote:

>Any problems with buying a K3 with a low serial number, say that has
>had hardware updates and alignments?
>Darryl, KK5IB
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Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
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