[Elecraft] The Ultimate Legendary Elecraft Support Story

[Eric Norris]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: The Ultimate Legendary Elecraft Support Story
From: Eric Norris <norrislawfirm2 at gmail.com>
To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
CC: 

When I bought my KPA500 kit very early in the production run, one of the three TO-220 devices that get attached to the side panel had been soldered in to the board cattywampus.  The hole would not align with the side panel.  Not wanting to void the warranty, I called Elecraft support.  They said I could go ahead and take a soldering iron to it.  I tried several times to get all three leads hot enough to reseat it, but I was aware of possibly damaging the board by overheating it.  My soldering skills are good, but not W3FPR good, and I had no rework equipment.  

I called support again, and was told they didn't have a replacement part in, but I could send in the board for a replacement.  I got a little impatient, thinking I can easily replace this part without sending in the board, and asked what is the problem, can't you just send me the freaking part?  In my own defense, I had sold two beloved tube amps to pay for the KPA500, and I was anxious to get it on the air.  No excuse, really though.  The support guy I had been working with asked me to call him tomorrow about availability of the part (I wish I could remember his name!).

I called Elecraft and asked for him, and they told me he was driving down to the factory to get a part, and would be back in a few hours. I felt a bit sick over my impatience with him.  He called me later that afternoon, and said the part was on its way to me.  I thanked him profusely.

When the envelope arrived, i opened it and my jaw dropped--there was the part, and IT HAD SOLDER ON IT.  Apparently, he drove down to the factory (two-three hour round trip), and unsoldered the part from a built board to send it to the dickish customer.  

I have had a number of interactions with Elecraft Support, because I own nearly everything they make, and I have made a number of epic blunders over the years.  They have no peer.  They are the best.  Superb.  Pass me more Kool-Aid, and thanks in advance for the blunders to come.  For all you've already done, Elecraft Support, thank you, thank you, thank you.

73 es 88,

Eric WD6DBM