[Elecraft] K3 KSYN3AUPG diversity replacement snafu (my fault)

[Gary Smith]

A public Mea Culpa regarding my upgrading from the old Synthesizers 
to the new version and incorrectly performing the exchange.

I was surprised at the reduced amount of components on the new board 
and thought I did a proper exchange of components; it all seemed 
obvious as to what to do so how could I miss the obvious... Rather 
than explain all the details of my mistake, I'll say the issue became 
apparent when I went to diversity: Using the main Rx had no issue 
after the exchange and engaging the sub also worked beautifully as 
expected. However, when going to diversity I noticed a huge drop in 
signal in the sub side.

I was in too much of a hurry to get everything ready for today's 
contest and I neglected to add the new coax that is required running 
from the Aux J4 to the Main J2 as seen on page 14 in the installation 
instructions. The included coax jumper wasn't present on the old 
boards and I tricked myself into thinking all was done properly when 
I counted connections. Also, looking at the boards with the K3 turned 
on and one had a green LED flashing & the other was solidly on. Both 
should be constant, no flashing.

A call to Elecraft and they were most interested in helping me 
resolve the problem and being a newly released component, I suspect 
they wondered if I may have uncovered an unexpected issue. However, 
Howard quickly came to the deduction I hadn't done my work properly. 
He was most courteous and helpful in assisting me in correcting the 
error and now I have the k3 working as it should be with the new 
synthesizers. He, as in all the Elecraft support, is a credit to the 
company.

With these new Synthesize boards I have to say there is an obvious 
difference to me in how incredibly much better this radio is now, 
comparing to how amazingly good it was before. I think the best way I 
can describe it is I can hear people in the contest so very clearly 
in the presence of adjacent strong signals but so many of the DX 
aren't hearing me as well as I am hearing them. I'm looking at the 
LP-100A Wattmeter, seeing 1490 W out and I'm seeing tightly 
compressed signals side by side and hearing them clear as a bell. 
Often the people I'm calling often have to hear me repeat my call 
several times to get it right.

I'm putting out plenty of power but this K3 is hearing so well, it's 
a whole new game. In short: These two boards are absolutely worth the 
investment and Elecraft's support again proved to be as good as 
support can be. If you're on the fence, get them, it's something you 
won't experience buyer's remorse afterward.

As to the contest, I've had too many interruptions from within the 
QTH from an unfortunately very sick YL, to remove me from 
competition, so I'm now just in it to maybe pick up some new band 
fills and just have fun. Since I can do so now, I figured I'd take 
the time to mention the obvious improvement these boards made, 
explain what I did that was wrong in the procedure & maybe help 
another avoid the same mistake, and... to thank Elecraft for hitting 
another Home Run in both product and service. 

73,

Gary
KA1J

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