[Elecraft] K3S Quick Review

[Chris Tate - N6WM]

Agree with Rick on this..  Nice to have the USB, but its still a bit behind the tech curve.  A functional ethernet port and maybe some more internal computation power along with IQ out would have been a better bet IMHO,   Eliminating the RRC and integrating remote capability with the K3S to basically slam dunk the competition on their certain advantages.. These would be game changers.  This hasn't happened yet and I would hope are slated for the true next gen rig.

As far as I can see.. A lot of all this can be retrofitted into my existing K3, not all but most, including the USB interface.  Can even get the knob rubber replaced when available.  WIll probably end up with a K3S eventually anyway..  Elecraft has been such a great Radio company over the years and will continue to support them.  My K3 is 7 now and has seen a LOT of action..  Appreciate being able to keep it somewhat cutting edge.

Would have been much more excited to see the similar past aggressive engineering support to solve some challenges with the KX series (Like they did with the K3).  There is enough info out there that says some kind of Elecraft supported heat dissipation solution is needed for both the KX3 and KXPA100.

Needless to say..  nice refinements to the best of the best for Ham radio.. but no where near game changing.  

These are my babies and will remain part of my permanent collection
K3
KPA500
KAT500
W2 X 2
KRC2
K3/0 with RRC set.

Jury still out on my

KX3
KXPA100
PX3
Love the portability..  not so happy with the heat performance issues particularly with digital modes.. even qrp.  this is disappointing and somewhat out of character based on the K line engineering strategies of past.



Wish they had on the radar
KPA1000/1500 and if they dont want to go there..A full legal limit auto tuner.

K4(?) a K series with more LAN/Remote/Remote PAN display support and with some of the small little goodies they put on the KX3.

Just my ramblings and 2 cents.  Still love Elecraft..  Want to keep it that way.

GL to Elecraft in Dayton.

Chris
N6WM