[Elecraft] KSYN3 Cheap

Sat Oct 10 16:33:40 EDT 2015

I chose to upgrade my K3/10 SN4043.

That involves buying two KSYN3A (I have the subRx) and also got one 
KBPF3MDKT upgrade kit for my main Rx.  Cost with shipping was $468.95.

I suppose I could remove all the options I have installed and try 
selling my plain K3/10 and purchasing a new K3s/10.  I figured that 
resale value would be less than the upgrade cost.

I paid $2,862.57 plus $287.40 for two KFL3B-FM filters.  Realizing I 
only needed one filter and sold the extra.  So one FM filter would 
cost about $150.  Total cost for radio = $3,011.57.

New K3s/10-K base cost = $2,099.95
(2.8 KHz FL = $129.90  (-$10 credit for 2.7 KHz FL)
13-KHz FL = $139.95
400-Hz FL = $139.95
KRX3A-K = $599.95
2.8 KHz FL = $139.95
KTCXO3-1  = $119.95
K3EXREF = $99.95
KBPF3A = $179.95
----------------------------
Total = 3,649.95
ship = $77.02
$3,726.97

Difference = 3,726.97 - $3,011.57 = $715.40

OK say I removed all options and installed them in new K3s:
and say I sold the K3/10 for full new price when I bought it.

2,099.95 + $50 (est) = $2,149.95
1,449.95 (2010 price of K3/10)
----------------
$700.00

I spent $468.95 upgrading my K3/10 and saved $231.05 to $246.46 over 
buying a new K3s/10 equipped the same as I currently have. This 
assuming I can get full value for my K3/10 - maybe.  Can I get $231 
more than I originally paid? -doubtful.

Upgrading is definitely cost effective for me - plus I do not have to 
re-program everything, assemble everything,  and add IF output mod to 
KRX3A which I did for my KRX3.

I will give you that the options mix might produce a different 
outcome on resale of your K3.
PS:  No charge for the 45-min I spent running this calculation.

73, Ed - KL7uW

From: "Charlie T, K3ICH" <pincon at erols.com>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KSYN3 Cheap
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"

This strictly my personal opinion, but I did not
even consider "up-grading" my K3 by purchasing the
newer boards.   Mainly for this very reason.  What
ru gonna do with the old boards?  They have
practically ZERO value.

BUT, a good working K3, even if it doesn't have
the super synth board etc., still has significant
value. Maybe not quite as much as it did B4 the
K3S came out, but I figured I could sell my 23XX
S/N K3, buy a new K3S and come out ahead of
upgrading with a couple new boards and throwing
the old ones in the dumpster.  This way, the "old"
boards have not been converted to junk and a good
K3 is still on the air.  Also, I don't have to
worry if some little known production upgrade
slipped by me since my brandie new K3S has 'em
all.  Stated in different terms, I bought a K3S
and sold my K3 for less of a $$ difference than if
I had purchased the new version boards for my
older K3.

Not trying to start a fight, it's just my opinion.

73, Charlie k3ICH

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
     dubususa at gmail.com