[Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[efortner]

Hi Bill,

At the Shelby Hamfest, 2015 I ordered the entire K-Line, Amp, KAT500, K3s and Elecraft P3 along with the filters they suggested. I received the shipment in late September. Took inventory of all parts as they recommended. I started with the receiver and finished with KPA500 amplifier. It was not difficult and took about three weeks in spare time. It worked when finished but had one minor issue after I started using it. It turned out the reference oscillator was defective and would drift after the K3s warmed up and would stop receiving. A little trouble shooting with help from the factory soon had another reference oscillator on the way. I have probably worked a 100 new countries since then. About the only things you need to buy are a muffin tin to hold the small parts. Several new screwdrives for the small screws and a static mat with wrist clip. No soldering, just a lot of small screws, nuts, washers and lock washers. My age is 78.

Regards, Earl Fortner, K4KAY

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill DeVore
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 8:26 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in savings?

Bill

W3PNM
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