[Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Edward R Cole]

I can relate to Andy's frustration and bad luck.  I fortunately have 
had good luck with my Elecraft purchases and any difficulties were 
result of inadequate knowledge or lack of reading over the manual sufficiently.

I recently installed the KXAT100 in my KXPA100 prior to taking a 
month-long trip out of Alaska to pick up our recently purchased 
5th-wheel travel trailer in Seattle.  I tested it with the KX3 remote 
control on my bench but after install in the truck it would not work 
properly (Not power-on from the KX3 menu).  I discovered that the 
power-pole connector had to be in the proper jack (not the auxiliary 
power-pole jack) for that to function.

I used it mainly on 6m with a base-loaded whip.

I have one of the beta-test 2M transverter modules and it partially 
failed in power output.  Elecraft got that repaired for me.  I ran 
120w 2m-SSB on the trip driving a 2w/25w driver PA for the TE1410 
final amp.  It only required 0.8w drive to produce 10w drive into the 
final, but I worked a VE7 outside the Vancouver area into northern WA 
while mobile.  KX3-2M receives quite well even in marginal mobile conditions.

I recently traded my DEMI 222-28 transverter for a new 30w FM mobile 
as there is no CW/SSB activity up here.  The new Bridgecom BCM-220 
looked like a nice substitute and I excitedly set it up upon arrival, 
but it would not transmit.  After much head scratching I decided 
maybe a call was needed to their "tech dept".  I actually got the CEO 
of the company and after a couple questions determined I was trying 
to transmit out of the band.   Well the VFO indicated in band so I 
was confused.  He then walked me thru checking if duplex offset was 
in play...and it was.  I didn't program that?  He explained they 
pre-program the radio with that and a couple repeater frequencies 
(apparently to aid the new operator in setting up repeater use).  I 
had never experienced a new radio with any programing so didn't look 
for any.  Radio worked fine once I reset offset to zero - which was a 
big "duh" moment for me!  I can say I was impressed with Bridgecom's 
response (so maybe they learned from watching Elecraft?).

This is still unusual in my experience with OEM's.  I spent 30 years 
working as two-way radio tech with a lot of the "other" kind of tech help.

I tried to emulate Elecraft in my small kit making business; I 
recently closed the doors and no longer build kits on contract.  At 
72 I am finally retired.

73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   dubususa at gmail.com