[Elecraft] Buying a Used K3(S) - any things to consider?

[George Thornton]

I don't know the answer to all your questions but I will note the following:

The KIOb3 board is not essential.  You just need to have a serial port or a USB adapter for connecting with a computer.  I never bothered to upgrade mine when I upgraded the synthesizers on my K3.

Many of us have found the panadapter to be very helpful.   The P3 panadapter is a pretty sophisticated device and many of us have found it really helpful particularly in contest situations.  It is kind of like moving around the band with your eyes open instead of operating blind.  
I

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Tony KX3H
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2020 9:06 PM
To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Buying a Used K3(S) - any things to consider?

Sorry but I just need a little help with this - I'm in the K4 Group 3 list and know it will be a while before I get the call, so considering buying a used K3(S) in the mean time. This would be my first Elecraft and I am hesitant to jump in knowing the support has ended. Are there any guidelines to consider if I do purchase one?

Things like:
    1) Find the KIOB3 card that has ACC/RJ45/USB or doesn't that matter?

    2) What's the deal with the SPEAKER jack always looking like a horseshoe with the chrome ring missing? Is that an easy part replacement or does it mean something else? I tend to see this a lot in listings and that concerns me.

    3) Why on some radios the ANT jacks are different colors? I'd like to have both teflon white but also see the old brown bakelite color in pictures.

    3) Any serial number above range to pick from? I know these are all
5-15 years old but I'm still running a 33-year old Icom Superhet with a 250hz xtal filter; not a real fan of visual eye-candy waterfalls or the Pan adapters - call me crazy but it seems distracting. Maybe the K3 with a regular screen would be better for me long term than the fancier K4 (although it's beautiful).

    4) Does the CW decoder display work when you have the second RX installed/enabled?

The going used rate for a K3 is around $1500-$2500 and $3000-$4000 for a K3S (which is the K4's starting price but less than 5 years old). I don't want to have to beg for boards if something goes wrong after an unseen online purchase. I've ruled out the other SDR alternatives from Icom, Kenwood and Flex as I know I want an Elecraft due to their heritage. Being an SDR noobie I'd love to try one first but that's not going to happen.

Appreciate any pointers...

Thanks,

Tony - KX3H


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