[Elecraft] KIO3b Failure

[David Gilbert]

I've suggested several times in the past that Elecraft pass on the 
necessary information (schematics, PC board layouts, parts lists, etc) 
for the modules they no longer intend to support to someone who might be 
willing to act as a third party replacement vendor ... but just like you 
all I've ever heard is crickets in response.  It's pretty sad since 
(especially in this case) component availability isn't always the 
problem ... Elecraft has simply decided they don't want to bother with it.

Which is why when the KIO3 on my K3 inevitably dies like many others 
have, my next rig won't be an Elecraft.  I remember ads promising 
lasting support when I bought the K3, but that obviously didn't happen.

Dave   AB7E


On 5/7/2025 7:06 PM, Bob McGraw wrote:
> Well it happened.  While operating one of the digital modes for several
> hours today I lost communication between the radio and computer. My
> K3S, s/n 10169, just stopped communicating with the computer.
>
> Nothing has or was changed in station configuration and under clear blue
> skies, no lightning and no power spikes recorded. The Device Manager
> does not show the normal comm port number. Can not control the radio
> from the computer and there is no audio from the radio to the
> computer.   Tried the K3 Utility and it can not find the radio port.
> Thus can't revert to a known good backup configuration.
>
> Tried shutting down the radio, turning off power, disconnecting the USB
> cable, rebooted computer, replaced USB cable. Turned on power supply,
> turned on radio.  No change.
>
> Conclusion is failure of the KIO3b.  I am told by Elecraft service that
> no replacements are available.   Also checked with Larry Sharpo, K6RO,
> who indicated he had none available.
>
> Any suggestions?   Pack it up, get a RA and send it to Watsonville.  But
> on the other hand I read, one customer radio was returned as not
> repairable.  🙁    It is not a happy thought to loose such a nice
> feature on still one of the best performing radios in the marketplace.
>
> Since many seemed to have experienced failure of the KIO3b for various
> reasons, there is a demand for these boards.  I ask each of you to
> communicate with Eric and ask for a new production run of these boards.
> I know they are used in the upgrade of K3 radios and standard with K3S
> radios.  And there are a few thousand of each being used every day.
> Yes, I know it is a 10 year old radio, but ??????
>
> ERIC :   PLEASE consider a production run of these.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
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