[Elecraft] KIO3b Failure

[W3FPR]

Elecraft promised continued support, not replacement board availability!

I have a SN 0020 K3 (and KX3 with the same SN).  It is still working 
fine, and is fully loaded with all the newest boards available (almost a 
K3S), but I have not installed the KIO3B which is still in the original 
bag.  I have plenty of good USB to serial adapters (a 4 port Edgeport 
for one instance) and a soundcard dongle provide everything that the 
KIO3B can provide, so I am happy for now.  I will not have a need for 
the KIO3B until I have a computer with limited USB ports, but I am ready 
if that happens.  It does seem that the KIO3B is subject to failures due 
to outside sources (lightning, electrical surges, etc.), which can be 
minimized through good bonding and grounding.

So my vote goes to Elecraft for their continuing support, but is 
necessarily limited by the availability of replacement boards and/or 
replacement modules.  I have repaired K2 for about 12 years, and yes, 
there were points where there were not the proper parts to provide 
direct replacement - but Elecraft did come up with substitutions where 
possible- I tested and implemented many of the substitutions.  Note that 
the KDSP2 and the K60XV are no longer available due to parts 
availability.  That is just par for the course - if you can't get the 
parts, you cannot fix it.

Elecraft has provided support far longer than any other manufacturer.  
The K2 was originally sold in 1999 and is still available.  If you want 
to build one, order it, and you will have a state of the art transceiver 
at a decent price.  The addition of a KXPA100 will bring it up to 100 
watts (with the ATU) will give you a great 100 watt station rig.

Bottom line "support is different than ability to repair".

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/10/2025 6:08 PM, David Gilbert wrote:
>
> I wouldn't have even bothered to make my reflector reply if the 
> original post hadn't opened up an old wound. I've been complaining for 
> years that Elecraft could and should have at least offered to set up 
> some third party for module replacement or repair of discontinued 
> items.  N6RO made a tidy business for himself for a while trying to 
> service the market with replacements he bought from estates or hams 
> who moved on to other rigs ... and he can't keep up with the demand! 
> *Elecraft could fix that without ANY jeopardy to their business, but 
> they have made a conscious decision not to do that.*  I don't know how 
> you can justify that, although given the very many posts you've made 
> lauding Elecraft I am confident you will try.
>
> On 5/10/2025 2:00 PM, Rick NK7I wrote:
>> Let’s have a real moment.
>>
>>
>> Now some are crying because they’re unable to support board level 
>> repairs over a product that was retired over 5 years ago; “I’m gonna 
>> leave and quit Elecraft”.