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”.
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[email protected]
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [email protected]
