[Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[john]

The K3 has not been manufactured in years so of course some issues will
occur with older equipment. Elecraft offers excellent support for new and
older equipment. The look reminds you of your Kenwood equipment and
apparently you do not like your gear's appearance. Why do you own it?
Because I travel to the Caribbean with mine, I like the size. 

John KK9A


Thom ki8w wrote: 
Sat Jul 29 09:59:04 EDT 2017

All I can say to Elecraft is if I had the money to buy a K3 with all the 
options, given all the issues people have with them on this list, I 
probably would not even consider buying one.

I was not really all that impressed with the look of it when I saw it at 
Dayton this year.  It reminded me of the Kenwood gear, I currently own.

73

Thom KI8W

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Bill Frantz]

Since Elecraft got its start in the kit world, many of the early 
customers were kit builders. As the reputation of the radios has 
grown, more hams that just want a top of the line radio that 
works have become customers. These people are much more likely 
to buy factory built, and not trust a used radio that was not 
factory built or recently aligned by the factory.


I'm glad I got a minimum K3 kit and had the opportunity to add 
features over the years. I have learned a lot about the radio's 
construction and use via this route.


When I ordered my K3, the big dilemma was K2 or K3. K2 pluses: 
real kit. Cheaper. K3 pluses: Better radio. When my XYL, after a 
1/2 hour user interface conversation at an Elecraft booth, said 
to get the K3, i ordered the K3. I still dream of building a K2, 
and the 20th anniversary would be a nice excuse. However, with a 
K3, KX3, and my wife's KX2, I don't know that I would actually 
use it.


I hope that Elecraft will continue to encourage kit building, as 
it is the gateway toward electronic experimentation for many 
people. Offering package discounts on kits would be nice.


73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/29/17 at 1:17 PM, donw...@embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) wrote:


I get the feeling that Elecraft is selling more factory assembled units than 
kits.



Bill Frantz|"Insofar as the propositions of mathematics 
refer to
408-356-8506   | reality, they are not certain; and insofar 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Raymond Sills]

And, that can be an important feature for those on a tight budget...  start 
with the base rig, and then add features/options as finances permit.  Better 
than waiting who knows how long to save up to buy the fully tricked-out version.


73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211





-Original Message-
From: Clay Autery <k...@montac.com>
To: elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sat, Jul 29, 2017 3:19 pm
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

Just because they OFFER bundles doesn't mean you can't order a base unit
and a la carte. 

After all...  they ain't blowing out IC-7300s here.  

73,

__
Clay Autery, KY5G

On 7/29/2017 6:50 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote:
> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg
>
> I still question the wisdom of bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m
> capabilities, etc into the K3S.  This went against Elecraft's original
> philosophy of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we really
> wanted.  This resulted in inflating the base price which put it out of reach
> for many folks and further away from competing products (IC-7300, Kenwood
> 590 and Flex 6300).  That must be hurting sales resulting in discounting.
>
> A viable option is to buy a recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to
> configure it as you want.  Basic K3 prices are in the $1500 making this a
> viable alternative IMHO.
>
> 73,  Bill  W4ZV

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Barry Baines]

Don:

Your points are spot on.  I can recall back in 2014 when I first started to 
think seriously about acquiring a K3, it took a significant amount of time to 
try to figure what options were “important” vs. “desirable” and understanding 
how options interfaced with each other.  It wasn’t until I was at the 
Huntsville Hamfest in August of that year and could ask questions of the 
Elecraft Team that I was able to determine what to order. Eric subsequently 
took my order (K3 w/selected options, KPA500, KAT500 and K3/0-Mini) at the 
hamfest and it wasn’t long after that I had my ‘goodies’ in hand.  I 
subsequently had my remote station in SE Georgia up and running and have been 
happy with the setup ever since.

What’s interesting about Elecraft’s approach is that this isn’t much different 
from ordering other ‘high end’ products from manufacturers that offer 
variations to their product line.  Apple offers their computers with variations 
in CPU, storage capacity, memory capacity, graphics capacity, screen size, etc. 
 based upon ‘common’ consumer interest and price points.  Dell and others do 
the same thing.  Automobile Manufacturers offer vehicles starting a basic 
model, then variations based what ‘packages’ are offered as bundles.  Example:  
Ford offers the base model, then “XLT, then “Limited” then “Sport.”  Of course, 
there are numerous color combinations (exterior and interior) not to mention 
different interior materials (leather, vinyl, etc.).  

My point is as consumers, we’re familiar with the idea of ’tailoring’ products 
based upon common packages that ‘consumers’ (or “amateurs” in this case) would 
typically order.  That doesn’t prevent us from ’special order’  tailored to our 
specific needs when purchasing automobiles, computers, or now Elecraft gear.  
In this case, Elecraft offers both ‘packages’ to provide some insight into what 
’typical’ purchasers based upon areas of interest (contesting, DX, casual 
operating) are typically looking for to give potential purchasers an idea of 
configurations (and price) that meet their preferences while also fulfilling 
special orders as the purchaser wants to see in their equipment. (not to 
mention both factory and kit form).  

Congratulations to Elecraft for providing another product differentiation that 
focuses on the needs of the purchaser.  Along with this approach, I’m also 
impressed by their ‘upgrade’ pathways for K3 owners wishing to incorporate K3s 
features which addresses not only enhancing performance but also simplifies the 
upgrade process while verifying that what leaves the factory is up to spec.  
This flexibility is somewhat unique to Elecraft within the amateur radio 
marketplace and reflects well their focus on meeting the needs of the customer 
which in turn reinforces brand loyalty.  We all appreciate the company that 
stands behind their product.

FWIW,

Barry  Baines, WD4ASW
(Currently in Columbia, SC)


> On Jul 29, 2017, at 12:12 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> 
> On the contrary, I think the decision to offer "standard configuration 
> packages" is a result of customer questions resulting from confusion about 
> "what options do I need" and much time devoted to pre-sale communication with 
> prospective customers.
> 
> Other manufacturers offer an "all or nothing" package that is their current 
> model/configuration.
> 
> I have witnessed the confusion of many prospective buyers at the Elecraft 
> booth at many hamfests - there is a lot of confusion about which options they 
> should include.  We endeavor to provide assistance to customize the option 
> mix to the wants and needs of the customer.
> 
> These "standard" packages is a way to allow customers to purchase a K3S for 
> the type of operating that they will be doing while minimizing that pre-sale 
> activity.
> 
> One can still order additional options even with the pre-defined packages 
> (and I assume also delete some options).  But for the customer who is not 
> familiar with what each Elecraft option will do for their operating 
> experience, I believe it is a step in the right direction.
> 
> If Elecraft were to follow other manufacturer's footsteps, there would be a 
> K3S-I, K3S-II and K3S-III designation for each of those bundles, but note 
> that Elecraft has chosen not to do that.  You do not have to sell your K3S-I 
> to get a K3S-III, just add the options needed to upgrade it.
> 
> That "upgradability" has always been unique at Elecraft.  Any K2 can be 
> upgraded to the electrical equal of a new one, the same goes for the K3 with 
> the addition of the modules included in the K3S (with only a few minor 
> exceptions).
> 
> This is part of the Elecraft customer support philosophy.  Note that the K2 
> is a 1998 design and is still going strong, and still fully supported.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> On 7/29/2017 11:17 AM, WILLIE BABER wrote:
>> I imagine that many persons wanting K3/K3s have one, and so sales may not be 
>> as 

Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Don Wilhelm]

Nick,

Notice the "-F" on the K3S/100 for all 3 bundles.  That says Factory built.

Whether similar discounts will be offered for a kit version of the same 
package remains to be seen.


I get the feeling that Elecraft is selling more factory assembled units 
than kits.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/29/2017 3:39 PM, Nicklas Johnson wrote:


Are the bundles fully assembled units, or is it possible to get a bundle in
kit form? I really enjoyed the assembly of my KX3, and I really like the
idea of bundling common options too.


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Fred Jensen]

I guess it is a change from the traditionalElecraft "roll your own from 
a long list of options" approach, and your point is is valid, at least 
partially.  HoweverI suspect strongly that there are 
manufacturing/assembly/logistics/support benefits and savings to the 
company by offering several"canned" configurations.


Questions about "Which optionshould I get" often appear on this list, 
and I've watched the E-folks at Hamfests spend a lot of time helping a 
new customer figure out what they want/need. The "roll your own" option 
is still available for those who prefer it, which is not true for other 
manufacturers, at least to the same degree as from Elecraft.


My K3 is old [S/N 642] and it now has what I want and use [except for 
the DVK which I wanted, bought, but have rarely used].When the K3s 
showed up, I told myselfthat the first good reason I could come up with 
to sell it and get a K3s, I'd do it.  Still running #642.


73,

Fred ("Skip") K6DGW
Sparks NV USA
Washoe County DM09dn

On 7/29/2017 4:50 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote:

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg

I still question the wisdom of bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m
capabilities, etc into the K3S.  This went against Elecraft's original
philosophy of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we really
wanted.  This resulted in inflating the base price which put it out of reach
for many folks and further away from competing products (IC-7300, Kenwood
590 and Flex 6300).  That must be hurting sales resulting in discounting.

A viable option is to buy a recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to
configure it as you want.  Basic K3 prices are in the $1500 making this a
viable alternative IMHO.

73,  Bill  W4ZV



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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT]

If you want to rate how good (or how bad) a product is, you have to have 
a random sampling of owners and equipment.


If the sample is self-selected, your sample consists mostly of those 
having trouble, some who just like to help, and a few who don't own the 
product.


Most Elecraft customers are happily operating, and have no gripes for 
the list.


Nobody notices when things go right.

What you can learn from a list like this one is how the company handles 
problems.


Unlike Kenwood, both of the owners and most of the engineers (probably 
all) are on here, available to customers.


73 -- Lynn

On 7/29/2017 6:59 AM, Thom wrote:
All I can say to Elecraft is if I had the money to buy a K3 with all the 
options, given all the issues people have with them on this list, I 
probably would not even consider buying one.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Nicklas Johnson]

I have a question on this because it wasn't immediately obvious to me when
I looked at the web site the other day.

Are the bundles fully assembled units, or is it possible to get a bundle in
kit form? I really enjoyed the assembly of my KX3, and I really like the
idea of bundling common options too.

Sorry if that's a dumb question and I just missed something that was
staring me in the face.

   Nick

On Jul 29, 2017 12:31 PM, "Wayne Burdick"  wrote:

> Correct. The packages are just a convenience based on past ordering
> history.
>
> (FYI, we have a detailed features/performance comparison chart of the K3S
> vs. IC7300. Email me directly if interested.)
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
> > On Jul 29, 2017, at 12:18 PM, Clay Autery  wrote:
> >
> > Just because they OFFER bundles doesn't mean you can't order a base unit
> > and a la carte.
> >
> > After all...  they ain't blowing out IC-7300s here.  
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > __
> > Clay Autery, KY5G
> >
> > On 7/29/2017 6:50 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote:
> >> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg
> >>
> >> I still question the wisdom of bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m
> >> capabilities, etc into the K3S.  This went against Elecraft's original
> >> philosophy of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we
> really
> >> wanted.  This resulted in inflating the base price which put it out of
> reach
> >> for many folks and further away from competing products (IC-7300,
> Kenwood
> >> 590 and Flex 6300).  That must be hurting sales resulting in
> discounting.
> >>
> >> A viable option is to buy a recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to
> >> configure it as you want.  Basic K3 prices are in the $1500 making this
> a
> >> viable alternative IMHO.
> >>
> >> 73,  Bill  W4ZV
>
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Wayne Burdick]

Correct. The packages are just a convenience based on past ordering history. 

(FYI, we have a detailed features/performance comparison chart of the K3S vs. 
IC7300. Email me directly if interested.)

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Jul 29, 2017, at 12:18 PM, Clay Autery  wrote:
> 
> Just because they OFFER bundles doesn't mean you can't order a base unit
> and a la carte. 
> 
> After all...  they ain't blowing out IC-7300s here.  
> 
> 73,
> 
> __
> Clay Autery, KY5G
> 
> On 7/29/2017 6:50 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote:
>> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg
>> 
>> I still question the wisdom of bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m
>> capabilities, etc into the K3S.  This went against Elecraft's original
>> philosophy of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we really
>> wanted.  This resulted in inflating the base price which put it out of reach
>> for many folks and further away from competing products (IC-7300, Kenwood
>> 590 and Flex 6300).  That must be hurting sales resulting in discounting.
>> 
>> A viable option is to buy a recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to
>> configure it as you want.  Basic K3 prices are in the $1500 making this a
>> viable alternative IMHO.
>> 
>> 73,  Bill  W4ZV




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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Clay Autery]

Just because they OFFER bundles doesn't mean you can't order a base unit
and a la carte. 

After all...  they ain't blowing out IC-7300s here.  

73,

__
Clay Autery, KY5G

On 7/29/2017 6:50 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote:
> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg
>
> I still question the wisdom of bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m
> capabilities, etc into the K3S.  This went against Elecraft's original
> philosophy of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we really
> wanted.  This resulted in inflating the base price which put it out of reach
> for many folks and further away from competing products (IC-7300, Kenwood
> 590 and Flex 6300).  That must be hurting sales resulting in discounting.
>
> A viable option is to buy a recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to
> configure it as you want.  Basic K3 prices are in the $1500 making this a
> viable alternative IMHO.
>
> 73,  Bill  W4ZV

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[EUGENE GABRY]

Well stated Don,  This was one of the deciding factors for me when I pulled the 
trigger on Elecraft two years ago. I saw the value in  being able to add 
options along the way as/if, my operating style or conditions changed. Firmware 
upgrades and support were the other reason. I wanted a rig "I" could grow into 
over time before time ran out on the current technology "of the day". 

73 Gene
N9TF

 
> On July 29, 2017 at 11:12 AM Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> 

> 
> That "upgradability" has always been unique at Elecraft.  Any K2 can be 
> upgraded to the electrical equal of a new one, the same goes for the K3 
> with the addition of the modules included in the K3S (with only a few 
> minor exceptions).
> 
> This is part of the Elecraft customer support philosophy.  Note that the 
> K2 is a 1998 design and is still going strong, and still fully supported.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
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[Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[John AE5X]

Is this where we segue into the quarterly thread about the upcoming K4 and KX4? 
 :-)

John AE5X
http://ae5x.blogspot.com/
_

>I imagine that many persons wanting K3/K3s have one

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I purchased my K3S, my first Elecraft product, based on three factors:  
Performance, specified configuration as I wanted, and product support.


73

Bob, K4TAX

K3S s/n 10163


On 7/29/2017 11:55 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:

I agree.

People might expect a simple answer to “How much does a K3S cost?”, but they 
get “It depends” then spend hours trying on the website and this list adding up 
lists of options. This is that simple answer. I have no doubt that it will 
increase sales, because it decreases the friction of pricing out a K3S.

It would be handy to have the same thing for a fully-loaded KX3, just to avoid 
all the sums.

wunder
Walter Underwood
wun...@wunderwood.org
http://observer.wunderwood.org/  (my blog)





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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Walter Underwood]

I agree.

People might expect a simple answer to “How much does a K3S cost?”, but they 
get “It depends” then spend hours trying on the website and this list adding up 
lists of options. This is that simple answer. I have no doubt that it will 
increase sales, because it decreases the friction of pricing out a K3S.

It would be handy to have the same thing for a fully-loaded KX3, just to avoid 
all the sums.

wunder
Walter Underwood
wun...@wunderwood.org
http://observer.wunderwood.org/  (my blog)


> On Jul 29, 2017, at 9:12 AM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> 
> On the contrary, I think the decision to offer "standard configuration 
> packages" is a result of customer questions resulting from confusion about 
> "what options do I need" and much time devoted to pre-sale communication with 
> prospective customers.
> 
> Other manufacturers offer an "all or nothing" package that is their current 
> model/configuration.
> 
> I have witnessed the confusion of many prospective buyers at the Elecraft 
> booth at many hamfests - there is a lot of confusion about which options they 
> should include.  We endeavor to provide assistance to customize the option 
> mix to the wants and needs of the customer.
> 
> These "standard" packages is a way to allow customers to purchase a K3S for 
> the type of operating that they will be doing while minimizing that pre-sale 
> activity.
> 
> One can still order additional options even with the pre-defined packages 
> (and I assume also delete some options).  But for the customer who is not 
> familiar with what each Elecraft option will do for their operating 
> experience, I believe it is a step in the right direction.
> 
> If Elecraft were to follow other manufacturer's footsteps, there would be a 
> K3S-I, K3S-II and K3S-III designation for each of those bundles, but note 
> that Elecraft has chosen not to do that.  You do not have to sell your K3S-I 
> to get a K3S-III, just add the options needed to upgrade it.
> 
> That "upgradability" has always been unique at Elecraft.  Any K2 can be 
> upgraded to the electrical equal of a new one, the same goes for the K3 with 
> the addition of the modules included in the K3S (with only a few minor 
> exceptions).
> 
> This is part of the Elecraft customer support philosophy.  Note that the K2 
> is a 1998 design and is still going strong, and still fully supported.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> On 7/29/2017 11:17 AM, WILLIE BABER wrote:
>> I imagine that many persons wanting K3/K3s have one, and so sales may not be 
>> as robust as a result. The many improvements over time have created a mature 
>> radio--and all essential improvements can be made to an early K3 (same with 
>> the K2).  I appreciate Elecraft for this approach to building radios.  
>> However, this does mean that many of us are using aging K3s that work just 
>> as well as the new K3s.  I have two K3 radios (so2r), one is about nine 
>> years older than the other one but they are both essentially the same.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Don Wilhelm]

On the contrary, I think the decision to offer "standard configuration 
packages" is a result of customer questions resulting from confusion 
about "what options do I need" and much time devoted to pre-sale 
communication with prospective customers.


Other manufacturers offer an "all or nothing" package that is their 
current model/configuration.


I have witnessed the confusion of many prospective buyers at the 
Elecraft booth at many hamfests - there is a lot of confusion about 
which options they should include.  We endeavor to provide assistance to 
customize the option mix to the wants and needs of the customer.


These "standard" packages is a way to allow customers to purchase a K3S 
for the type of operating that they will be doing while minimizing that 
pre-sale activity.


One can still order additional options even with the pre-defined 
packages (and I assume also delete some options).  But for the customer 
who is not familiar with what each Elecraft option will do for their 
operating experience, I believe it is a step in the right direction.


If Elecraft were to follow other manufacturer's footsteps, there would 
be a K3S-I, K3S-II and K3S-III designation for each of those bundles, 
but note that Elecraft has chosen not to do that.  You do not have to 
sell your K3S-I to get a K3S-III, just add the options needed to upgrade 
it.


That "upgradability" has always been unique at Elecraft.  Any K2 can be 
upgraded to the electrical equal of a new one, the same goes for the K3 
with the addition of the modules included in the K3S (with only a few 
minor exceptions).


This is part of the Elecraft customer support philosophy.  Note that the 
K2 is a 1998 design and is still going strong, and still fully supported.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/29/2017 11:17 AM, WILLIE BABER wrote:

I imagine that many persons wanting K3/K3s have one, and so sales may not be as 
robust as a result. The many improvements over time have created a mature 
radio--and all essential improvements can be made to an early K3 (same with the 
K2).  I appreciate Elecraft for this approach to building radios.  However, 
this does mean that many of us are using aging K3s that work just as well as 
the new K3s.  I have two K3 radios (so2r), one is about nine years older than 
the other one but they are both essentially the same.


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Neil Zampella]

We used to call it a 'Short between the headsets!'  :)

Neil, KN3ILZ


On 7/29/2017 11:07 AM, Kevin Stover, AC0H wrote:


Exactly!!

I'll bet it's more like 95% PEBCAR (Problem Exists Between Chair and 
Radio), Along with the "We Don't Need No Stinking Manuals" attitude 
exhibited by some "real" radio people. We also have the design 
engineers who like to come on and say how they would have done it 
differently or their design is better. OK smart guy...where's YOUR 
Radio company building and selling your self designed wonder of the ages?


It's really funny and a nice comical relief respit from the real world.



On 7/29/2017 9:43 AM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:
Not to point any fingers at ANYONE, but most of the "problems" that 
show up
here are in fact, miss-interpretations, or.NOT reading the manual 
in the

first place.
And I'm as guilty of this as anyone. Hey, I know how to operate a bloody
radio right?   However, I try not to cry wolf until I have completely 
proven

myself as not the culprit, which means I seldom do post a problem!

Another area that can easily be interpreted as a "problem" when 
scanning the

forum is actually with after-market software and/or interfacing with
peripheral equipment.
If you count the real production/equipment failures vs. "others", 
I'll bet

they're quite low and typical of any quality manufacturer.

73, Charlie k3ICH








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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Clay Autery]

You do realize that:

1) You will see a disproportionate number of "issues" related posts on a
SUPPORT reflector versus the actual issue to total population ratio. 
Right?  IAW...  May LOOK like there are a lot of issues but your are
looking at the place where everyone with issues posts...  NOT seeing a
representative sample IAW.
2) The POINT of a modular system is so you can a) get only what you
want/need, and b) get what you can afford now and add options later. 
This is a proven approach allowing folks (like me for instance) to
"drive a Cadillac" when the budget says economy car.  You can start with
a 10 W K3s kit and build it up as funds present... OR you can do like me
and hit the ground running with a fully loaded kit (sans 2nd receiver
and 2M).
3) If you want flashy looks or flashy looks is high on your priority
list, then there are boxes you can buy that flash and go bing.  Elecraft
builds radios that work, go to the field, and perform at the very top of
the game.

I'd sacrifice my left arm, right nut, and fight you "tooth and nail"
before I gave up my K3S.

Try getting this level of performance AND support out of any of the
off-shore companies...  Try getting most any other company to do
hardware and performance updates and make them available at a reasonable
price for YOU to install...

Just hope you will investigate further...  Fact is, I seldom even look
at the gear unless I am in the field...  I run it through Win4K3Suite,
HRD modules, et al on one monitor ...  Have the P3 on another big
monitor  Nice mic on an overhead boom...  Only thing on my desktop is my
mouse, key, and keyboard...

73,

__
Clay Autery, KY5G
MONTAC Enterprises
(318) 518-1389

On 7/29/2017 8:59 AM, Thom wrote:
> All I can say to Elecraft is if I had the money to buy a K3 with all
> the options, given all the issues people have with them on this list,
> I probably would not even consider buying one.
>
> I was not really all that impressed with the look of it when I saw it
> at Dayton this year.  It reminded me of the Kenwood gear, I currently
> own.
>
> 73
>
> Thom KI8W

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[WILLIE BABER]

I imagine that many persons wanting K3/K3s have one, and so sales may not be as 
robust as a result. The many improvements over time have created a mature 
radio--and all essential improvements can be made to an early K3 (same with the 
K2).  I appreciate Elecraft for this approach to building radios.  However, 
this does mean that many of us are using aging K3s that work just as well as 
the new K3s.  I have two K3 radios (so2r), one is about nine years older than 
the other one but they are both essentially the same.  

It does seem that the prices associated with adding more options to the basic 
radio is different from the original sales philosophy of Elecraft: a top 
performing radio at a price that is lower because you buy only what you need 
and you can save even more by assembling it yourself.

This still applies but not as well as it did with the original K3, first 
produced some years ago however!

I never thought of Elecraft as an inexpensive radio (it looked inexpensive if 
you purchased the basic kit and nothing else); rather, I could see the savings 
in purchasing only what I wanted but still had the performance and I/O for the 
future. 

Finally, maintaining the K3 is far less expensive (compared to other radios) 
because many of us can do minor repair ourselves, with instructions provided by 
Elecraft technicians.

73, Will, wj9b



CWops #1085
CWA Advisor levels II and III
http://cwops.org/


On Sat, 7/29/17, Bill W4ZV <btipp...@alum.mit.edu> wrote:

 Subject: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017, 5:50 AM
 
 http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg
 
 I still question the wisdom of
 bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m
 capabilities, etc into the K3S.  This went
 against Elecraft's original
 philosophy
 of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we
 really
 wanted.  This resulted in inflating
 the base price which put it out of reach
 for
 many folks and further away from competing products
 (IC-7300, Kenwood
 590 and Flex 6300).  That
 must be hurting sales resulting in discounting.
 
 A viable option is to buy a
 recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to
 configure it as you want.  Basic K3 prices are
 in the $1500 making this a
 viable
 alternative IMHO.
 
 73, 
 Bill  W4ZV
 
 
 
 --
 View this
 message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Confused-about-K3-to-K3S-Migration-service-tp7626459p7632800.html
 Sent
 from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Kevin Stover, AC0H]

Exactly!!

I'll bet it's more like 95% PEBCAR (Problem Exists Between Chair and 
Radio), Along with the "We Don't Need No Stinking Manuals" attitude 
exhibited by some "real" radio people. We also have the design engineers 
who like to come on and say how they would have done it differently or 
their design is better. OK smart guy...where's YOUR Radio company 
building and selling your self designed wonder of the ages?


It's really funny and a nice comical relief respit from the real world.



On 7/29/2017 9:43 AM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:

Not to point any fingers at ANYONE, but most of the "problems" that show up
here are in fact, miss-interpretations, or.NOT reading the manual in the
first place.
And I'm as guilty of this as anyone. Hey, I know how to operate a bloody
radio right?   However, I try not to cry wolf until I have completely proven
myself as not the culprit, which means I seldom do post a problem!

Another area that can easily be interpreted as a "problem" when scanning the
forum is actually with after-market software and/or interfacing with
peripheral equipment.
If you count the real production/equipment failures vs. "others", I'll bet
they're quite low and typical of any quality manufacturer.

73, Charlie k3ICH






--
R. Kevin StoverAC0H
FISTS #11993
SKCC #215
NAQCC #3441
ARRL
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Charlie T, K3ICH]

Not to point any fingers at ANYONE, but most of the "problems" that show up
here are in fact, miss-interpretations, or.NOT reading the manual in the
first place.
And I'm as guilty of this as anyone. Hey, I know how to operate a bloody
radio right?   However, I try not to cry wolf until I have completely proven
myself as not the culprit, which means I seldom do post a problem! 

Another area that can easily be interpreted as a "problem" when scanning the
forum is actually with after-market software and/or interfacing with
peripheral equipment.
If you count the real production/equipment failures vs. "others", I'll bet
they're quite low and typical of any quality manufacturer.

73, Charlie k3ICH



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Vic Rosenthal
Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 10:26 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

The email reflector is the first place to go if you have a problem. So of
course reading it gives you the impression that there are a lot of problems.
But I suspect it would be the same with a similar reflector dedicated to ANY
manufacturer's equipment.
The look... well, that is up to you!

Vic 4X6GP 



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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Vic Rosenthal]

The email reflector is the first place to go if you have a problem. So of 
course reading it gives you the impression that there are a lot of problems. 
But I suspect it would be the same with a similar reflector dedicated to ANY 
manufacturer's equipment.
The look... well, that is up to you!

Vic 4X6GP 

> On 29 Jul 2017, at 16:59, Thom  wrote:
> 
> All I can say to Elecraft is if I had the money to buy a K3 with all the 
> options, given all the issues people have with them on this list, I probably 
> would not even consider buying one.
> 
> I was not really all that impressed with the look of it when I saw it at 
> Dayton this year.  It reminded me of the Kenwood gear, I currently own.
> 
> 73
> 
> Thom KI8W
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Thom]

All I can say to Elecraft is if I had the money to buy a K3 with all the 
options, given all the issues people have with them on this list, I 
probably would not even consider buying one.


I was not really all that impressed with the look of it when I saw it at 
Dayton this year.  It reminded me of the Kenwood gear, I currently own.


73

Thom KI8W



On 7/29/2017 07:50, Bill W4ZV wrote:

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg

I still question the wisdom of bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m
capabilities, etc into the K3S.  This went against Elecraft's original
philosophy of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we really
wanted.  This resulted in inflating the base price which put it out of reach
for many folks and further away from competing products (IC-7300, Kenwood
590 and Flex 6300).  That must be hurting sales resulting in discounting.

A viable option is to buy a recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to
configure it as you want.  Basic K3 prices are in the $1500 making this a
viable alternative IMHO.

73,  Bill  W4ZV



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[Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

[Bill W4ZV]

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg

I still question the wisdom of bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m
capabilities, etc into the K3S.  This went against Elecraft's original
philosophy of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we really
wanted.  This resulted in inflating the base price which put it out of reach
for many folks and further away from competing products (IC-7300, Kenwood
590 and Flex 6300).  That must be hurting sales resulting in discounting.

A viable option is to buy a recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to
configure it as you want.  Basic K3 prices are in the $1500 making this a
viable alternative IMHO.

73,  Bill  W4ZV



--
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http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Confused-about-K3-to-K3S-Migration-service-tp7626459p7632800.html
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