On 08/04/2012 04:08 PM, Bill wrote: > I have been reading the posts about the KX3 and it brings up a question > about K3 reliability. > > Prior to my purchase of a K3 last winter, I did all the usual research > on reflectors and boards. I was looking for real-life user information > and experiences. What impressed me most was the lack of reported serious > failures - those requiring a visit to the factory. I do know that some > K3s have required factory level warranty repairs. The question is: how > many or what percentage. And, is there a particular problem(s) that > appears often.
I've never had to return my K3 to the factory. But I've had failures which required soldering 7 times. The latest was the oxidized PA power supply pins issue. Others include blown front end transistor, blown LPA transistors, blown SWR bridge diode, and a choke on the subreceiver board that had fallen off during transport. I don't have much experience with other brands of ham gear, so I don't know what is considered expected reliablity. But I can't say that I'm impressed. Elecraft support, however, is *really* impressive. Too bad that it's needed so often. Actually, if I had been living in the USA, I probably *would* have sent it back to the factory for a checkup. Jon LA4RT > > Most rigs, after being on the market for a period of time, have known > short comings. Not so for the K3. I have read nothing that indicates a > chronic problem(s). > > Based on the above, I purchased and built a K3. Five months after > completion - the rig is at the factory awaiting warranty repair (dark > display with MCU LD shown). Needless to say, I do question the K3's > reliability factor and would be very interested in the particulars of > other failures requiring a return to the factory for warranty repairs. > > I am still on the air, using my trusty Kenwood 480 while on vacation - > so no total washouts. > > Kindly keep the flames to a minimum - this is a serious question that I > should have pushed prior to purchase. > > Thanks, > > Bill W2BLC > ______________________________________________________________ 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
