Tom; I hope you find a used K3 (they do turn up from time to time yet I always
wonder WHY?) or better yet, decide to take the full plunge and build a kit.
While I had a negative kit building experience once prior (DownEast Microwave
transverter with lots of surface mount devices to solder) I decided to build
from Elecraft's line to save a few of my hard-earned dollars. I am so glad
that I did! I enjoyed the experience far more than I ever expected. The
manuals are so well-written and everything is pictured clearly that I now liken
the experience to a bit of painting, pottery making or basket-weaving; it is
actually therapeutic! There is no soldering involved and it is much more akin
to assembling a piece of furniture or a set of Leggo blocks. I paced myself and
took my time. I familiarized myself with the myriad tiny screws, nuts and
bolts that comprise 90% of the "building." I set up a clear workspace prior to
the kits arrival and got an anti-static mat from Radio S
hack to play it safe (lots of circuit boards to protect). I built my fairly
loaded K3, P3 and KPA500 all from Elecraft's excellent kits---and would do it
all again in a heartbeat should I need another piece of Elecraft gear (maybe
I'll add the 2M module next). If you can't find a used K3 in a reasonable
amount of time why not try building one instead? You only live once! (Look me
up on QRZ if you would like to see a few pix of me assembling my kits) Btw, I
am also a more or less casual SSB operator as well---unless six meters is
hot---then I turn into rabid DX hound.That's when the dual receivers come in
handy along with the P3's display---but that's another story altogether. One
feature that I really like about my K3 that hasn't been pointed out yet is the
fact that you can "lock out" unused bands very easily. For instance, since I
currently only have antennas up for 20 meters and 6 meters those are the only
bands I have running on my K3 now. I don't ever have to jump
through all the other bands to get from 6 to 20 or vice-versa. If I put up
antennas for other bands then I can switch those bands back into play easily as
well. The K3 is your very own "Custom Rig" all the time and that brings me more
joy than I can adequately describe. The K3 is my forever rig You will never
regret purchasing or building one either, Tom---I guarantee it!
73,
Jeff, NH7RO EL18la K3k 5528 P3k 1397 KPAk500 0250
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