Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair Turn around Time
Bruce, The actual repairs do not take that long - figure a day for the actual repair on most cases. The real question is just how soon can a technician get to a particular repair. I work on the legacy gear for Elecraft (K2, K1, KX1, XV series transverters) and the total turnaround time depends on how much backlog I have stacked up. I do all work on a first in, first out basis depending on when the radio arrives here. My personal backlog varies from 1 week to 3 weeks. The work queue at Elecraft for the K3/K3S, KX3 is similar, and I believe is handled in the same way - first in, first out. The RSA forms currently being issued by Elecraft state a 3 week turnaround time. In some cases, it can be shorter, but normally not longer that that 3 weeks unless highly unusual situations exist. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/20/2016 8:56 PM, Bruce Osterberg wrote: Hello: Curious about the turn around time for a K3 sent into Elecraft for Repair? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair Turn around Time
Bruce Depends on time to trouble shoot and others ahead. But I can tell you from experience, they fix them like they were brand new again. I sent mine in and wow. I had had it back in a reasonable amount to time and having been burned in again and it came back like new and not a issue. Great people working for this great company. Hope that helps. 73 Gerald KC6CNN > On Feb 20, 2016, at 7:56 PM, Bruce Osterberg wrote: > > Hello: Curious about the turn around time for a K3 sent into Elecraft for > Repair? > > Bruce N9BX 73 > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to kc6...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3 Repair Turn around Time
Hello: Curious about the turn around time for a K3 sent into Elecraft for Repair? Bruce N9BX 73 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Repair Broken Power Pole
>>" ... so that the red 12V hot lead plugged into the black jack, partially >>melting it. Just because someone has to state the obvious ... how about using a fuse? Mark AD5SS On Sun, Jun 1, 2014 at 7:58 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > On 5/31/2014 4:03 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> what did you do the break the APP housing, they are pretty sturdy things. > > > Once I looked more carefully at it, it turns out the wound was > self-inflicted. My operating bench has no clearance space behind it and a > shelf only six inches or so above it, so it's difficult to get to the back > of gear, let alone see what you're doing when you're back there. The failure > occurred when I tried plugging in the DC power connector and missed by one > position, so that the red 12V hot lead plugged into the black jack, > partially melting it. > > Thanks for all the detailed suggestions. The solution was to remove the top > panel, then the side panel. That gave me access to the jack, but when I > removed it, the #14 wire soldered to the PCB came with it. To solder a new > wire to the board, I needed access to the bottom side of the board -- my > Hakko from the top side wasn't cutting it. So I removed most of the screws > holding that bottom corner spacer, swiveled it out of the way of the iron, > loosened several screws holding the bottom cover and propped it open with > pliers so I could see that under-side solder pad. That let me make a good > joint. > > Everything is all better now. Thanks for the advice. > > 73, Jim K9YC > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Repair Broken Power Pole
On 5/31/2014 4:03 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: what did you do the break the APP housing, they are pretty sturdy things. Once I looked more carefully at it, it turns out the wound was self-inflicted. My operating bench has no clearance space behind it and a shelf only six inches or so above it, so it's difficult to get to the back of gear, let alone see what you're doing when you're back there. The failure occurred when I tried plugging in the DC power connector and missed by one position, so that the red 12V hot lead plugged into the black jack, partially melting it. Thanks for all the detailed suggestions. The solution was to remove the top panel, then the side panel. That gave me access to the jack, but when I removed it, the #14 wire soldered to the PCB came with it. To solder a new wire to the board, I needed access to the bottom side of the board -- my Hakko from the top side wasn't cutting it. So I removed most of the screws holding that bottom corner spacer, swiveled it out of the way of the iron, loosened several screws holding the bottom cover and propped it open with pliers so I could see that under-side solder pad. That let me make a good joint. Everything is all better now. Thanks for the advice. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Repair Broken Power Pole
I think you'll need to get the back off to get to the APPs. You'll prob have to remove both housings. Use a small screwdriver to lift the contact lip over the spring and pull the housings from the rear. Push new housings on and reassemble the radio. I've never tried to remove two housings together, always had them separated. May be easier to un-solder and re-solder when finished. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On May 31, 2014, at 6:48 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > > The plastic housing of the black power pole that is captive to the radio is > broken, so I'm trying to take it apart to repair it. I started taking the > right side panel off, removing all the perimeter screws, but there are two in > the middle of the side panel, and six years after building these radios, I > don't remember what I can remove without having a problem. This radio is my > spare, minimal stuff in it. K3/100, no tuner, no 2nd RX. > > Suggestions? > > 73, Jim K9YC > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@widomaker.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Repair Broken Power Pole
On 5/31/2014 4:03 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Jim, Are you referring to the two screws that hold the voltage regulators to the side panel? If so, the major problem with them is reinstalling the lockwasher and nut on the one toward the front (unless you have a proper 'crooked tool' to hold the nut from the side without it twisting - pliers will work if you have patience. Thanks, Don. I do have to ask -- what did you do the break the APP housing, they are pretty sturdy things. I have no idea. It's a spare, and it goes on Field Day and California QSO Party expeditions. I was updating firmware today and noticed it. 73, Jim __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Repair Broken Power Pole
Jim, Are you referring to the two screws that hold the voltage regulators to the side panel? If so, the major problem with them is reinstalling the lockwasher and nut on the one toward the front (unless you have a proper 'crooked tool' to hold the nut from the side without it twisting - pliers will work if you have patience. I do have to ask -- what did you do the break the APP housing, they are pretty sturdy things. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/31/2014 6:48 PM, Jim Brown wrote: The plastic housing of the black power pole that is captive to the radio is broken, so I'm trying to take it apart to repair it. I started taking the right side panel off, removing all the perimeter screws, but there are two in the middle of the side panel, and six years after building these radios, I don't remember what I can remove without having a problem. This radio is my spare, minimal stuff in it. K3/100, no tuner, no 2nd RX. Suggestions? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3: Repair Broken Power Pole
The two screws in the "middle" of the right side panel hold the low voltage regulators to the side, for heat sinking, IIRC. Take the top off and you will see this. There are nuts inside to remove. G, Bruce/N1RX -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2014 6:49 PM To: Reflector Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Repair Broken Power Pole The plastic housing of the black power pole that is captive to the radio is broken, so I'm trying to take it apart to repair it. I started taking the right side panel off, removing all the perimeter screws, but there are two in the middle of the side panel, and six years after building these radios, I don't remember what I can remove without having a problem. This radio is my spare, minimal stuff in it. K3/100, no tuner, no 2nd RX. Suggestions? 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to bef...@myfairpoint.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Repair Broken Power Pole
Jim, Download the assembly manual. http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm#K3 Gud Luck! Mike NF4L On May 31, 2014, at 6:48 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > The plastic housing of the black power pole that is captive to the radio is > broken, so I'm trying to take it apart to repair it. I started taking the > right side panel off, removing all the perimeter screws, but there are two in > the middle of the side panel, and six years after building these radios, I > don't remember what I can remove without having a problem. This radio is my > spare, minimal stuff in it. K3/100, no tuner, no 2nd RX. > > Suggestions? > > 73, Jim K9YC > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@nf4l.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3: Repair Broken Power Pole
The plastic housing of the black power pole that is captive to the radio is broken, so I'm trying to take it apart to repair it. I started taking the right side panel off, removing all the perimeter screws, but there are two in the middle of the side panel, and six years after building these radios, I don't remember what I can remove without having a problem. This radio is my spare, minimal stuff in it. K3/100, no tuner, no 2nd RX. Suggestions? 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair - ALC Setting
Jim. I might add that your PSK "problem" of working above 1000 Hz on the waterfall may be a result of setting the K3 power high an using the audio input level to control the power. While that is the best for most of the transceivers in the marketplace, it is NOT the way to operate a K2 or K3. The reason is that the K2 and K3 control power differently than most transceivers. I have been stressing this point, and it seems to fall on deaf ears. Set the audio input to the proper level - for the K2 that is to increase the audio until 1 ALC bar shows, and then back off until nonoe ar showing, and for the K3, adjust until you have 4 to 5 bars on the ALC display. After doing that, set the power output desired and just operate. There will be no 'fiddling' needed to adjust the audio level, and if there are slight variations in the transmit filter gain across the passband, they will be smoothed out by the K2/3 power control mechanism.` Yes, this is different from the classical advice for data modes that is prevalent in cyberspace, but then most rigs do not control power outpt levels like the K2 and K3, so that advice may be valid for the YaKenIcom bunch, it is not good advice for the Elecraft transceivers. Read the Elecraft K3 manual and believe it (except that the max ALC meter in data modes should be 5 instead of 7). Your reward will be easier operation on DATA modes and better power control and IMD (unless you operate with "all controls (including power) to the right"). 73, Don W3FPR Jim Miller KG0KP wrote: > - Original Message - > From: "Don Wilhelm" > > snip > >> The "ALC" meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the >> first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. The >> 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> > > I may be reading something into part of what you say, straighten me out. > > Is the ALC setting at 4-5 bars the "norm" for any mode other than "PSK"? > Should it be 4-5 for SSB and other modes as well??? > > Thanks es 73, de Jim KG0KP > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Jack, Yes, the K3 has to recalculate the power drive after a power cycle or a band change - so let's not call that part of the process "creep", it is just the K3 power control mechanism coming up to speed with the power setting that you requested using the Power Knob. The power will start out a bit low and then come up to the level requested. It will then stay there until a power cycle or a band change. What power level do you have set? That is an important piece of information. Initially, ignore the power output and set the audio level correctly. You can (and should) use TX TEST for that adjustment. For SSB, talk in a normal voice. Set Compression to zero Then adjust the mic gain until you have between 5 and 7 bars indicated on the K3 ALC meter display - the peaks should be at 7 bars. Now add compression as desired. Set your wattmeter to read the peak power (not peak-hold in the AVG setting). Connect a dummy load and speak into the microphone. After a few syllables (to allow the power control mechanism to stabilize), how closely do the wattmeter peaks come to the power you set on the power knob? It should be close. For data modes, the process is similar. Use TX TEST to set the audio level. Set Compression to zero (it should stay there for all data modes) Adjust the audio into the K3 to provide 4 to 5 bars on the ALC meter - actual ALC does not start until after the 5th bar, so that will keep the level below the onset of ALC. Set the K3 power control to the power output you want. Transmit, and after the initial power leveling mechanism has had a bit of time to settle, the power should equal what you dialed in on the power control. Yes, for DATA modes, the K3 is different than other transceivers out there - ignore the usual recommendation to set the power high and use the audio input level to control the power - due to the way the K3 controls power (by sampling the actual output and adjusting drive to compensate), attempting to use the techniques that vary the audio level in order to control power will result in "strange happenings". While it will work, I will not guarantee the power level will be right, and you will have to ride the audio input level to keep it constant (don't do it that way). What I have related is nothing different than the information in the K3 manual (except for the maximum number of ALC bars in DATA mode. If you wnat to double check the veracity of what I am saying, look in the archives for Lyle Johnson's reflector post of February 8, 2009. Lyle designed the K3 DSP (and its control of the power out), so he should be considered an authoritative source. 73, Don W3FPR Jack Brabham wrote: > Don, > > What I'm watching to see the "creep" is the W2 meter's Windows app > with the meters set to AVG and the peak hold bar ON. I'm > interpreting this as the "peak" of the fluctuating "average" power > level This is the number that rolls up around 50% during the > first 20 seconds of an initial transmission after a power cycle. > > If I change the meters to "peak", the numbers change as you would > expect, the initial "peak" power starts off around 70 watts and drifts > up to around 95. > > BTW normal PSK31 etc operation in DATA A seems to proceed as expected > as long as I stay above 1000 hz or so for the audio. Below that there > is an increasingly noticeable reduction in PO, but otherwise functions > normally. > > I'm using my PSK31 program as an audio generator for these tests, not > having anything better to use. In this role it is not adjusted the > same way one would for actual PSK operation. Do not try this at > home.. ;) > > I have tried, in the last hour or so, increasing the audio drive > levels and decreasing the mic and line-in gain. This somewhat > reduced the power creep issue, at least in terms of the number of > transmission cycles before it "settles", but the radio still seems to > have to "relearn" this from scratch after a power cycle. > > Reducing the Mic gain from 18 to 6 and increasing the output from my > mic pre-amp to get 4-5 bars of ALC, did not seem to help the low > output on SSB problem. > > Thanks for the tip about the ALC meter, makes more sense now. > > 73 Jack KZ5A > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Don, What I'm watching to see the "creep" is the W2 meter's Windows app with the meters set to AVG and the peak hold bar ON. I'm interpreting this as the "peak" of the fluctuating "average" power level This is the number that rolls up around 50% during the first 20 seconds of an initial transmission after a power cycle. If I change the meters to "peak", the numbers change as you would expect, the initial "peak" power starts off around 70 watts and drifts up to around 95. BTW normal PSK31 etc operation in DATA A seems to proceed as expected as long as I stay above 1000 hz or so for the audio. Below that there is an increasingly noticeable reduction in PO, but otherwise functions normally. I'm using my PSK31 program as an audio generator for these tests, not having anything better to use. In this role it is not adjusted the same way one would for actual PSK operation. Do not try this at home.. ;) I have tried, in the last hour or so, increasing the audio drive levels and decreasing the mic and line-in gain. This somewhat reduced the power creep issue, at least in terms of the number of transmission cycles before it "settles", but the radio still seems to have to "relearn" this from scratch after a power cycle. Reducing the Mic gain from 18 to 6 and increasing the output from my mic pre-amp to get 4-5 bars of ALC, did not seem to help the low output on SSB problem. Thanks for the tip about the ALC meter, makes more sense now. 73 Jack KZ5A On 7/17/2010 1:18 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Jack, > > I see Wayne has responded and I am certain he will help get to the > bottom of the problem. > > I do have one question about your SSB behavior - do you see the same > drop-off in power if you set the wattmeter to read peak? > The power rating of the K3 is expressed in Peak Envelope Power, so > your metering should match when trying to compare apples to apples. > > On your PSK31 situation, are you driving the audio to the K3 high > enough to produce 4 to 5 bars on the "ALC" meter, and setting your > desired power output with the K3 power knob? > If you are trying to use the audio level to control the power output, > it will behave much as you have described. The K3 measures the power > output, and decides there is not enough to match the setting of your > power knob, so it increases the drive attempting to produce more power. > Drive the audio input so you have at least 4 ALC bars with maybe the > 5th flickering. > The "ALC" meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the > first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. > The 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > Jack Brabham wrote: >> Well, here's a follow up. >> >> A week after the assumed return posting date, I emailed, asking for a >> status update and got a phone call from Elecraft the next day. >> Nothing had happened during that week, apparently the return shipping >> just fell thru a crack and didn't occur (and yes, they are swamped >> with work). >> >> So we got that moving and I received the radio on the 15th. >> >> Still exhibits the same problem it had when I sent it in. >> >> So I'm now 3 and a half months into my K3 ownership and still can't >> get on SSB. Considering that I bought the radio specifically for SSB >> contesting and sold all my other radios to pay for the K3, this is >> not making me a happy camper. >> >> I haven't the slightest doubt that what I was told by Elecraft was >> 100% accurate, that the low output problem was confirmed on the bench >> and that an EEINIT had "fixed" it, and it stayed "fixed" while at >> Elecraft.However, as someone who spent 30 years or so >> troubleshooting complex systems, the fact that several previous >> EEINITs had failed to fix the problem would have been a big red flag >> that I had not yet got to the root cause of the issue. >> >> So I emailed Rene and let him know the problem was back. I expect >> I'll hear from him early next week and we will figure out the next step. >> >> BTW here's a quick summary of the "problem" in hopes someone on the >> list may have an idea to try. >> >> (1) Low average output on SSB, typically 10 to 15 watts (AVG) >> according to my W2 and confirmed in that it only drives my SB-200 to >> about 150 watts when driven by voice. This occurs with what I take >> to be normal metering indications from the K3, 5 to 7 bars of ALC, a >> few bars of compression and the PO meter "hanging" around 50 watts >> with peaks up around 100W. >> >> (2) Weird power fluctations in PSK31. With higher audio >> frequencies, when PSK1 idle tones are transmitted, the power out will >> start at about 50 to 60 watts and rise to a nominal 75 watts or so >> over 15 to 20 seconds.If I preform this test repeatedly with a >> few seconds "off" time between tests, the "starting" PO number gets >> progressively higher each time. After 6 to 8 test cycles t
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair - ALC Setting
Jim, That is the norm only for DATA modes where you would not want to activate the ALC. For SSB and other speech modes, drive the ALC meter to 5 - 7 bars with the Compression set to zero and a normal voice. See the manual page 28. Best results are when you are kicking up to 7 bars on voice peaks. 73, Don W3FPR Jim Miller KG0KP wrote: > - Original Message - > From: "Don Wilhelm" > > snip > >> The "ALC" meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the >> first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. The >> 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> > > I may be reading something into part of what you say, straighten me out. > > Is the ALC setting at 4-5 bars the "norm" for any mode other than "PSK"? > Should it be 4-5 for SSB and other modes as well??? > > Thanks es 73, de Jim KG0KP > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair - ALC Setting
- Original Message - From: "Don Wilhelm" snip > The "ALC" meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the > first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. The > 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. > > 73, > Don W3FPR I may be reading something into part of what you say, straighten me out. Is the ALC setting at 4-5 bars the "norm" for any mode other than "PSK"? Should it be 4-5 for SSB and other modes as well??? Thanks es 73, de Jim KG0KP __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Jack, I see Wayne has responded and I am certain he will help get to the bottom of the problem. I do have one question about your SSB behavior - do you see the same drop-off in power if you set the wattmeter to read peak? The power rating of the K3 is expressed in Peak Envelope Power, so your metering should match when trying to compare apples to apples. On your PSK31 situation, are you driving the audio to the K3 high enough to produce 4 to 5 bars on the "ALC" meter, and setting your desired power output with the K3 power knob? If you are trying to use the audio level to control the power output, it will behave much as you have described. The K3 measures the power output, and decides there is not enough to match the setting of your power knob, so it increases the drive attempting to produce more power. Drive the audio input so you have at least 4 ALC bars with maybe the 5th flickering. The "ALC" meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. The 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. 73, Don W3FPR Jack Brabham wrote: > Well, here's a follow up. > > A week after the assumed return posting date, I emailed, asking for a > status update and got a phone call from Elecraft the next day. > Nothing had happened during that week, apparently the return shipping > just fell thru a crack and didn't occur (and yes, they are swamped with > work). > > So we got that moving and I received the radio on the 15th. > > Still exhibits the same problem it had when I sent it in. > > So I'm now 3 and a half months into my K3 ownership and still can't get > on SSB. Considering that I bought the radio specifically for SSB > contesting and sold all my other radios to pay for the K3, this is not > making me a happy camper. > > I haven't the slightest doubt that what I was told by Elecraft was 100% > accurate, that the low output problem was confirmed on the bench and > that an EEINIT had "fixed" it, and it stayed "fixed" while at Elecraft. >However, as someone who spent 30 years or so troubleshooting complex > systems, the fact that several previous EEINITs had failed to fix the > problem would have been a big red flag that I had not yet got to the > root cause of the issue. > > So I emailed Rene and let him know the problem was back. I expect I'll > hear from him early next week and we will figure out the next step. > > BTW here's a quick summary of the "problem" in hopes someone on the list > may have an idea to try. > > (1) Low average output on SSB, typically 10 to 15 watts (AVG) according > to my W2 and confirmed in that it only drives my SB-200 to about 150 > watts when driven by voice. This occurs with what I take to be normal > metering indications from the K3, 5 to 7 bars of ALC, a few bars of > compression and the PO meter "hanging" around 50 watts with peaks up > around 100W. > > (2) Weird power fluctations in PSK31. With higher audio frequencies, > when PSK1 idle tones are transmitted, the power out will start at about > 50 to 60 watts and rise to a nominal 75 watts or so over 15 to 20 > seconds.If I preform this test repeatedly with a few seconds "off" > time between tests, the "starting" PO number gets progressively higher > each time. After 6 to 8 test cycles the power will only vary a few watts. > > However if I power cycle the K3, changing nothing else, the PO reverts > to starting at 50 watts or so drifting up to normal over several > seconds, repeating the whole sequence. > > At lower audio frequencies, below around 800 hz, the overall PO tapers > off, and is down 50% at 300 hz. TX EQ is flat, and all config > parameters are still as received from Elecraft repair except RS-232 > baud rate and the mic selection. > > To me, at this point, the two most likely possibilities are something > mechanically/physically intermittent in the K3 (although it has never > worked normally for me), or something in the local station environment. > > I have tried 3 mics, a Heil PR22 and both elements of a Heil Pro-set, > FP, RP, and Line-IN, thru a pro-audio chain or direct connected with no > change. Recordings on the internal DVR sound fine on Monitor but > exhibit the same problem. The power supply is solid at 13.8V. High > quality station ground system. Everything else works fine, superb > reception, normal CW operation, PSK works if I keep the audio carrier > above 1000 hz. > > The DSP board was swapped out before sending the radio in. > > I would be just totally tickled to discover the problem is something > stupid I'm doing or not doing, or a function of some other problem in my > station setup, but I don't know what the heck it would be. > > Any ideas? > > 73 Jack KZ5A > > > > > > > > > > > > On 7/2/2010 10:50 AM, Jack Brabham wrote: > >>I agree that a posted repair queue length figure would probably >> eliminate a lot of angst by setting reasonabl
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Jack, I was unaware of your difficulties. I'll discuss your repair with Rene first thing Monday and get back to you by phone. We carefully test repaired or modified rigs before sending them back, so your results are a bit baffling. I'm sure we'll figure it out. 73, Wayne N6KR Jack Brabham wrote: > Well, here's a follow up > Still exhibits the same problem it had when I sent it in. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Well, here's a follow up. A week after the assumed return posting date, I emailed, asking for a status update and got a phone call from Elecraft the next day. Nothing had happened during that week, apparently the return shipping just fell thru a crack and didn't occur (and yes, they are swamped with work). So we got that moving and I received the radio on the 15th. Still exhibits the same problem it had when I sent it in. So I'm now 3 and a half months into my K3 ownership and still can't get on SSB. Considering that I bought the radio specifically for SSB contesting and sold all my other radios to pay for the K3, this is not making me a happy camper. I haven't the slightest doubt that what I was told by Elecraft was 100% accurate, that the low output problem was confirmed on the bench and that an EEINIT had "fixed" it, and it stayed "fixed" while at Elecraft. However, as someone who spent 30 years or so troubleshooting complex systems, the fact that several previous EEINITs had failed to fix the problem would have been a big red flag that I had not yet got to the root cause of the issue. So I emailed Rene and let him know the problem was back. I expect I'll hear from him early next week and we will figure out the next step. BTW here's a quick summary of the "problem" in hopes someone on the list may have an idea to try. (1) Low average output on SSB, typically 10 to 15 watts (AVG) according to my W2 and confirmed in that it only drives my SB-200 to about 150 watts when driven by voice. This occurs with what I take to be normal metering indications from the K3, 5 to 7 bars of ALC, a few bars of compression and the PO meter "hanging" around 50 watts with peaks up around 100W. (2) Weird power fluctations in PSK31. With higher audio frequencies, when PSK1 idle tones are transmitted, the power out will start at about 50 to 60 watts and rise to a nominal 75 watts or so over 15 to 20 seconds.If I preform this test repeatedly with a few seconds "off" time between tests, the "starting" PO number gets progressively higher each time. After 6 to 8 test cycles the power will only vary a few watts. However if I power cycle the K3, changing nothing else, the PO reverts to starting at 50 watts or so drifting up to normal over several seconds, repeating the whole sequence. At lower audio frequencies, below around 800 hz, the overall PO tapers off, and is down 50% at 300 hz. TX EQ is flat, and all config parameters are still as received from Elecraft repair except RS-232 baud rate and the mic selection. To me, at this point, the two most likely possibilities are something mechanically/physically intermittent in the K3 (although it has never worked normally for me), or something in the local station environment. I have tried 3 mics, a Heil PR22 and both elements of a Heil Pro-set, FP, RP, and Line-IN, thru a pro-audio chain or direct connected with no change. Recordings on the internal DVR sound fine on Monitor but exhibit the same problem. The power supply is solid at 13.8V. High quality station ground system. Everything else works fine, superb reception, normal CW operation, PSK works if I keep the audio carrier above 1000 hz. The DSP board was swapped out before sending the radio in. I would be just totally tickled to discover the problem is something stupid I'm doing or not doing, or a function of some other problem in my station setup, but I don't know what the heck it would be. Any ideas? 73 Jack KZ5A On 7/2/2010 10:50 AM, Jack Brabham wrote: >I agree that a posted repair queue length figure would probably > eliminate a lot of angst by setting reasonable expectations. Probably > eliminate a lot of phone calls to Elecraft as well. A weekly > prognostication would be more than adequate for my purposes. > > Another thing that could use a little work is the level of communication. > > Last Friday I got a call from Elecraft stating that the symptoms (low > SSB PO) had been confirmed, and that an EEINIT had resolved the problem. >My K3 was going to "soak" over the weekend and shipout Monday (last) > if was still good. I was glad to hear it was coming back but a bit > curious as to why the first half a dozen or so times we did an EEINIT > had not resolved the problem. > > Now its a week later, I don't know if my K3 is back in the shop (as I > suspect) or if it is has been shipped and I need to hang around to > receive it... I'm sure I could call and get an update but, being lazy, >I would rather just get a short simple email periodically while the > RSA is open or anytime there is a status update. > > 73 > > Jack KZ5A > > K3 #4165 > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Plea
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I once took a direct hit on a wire antenna that was disconnected (thankfully) from the Collins S line. I t was the loudest bang-sounded like a big gun was fired in the back room (shack). When I went back, there was a black smudge on the wall by the coax and the smell of an electrical short. No damage to anything. I now have a lighting protection device in line with the rig, but I still disconnect when I know a thunderstorm is around. -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Philippe Trottet Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2010 11:52 PM To: Don Wilhelm; Jim McDonald Cc: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair Fully agree with your comments Don, And I want to take the opportunity to encourage every Ham to pay more attention to protect our lovely K's and all ellectronic devices in the house. I've seen so many locations who are facing huge lightings storms and this does not happen only to others, I'm a survival ! I do not want to start a thread beacause it is not directly related but I will be happy to share my experience with those who are interesed. To have some ideas what it is done today on lightning protection, please have a look at: http://www.indelec.com/foudre/Comprendre_la_foudre/Comprendre_la_foudre.aspx I have no interest at all in this company but I have always pay very much attention to be well protected in the various locations I was playing Ham specially after an lightning hit when in France (F5LTB) When in 2003, I arrived in Democratic Republic of Congo (9Q1TB), where lightning protection is mandatory I was looking to the companies who can provide such service and discover that one has a different and a technically interesting approach. I have equipped my house and during the 5 years I stayed in Kinshasa and never face any problem even the head of the lightning device up to my antenna system on my metallic roof has been hitted many times by direct lightings, my younger son can testify, the noise amplified by the metallic roof was really impressive, but none of the electric/electronic devices has been destroyed. The skyscraper where I'm living in UAE is already lightning protection equipped and apart of the strong lightnings during the "colder" season it is very useful because we are facing time to time sand storms who induce an important amount of static. Have a good day Bst 73's Philippe A65BI K3#3616 >>> Don Wilhelm 05-07-2010 5:15 >>> Jim, I too would place lightning damage into the "Acts of Nature" category and not a warranty consideration. A warranty covers premature component failures and failure to perform to specification, which is different IMHO. For a comparison example, a new automobile has a warranty period, but if a tree falls on it and it is damaged, would that be a warranty repair? - I think not - that is why we have insurance coverage for those kind of catastrophic events. 73, Don W3FPR Jim McDonald wrote: > The radio was new last > November or so, so it is in the warranty period, but I assumed the warranty > wouldn't cover lightning. > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
On Sun, 4 Jul 2010 19:34:18 -0500, Jim McDonald wrote: >My K3 was one of the lightning casualties they (Ren) just fixed. Add me to that list. It took two trips and a lot of Rene's bench time, but the radio is working fine six months later. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 repair - a view from Europe
One of the advantages of the Elecraft/user communication model is that the advice on a repair is only an email away: Recently, as a result of email exchanges with Gary Surrency, Dick Dievendorff and Lyle Johnson, we identified the progressive failure of a ~$1 serial eeprom on the front panel in #900, although the only symptom was a failure to complete the final step of the SubRx gain calibration. The two-way shipping between Europe and Aptos would have added >$100, plus repair cost, plus the turnaround time (no K3? ...the horror, the horror) - so I took a look at the schematics, the data sheet and the front panel. I located the 8-pin part as being accessible but not wanting to trust my soldering skills at the pin pitch in that particular location, I took the front panel and a new part to an electronics contractor (Subtec Ltd) near my UK qth and they replaced it for the ~$38 minimum charge while I waited (including coffee!). Upshot: my rig is now 100% again and I have learned much. This would not have been possible without the K3 modular construction and, most importantly, the incomparable Elecraft/user open communication model. 73, Pete G4PLZ/F5VNB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Fully agree with your comments Don, And I want to take the opportunity to encourage every Ham to pay more attention to protect our lovely K's and all ellectronic devices in the house. I've seen so many locations who are facing huge lightings storms and this does not happen only to others, I'm a survival ! I do not want to start a thread beacause it is not directly related but I will be happy to share my experience with those who are interesed. To have some ideas what it is done today on lightning protection, please have a look at: http://www.indelec.com/foudre/Comprendre_la_foudre/Comprendre_la_foudre.aspx I have no interest at all in this company but I have always pay very much attention to be well protected in the various locations I was playing Ham specially after an lightning hit when in France (F5LTB) When in 2003, I arrived in Democratic Republic of Congo (9Q1TB), where lightning protection is mandatory I was looking to the companies who can provide such service and discover that one has a different and a technically interesting approach. I have equipped my house and during the 5 years I stayed in Kinshasa and never face any problem even the head of the lightning device up to my antenna system on my metallic roof has been hitted many times by direct lightings, my younger son can testify, the noise amplified by the metallic roof was really impressive, but none of the electric/electronic devices has been destroyed. The skyscraper where I'm living in UAE is already lightning protection equipped and apart of the strong lightnings during the "colder" season it is very useful because we are facing time to time sand storms who induce an important amount of static. Have a good day Bst 73's Philippe A65BI K3#3616 >>> Don Wilhelm 05-07-2010 5:15 >>> Jim, I too would place lightning damage into the "Acts of Nature" category and not a warranty consideration. A warranty covers premature component failures and failure to perform to specification, which is different IMHO. For a comparison example, a new automobile has a warranty period, but if a tree falls on it and it is damaged, would that be a warranty repair? - I think not - that is why we have insurance coverage for those kind of catastrophic events. 73, Don W3FPR Jim McDonald wrote: > The radio was new last > November or so, so it is in the warranty period, but I assumed the warranty > wouldn't cover lightning. > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Jim, I too would place lightning damage into the "Acts of Nature" category and not a warranty consideration. A warranty covers premature component failures and failure to perform to specification, which is different IMHO. For a comparison example, a new automobile has a warranty period, but if a tree falls on it and it is damaged, would that be a warranty repair? - I think not - that is why we have insurance coverage for those kind of catastrophic events. 73, Don W3FPR Jim McDonald wrote: > The radio was new last > November or so, so it is in the warranty period, but I assumed the warranty > wouldn't cover lightning. > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
My K3 was one of the lightning casualties they (René) just fixed. If it wasn't cost effective to replace components on a board, he replaced the board. Neither René nor Madelyn said it couldn't be completely repaired. I think the modularity is what makes it possible to ensure that a lightning repair produces a radio that is completely up to spec (and updated too). René explained his findings and course of action to me, and I was and am very satisfied. Insurance would have paid for a replacement if Elecraft would have said one was necessary, but I am comfortable that the repair was complete and left the radio as good as new. He charged me for four hours of labor and the components and boards replaced. The radio was new last November or so, so it is in the warranty period, but I assumed the warranty wouldn't cover lightning. Jim N7US -Original Message- That's not as much a dig as it might sound. A common occurrence after lightning damage is for components to weaken and then fail later on, on their own inconvenient schedule. A question for the K3 repair guru's...is a lightning damaged board replaced and tossed, or repair of the lightning damage attempted? Is the warranty for such repair the same, or is there a caveat for lightning damage? 73, Guy. On Sun, Jul 4, 2010 at 3:38 PM, Grant Youngman wrote: > What I find remarkable is that Elecraft is even willing to look at a radio that has suffered lightening damage. > > Back in the mid-90's I took an indirect lightening hit that left a bit of molten metal around the shack. Two other radio top 3 manufacturers were totally unwilling to even attempt repairs. The policy was -- "Lightening induced damage, we won't touch it". Nonetheless, I had to send the radios to the manufacturers, and pay for 2-way shipping plus a "service" fee, just to get a letter to give my insurance company stating the equipment was "unrepairable". It might have been, or not, but the service departments wouldn't even check. > > Grant/NQ5T __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair (Lightning damage)
Guy, I have repaired several lightning damaged K2/100s. To protect against a re-repair within my 90 day warranty period, I arbitrarily replace all the active devices in the KPA100 and then do any required repairs to the base K2, usually replacing at least the firmware chip - usually little else is required (that depends on whether the surge came on the antenna or the power cord or both) I have done 4 so far with no ill effects nor complaints from my customers afterwards. One caveat that I must adhere to is that if there is visible damage to the board, that is an indication that possibly capacitors, inductors, resistors and relay points have been damaged too, and I would advise the customer that it is not repairable at a cost less than that of a new unit. I don't know if Elecraft has a policy on this sort of thing or not, and I certainly don't know about the K3 question. 73, Don W3FPR Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > That's not as much a dig as it might sound. A common occurrence after > lightning damage is for components to weaken and then fail later on, > on their own inconvenient schedule. > > A question for the K3 repair guru's...is a lightning damaged board > replaced and tossed, or repair of the lightning damage attempted? Is > the warranty for such repair the same, or is there a caveat for > lightning damage? > > 73, Guy. > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I started this thread last week. I was just venting. I really didn't expect as much discussion. It is nice to know that the principals at Elecraft actually read this discussion group and pay attention if they think it is necessary. I know that the K3 is unequivocally the best performing radio available for any price. I think that they want their service to be the same. At least my K3 is on the shelf in Aptos and I don't have to worry about lightning damage:) Dave N1IX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Actually, wasn't a dig. I understand why there would be reluctance to touch a lightening damaged radio, given the issue you (and the vendors at the time) raised. Which is why I'm kind of surprised Elecraft would do it, unless there were a caveat in the fine print :-) Grant/NQ5T On Jul 4, 2010, at 2:59 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > That's not as much a dig as it might sound. A common occurrence after > lightning damage is for components to weaken and then fail later on, > on their own inconvenient schedule. > On Sun, Jul 4, 2010 at 3:38 PM, Grant Youngman wrote: >> What I find remarkable is that Elecraft is even willing to look at a radio >> that has suffered lightening damage. >> __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
That's not as much a dig as it might sound. A common occurrence after lightning damage is for components to weaken and then fail later on, on their own inconvenient schedule. A question for the K3 repair guru's...is a lightning damaged board replaced and tossed, or repair of the lightning damage attempted? Is the warranty for such repair the same, or is there a caveat for lightning damage? 73, Guy. On Sun, Jul 4, 2010 at 3:38 PM, Grant Youngman wrote: > What I find remarkable is that Elecraft is even willing to look at a radio > that has suffered lightening damage. > > Back in the mid-90's I took an indirect lightening hit that left a bit of > molten metal around the shack. Two other radio top 3 manufacturers were > totally unwilling to even attempt repairs. The policy was -- "Lightening > induced damage, we won't touch it". Nonetheless, I had to send the radios to > the manufacturers, and pay for 2-way shipping plus a "service" fee, just to > get a letter to give my insurance company stating the equipment was > "unrepairable". It might have been, or not, but the service departments > wouldn't even check. > > Grant/NQ5T > > > On Jul 4, 2010, at 2:00 PM, Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote: > >> >> with the larger number of K3s damaged from lightening strikes and other >> physical damage. > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
What I find remarkable is that Elecraft is even willing to look at a radio that has suffered lightening damage. Back in the mid-90's I took an indirect lightening hit that left a bit of molten metal around the shack. Two other radio top 3 manufacturers were totally unwilling to even attempt repairs. The policy was -- "Lightening induced damage, we won't touch it". Nonetheless, I had to send the radios to the manufacturers, and pay for 2-way shipping plus a "service" fee, just to get a letter to give my insurance company stating the equipment was "unrepairable". It might have been, or not, but the service departments wouldn't even check. Grant/NQ5T On Jul 4, 2010, at 2:00 PM, Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote: > > with the larger number of K3s damaged from lightening strikes and other > physical damage. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
snip sorry I hit the send button to soon that 'edit as new' feature bit me again again my apologizes to the list -- GB & 73 K5OAI Sam Morgan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
read the following 2 emails, the first is from a elecraft owner the 2nd a reply form on of the 2 elecraft owners once again I will ask, when is the last time you heard of any such interaction with one of the big three? I'm certain you will get no such about anything the sell === Hi Guys, Please don't misunderstand my original question. (And thanks to all who have contributed to an interesting discussion.) I had been inactive for quite some time when I purchased a K2. That purchase not only returned me to the hobby, but it also made me, probably, a lifetime Elecraft devotee. I will be purchasing either a "tricked out" K2 or a K3. The Asian manufacturers are not in consideration. Please note that it is not my intention to be critical of Elecraft or the K3. I understand the technology changes that have mandated a slight change to the Elecraft business model where we are dealing, more or less, with a line replaceable unit (LRU) concept radio as contrasted with a component level repair model like the K1, K2, and KX1. I am only trying to get an idea of the scope of the "problem", if there is one. The repair times for the K3 seem to indicate a long queue and I naturally wonder what is in that queue. If it is filled with K3's, I wonder why. My life has changed from employment to retirement; every dollar is very important to me in this new fixed income world in which I now live. If there is some kind of quality control issue developing with the K3, I would like to get a handle on it so that I can make an informed decision about a (2nd) K2 purchase versus a more expensive K3 purchase. I would not expect a zero defect business model to be in place at Elecraft. Having said that, however, I would like to obtain and understand the "out-of-the-box" and the "infant mortality" failure rate data for the K3, if such information exists. Thanks, Ed, KD3Y, PE (electrical) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Reply from Eric 1/2 owner below: Hi Ed, Sorry for the delay replying to this thread. I've been out of town for ten days and am just now catching up with older emails. I just checked and we're running at 3-4 weeks right now for repairs and upgrades. My target is 2 weeks or better. I was in the factory yesterday and personally looked at the queue. The majority of the K3s awaiting work are for customer requested factory upgrades on older units, factory additions of new options, followed by a fair number with significant lightning damage (we see that this time each year) and a remaining mix of normal repair issues. We had the queue down to a shorter time recently, but the recent rush of radios coming in before field day (for upgrades, factory alignments and deferred repairs) pushed us back a bit. We are also down one repair technician (part time) after they returned to the job they had been laid off from in Silicon Valley. What caught us off guard has been the number of people asking us to upgrade older used K3s to the current revision levels and adding options along with the larger number of K3s damaged from lightening strikes and other physical damage. We also had a number of K3s recently returned for repair after customers mistakenly transmitted into them while preparing and testing their SO2R set ups for the WRTC competition in Moscow next week and weekend. (The largest numbers by far of any rig used by U.S. and other country WRTC teams are K3s.) Our tech crew has been working overtime to get things back below two weeks. Rene was in yesterday working hard when I checked in to pick up some items at the office, and Dale has been working extra hours in the evening and weekends. I'm also assigning some of our regular production crew to perform returned K3 dis-assembly, re-assembly etc so the repair techs can focus on what they do best. If all goes well, we should be at the two week or better target in the next 1-2 weeks. 73, Eric WA6HHQ -- GB & 73 K5OAI Sam Morgan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Hi Ed, Sorry for the delay replying to this thread. I've been out of town for ten days and am just now catching up with older emails. I just checked and we're running at 3-4 weeks right now for repairs and upgrades. My target is 2 weeks or better. I was in the factory yesterday and personally looked at the queue. The majority of the K3s awaiting work are for customer requested factory upgrades on older units, factory additions of new options, followed by a fair number with significant lightning damage (we see that this time each year) and a remaining mix of normal repair issues. We had the queue down to a shorter time recently, but the recent rush of radios coming in before field day (for upgrades, factory alignments and deferred repairs) pushed us back a bit. We are also down one repair technician (part time) after they returned to the job they had been laid off from in Silicon Valley. What caught us off guard has been the number of people asking us to upgrade older used K3s to the current revision levels and adding options along with the larger number of K3s damaged from lightening strikes and other physical damage. We also had a number of K3s recently returned for repair after customers mistakenly transmitted into them while preparing and testing their SO2R set ups for the WRTC competition in Moscow next week and weekend. (The largest numbers by far of any rig used by U.S. and other country WRTC teams are K3s.) Our tech crew has been working overtime to get things back below two weeks. Rene was in yesterday working hard when I checked in to pick up some items at the office, and Dale has been working extra hours in the evening and weekends. I'm also assigning some of our regular production crew to perform returned K3 dis-assembly, re-assembly etc so the repair techs can focus on what they do best. If all goes well, we should be at the two week or better target in the next 1-2 weeks. 73, Eric WA6HHQ _..._ On 7/2/2010 1:06 PM, Ed Lambert wrote: > Hi Guys, > > Please don't misunderstand my original question. (And thanks to all who have > contributed to an interesting discussion.) > > I had been inactive for quite some time when I purchased a K2. That purchase > not only returned me to the hobby, but it also made me, probably, a lifetime > Elecraft devotee. I will be purchasing either a "tricked out" K2 or a K3. > The Asian manufacturers are not in consideration. > > Please note that it is not my intention to be critical of Elecraft or the > K3. I understand the technology changes that have mandated a slight change > to the Elecraft business model where we are dealing, more or less, with a > line replaceable unit (LRU) concept radio as contrasted with a component > level repair model like the K1, K2, and KX1. > > I am only trying to get an idea of the scope of the "problem", if there is > one. The repair times for the K3 seem to indicate a long queue and I > naturally wonder what is in that queue. If it is filled with K3's, I wonder > why. > > My life has changed from employment to retirement; every dollar is very > important to me in this new fixed income world in which I now live. If there > is some kind of quality control issue developing with the K3, I would like > to get a handle on it so that I can make an informed decision about a (2nd) > K2 purchase versus a more expensive K3 purchase. > > I would not expect a zero defect business model to be in place at Elecraft. > Having said that, however, I would like to obtain and understand the > "out-of-the-box" and the "infant mortality" failure rate data for the K3, if > such information exists. > > Thanks, > Ed, KD3Y, PE (electrical) > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Which is "nifty" for sure! I have it on my dock on the Mac and run it once in a while before I open my loggers and now the clock is a non-issue! Rick K6LE On 7/2/2010, at 2:49 , Dick Dievendorff wrote: > I should point out that Dick's nifty date and time setting code is a > derivative of David Fleming's nifty clock setting utility. > > Dick, K6KR > > Sent from my iPhone __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative
Over. On 7/2/2010 11:27 AM, Mike wrote: > I paid the full price for my DSP board swap. Was this somehow a warranty > price? Am I due a refund? > > 73, Mike NF4L > > Hector Padron wrote: >> "The biggest difference I hear with Elecraft is that a lot of the problems >> can be resolved quicker if the problem can be isolated to a board so that a >> simple swap can be done and thus eliminates return to the factory for >> repairs." >> >> >> And that was the case with my K3,.my own mistake made the RX audio PA to be >> damaged.A simple call to Elecraft and a short talk to Dale with my promise >> to send back my damaged DSP board,he sent me next day a new DSP board that I >> got in just two days in spite off the distance between CA and FL,.two more >> days to make time to install the new board and that was it,my K3 working >> even better than new because the new board came with all the mods >> done,price? Just $14 from that new board plus $10 more to ship the bad >> board back to them.Total bill for me,only $24. Time frame? 4 days, my radio >> was fixed. >> This is an option guys you should consider,talk to the tech on the >> phone,most of the times by their experience,they can tell where the problem >> is and which board has to be replaced,so deal with them as I did,if you >> don't feel confident to replace it by yourself,get a tech that you know in >> your location and pay him to do the swap or maybe a friend of yours will do >> it by free. I am sure it will be faster this way to have your K3 repaired >> than send it to them,don't forget these guys has too many projects on >> hands,its not easy to keep up a production of new radios,new >> P3,repair,mods,etc I think they are doing a great job no matter what. >> >> AD4C >> K3 # 2192 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I should point out that Dick's nifty date and time setting code is a derivative of David Fleming's nifty clock setting utility. Dick, K6KR Sent from my iPhone On Jul 2, 2010, at 1:14 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: >> Pete N4RZ wrote : "One thought that comes to mind - put a "repair queue >> length" figure on the web-site and update it every day or two" >> >> The only problem with that Pete is that it would eat up resources that could >> otherwise be used productively, thus slowing down actual work. > > Actually, there's a bigger problem with doing that -- at every web > update, it will foster yet another email storm to the reflector. > Between updates, it will cause a secondary storm about why hasn't it > been updated yet, timed of course from a thousand or so K3 clocks, and > leading to a tertiary storm reprising the clock accuracy thread. :-) > > That [in]famous thread actually had a tiny upside for me ... I didn't > know until then that my K3 had a clock. I set it about 2 weeks ago with > Dick's nifty K3 Utility, just checked it and it's about 2 sec away from > WWV. I set the dive watch I wear at the same time, it's about 1 sec > from WWV. I can remember how to use my watch, I'll forget how to get > the clock display back, probably about 1730 tomorrow. :-) > > 73, > > Fred K6DGW > - Northern California Contest Club > - CU in the 2010 Cal QSO Party 2-3 Oct 2010 > - www.cqp.org > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
> Pete N4RZ wrote : "One thought that comes to mind - put a "repair queue > length" figure on the web-site and update it every day or two" > > The only problem with that Pete is that it would eat up resources that could > otherwise be used productively, thus slowing down actual work. Actually, there's a bigger problem with doing that -- at every web update, it will foster yet another email storm to the reflector. Between updates, it will cause a secondary storm about why hasn't it been updated yet, timed of course from a thousand or so K3 clocks, and leading to a tertiary storm reprising the clock accuracy thread. :-) That [in]famous thread actually had a tiny upside for me ... I didn't know until then that my K3 had a clock. I set it about 2 weeks ago with Dick's nifty K3 Utility, just checked it and it's about 2 sec away from WWV. I set the dive watch I wear at the same time, it's about 1 sec from WWV. I can remember how to use my watch, I'll forget how to get the clock display back, probably about 1730 tomorrow. :-) 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2010 Cal QSO Party 2-3 Oct 2010 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Hi Guys, Please don't misunderstand my original question. (And thanks to all who have contributed to an interesting discussion.) I had been inactive for quite some time when I purchased a K2. That purchase not only returned me to the hobby, but it also made me, probably, a lifetime Elecraft devotee. I will be purchasing either a "tricked out" K2 or a K3. The Asian manufacturers are not in consideration. Please note that it is not my intention to be critical of Elecraft or the K3. I understand the technology changes that have mandated a slight change to the Elecraft business model where we are dealing, more or less, with a line replaceable unit (LRU) concept radio as contrasted with a component level repair model like the K1, K2, and KX1. I am only trying to get an idea of the scope of the "problem", if there is one. The repair times for the K3 seem to indicate a long queue and I naturally wonder what is in that queue. If it is filled with K3's, I wonder why. My life has changed from employment to retirement; every dollar is very important to me in this new fixed income world in which I now live. If there is some kind of quality control issue developing with the K3, I would like to get a handle on it so that I can make an informed decision about a (2nd) K2 purchase versus a more expensive K3 purchase. I would not expect a zero defect business model to be in place at Elecraft. Having said that, however, I would like to obtain and understand the "out-of-the-box" and the "infant mortality" failure rate data for the K3, if such information exists. Thanks, Ed, KD3Y, PE (electrical) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative
Absolutely! Try to narrow down where the problem is (call Elecraft for help with this if you are not able to do it on your own). Saves you and Elecraft time in T/S. One of the most difficult things I had, as a repair technician in my 45-years, was getting the customer to give me good input on what was wrong so I could start. Since the K3 is modularized narrowing down to a board makes it faster-cheaper to fix. On one job many years ago I worked in engineering as a tech so did the early prototype testing, preproduction testing, so that when the unit went into production we were called to provide instruction to the line QC techs on what to look for with certain symptoms. Having worked on over 300 units we were thoroughly familiar with every component and bug. I'm sure the Elecraft techs are similarly expert in T/S. I'm also sure the tech's appreciate helping you on-line as it is more efficient. Its nice to be retired and only fixing my own stuff! 73, Ed - KL7UW -- Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 04:41:37 -0700 (PDT) From: Hector Padron Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative To: Gary Gregory Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: <137727.13865...@web45815.mail.sp1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 "The biggest difference I hear with Elecraft is that a lot of the problems can be resolved quicker if the problem can be isolated to a board so that a simple swap can be done and thus eliminates return to the factory for repairs." ? ? And that was the case with my K3,.my own mistake made the RX audio PA to be damaged.A simple call to Elecraft and a short talk to Dale with?my promise to send back my damaged DSP board,he sent me next day a new DSP board that I got in just two days in spite off the distance between CA and FL,.two more days to make time to install the new board and that was it,my K3 working even better than new because the new board came with all the mods done,price? Just $14 from that new board ?plus $10 more to ship the bad board back to them.Total bill for me,only $24. Time frame? 4 days, my radio was fixed. This is an option guys you should consider,talk to the tech on the phone,most of the times by their experience,they can tell where the problem is and which board has to be replaced,so deal with them as I did,if you don't feel confident to replace it by yourself,get a tech that you know in your location and pay him to do the swap or maybe a friend of yours will do it by free. I am sure it will be faster this way to have your K3 repaired than send it to them,don't forget these guys has too many projects on hands,its not easy to keep up a production of new radios,new P3,repair,mods,etc I think they are doing a great job no matter what. ? AD4C K3 # 2192 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010 DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Pete, That is a great idea but it may serve as a negative advertisement for Eleccraft. Dave N1IX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Fred Atchley Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 2:30 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair Pete N4RZ wrote : "One thought that comes to mind - put a "repair queue length" figure on the web-site and update it every day or two" The only problem with that Pete is that it would eat up resources that could otherwise be used productively, thus slowing down actual work. 73, Fred, AE6iC, K3#2241 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I can only give my anecdotal response. I have built both the K2 and K3 and have supplemented and upgraded both. For the most part the Elecraft equipment, particularly the K3, is well designed and pretested before leaving the factory. If you are comfortable with kit building you are probably going to have no problems, particularly with the K3. If a problem develops often the company can help you solve the problem through over the phone advice. If there is a defective module they will send you a replacement so you can do it yourself. I would suspect it is far more likely that equipment will be damaged by mistakes made by the kit builder than defects in manufacture. You can avoid all the risk by simply buying the prebuilt radio. That will be fully tested before leaving the factory. My build of the K2 was complicated because that is a more difficult process since you have to do extensive soldering and are building the individual circuit boards. I had a few minor errors that were corrected without having to return the unit to the factory and I got it running well. The K3 was a much easier project and it took me less than 11 hours to build and I had only one obvious mistake (forgot to plug in the PA power supply) that I quickly found and corrected. However, it was also my experience that the sub rx ( which I installed later) is the most difficult part of the K3 build. The Sub Rx board's tnc connectors are very delicate. The sub rx fit is also very tight and it is very hard to see the connectors to make sure they are properly seated. I did damage the SubRx board during installation and I did send it back to the factory to repair. Also, while the radio has a lot more protective circuitry than most, there are things that an operator can do to it that would result in damage. Elecraft is good at helping and the repair charges are very reasonable. -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ed Lambert Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 8:09 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair As a prospective K3 customer, I have been following this link with very great interest. I would be interested in knowing what percent of K3 deliveries require return to Elecraft for repair and of that cohort, what is the percentage of K3's that were fundamentally defective upon delivery as opposed to damaged by customer (mis)use. For me the weakness of the K3 is the (probably necessary) departure from the "kit model" of the rest of the Elecraft line where self repair is the order of the day. The repair of a K3, it seems to me, almost certainly requires a factory return, which, from this thread, is somewhat unappealing. I am interested further discussion on this thread in order to help me determine whether my very limited funds go toward a K3 purchase or the purchase of a second, but "fully tricked out", K2/100. Ed Lambert, KD3Y (K2 1999, KX1 1492) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Pete N4RZ wrote : "One thought that comes to mind - put a "repair queue length" figure on the web-site and update it every day or two" The only problem with that Pete is that it would eat up resources that could otherwise be used productively, thus slowing down actual work. 73, Fred, AE6iC, K3#2241 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
> Ed Lambert wrote: > Thanks, Dunc. > > I am mildly disconcerted by the reports of radios delivered with defects. > > Thanks again, Except in the case of very large monolithic devices (MRI machine, Jetliner), military applications, life-critical devices, it is understood that competition does not allow for completely examining every circuit board in every product. Return, warranty service and identifying overly defective trends that are not manufacturing noise, is a science in itself with some number of canned major megabuck computer apps to manage returns and identify patternable troubles that need attention, where servicing returns are so high as to Once the decision has been made to deal with warrantee and service issues honestly, there is a level of defect where the service costs exceed the profit margin. There are two choice then, raise prices or identify and fix the manufacturing problem. Most of us simply cannot afford zero defect manufacturing products and so we are subject to a company's decision above. K3's built by Elecraft ARE extensively tested after assembly, you will get a functioning radio. But for some there will still be a transistor that goes, or a missed wave solder that lasts for six months before causing problems. The question for us is whether or not we get stiffed for the inevitable defect. For those of us not able to afford military prices, we have one of the best support groups on the planet in Elecraft. THAT is what you should base a purchase decision upon, if defects is a serious issue. 73, Guy. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative
Because it was probably caused by a passing electrical storm. The RS-232 port was working before the storm and not after. Several people reported similar experiences, so I accepted the likelihood, even though I have run a pair of other radios for over 15 years without ever disconnecting the RS-232 cable (everything between house and tower *was* disconnected). 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/2/2010 12:21 PM, Bob Dorchuck wrote: > " A couple of weeks ago I blew something on the KIO3A board in my > brand new K3" > > Could I ask why this was not covered under warranty if it was a brand new K3? > > Bob W6VY > > > Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative > Pete Smith > Fri, 02 Jul 2010 05:41:10 -0700 > > Whoah! This is really news to me. A couple of weeks ago I blew > something on the KIO3A board in my brand new K3. The consensus at the > time was that it would not be cost-effective to send the board to > Elecraft for repair. In my conversations with Elecraft tech support, > nobody ever mentioned the possibility of a swap. As a result, I paid > $115 for a new replacement board, and have the old one on my desk here, > probably just needing a new U1, which I may just try to do myself. > > Would Elecraft really have accepted my damaged board and charged me such > a nominal figure for repair, and sent me a new board to use in the > meantime? Sounds too good to be true - maybe I'm misunderstanding. > > > 73, Pete N4ZR > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Having dealt in the past with tech support from Yaesu and Icom, and now enjoying the incredibly better support that Elecraft offers, I have three observations: 1. With any of the Japanese manufacturers, your ONLY option is to ship to the factory. If it's under warranty, you void the warranty if you do anything to the rig, even just removing the cover in some cases. Out of warranty, shipping to the factory is still your only reasonable recourse. With Elecraft, through a combination of outstanding Elecraft communication and support mindset, and this user group, there's at least an opportunity to fix a problem on your own. If the issue is damaged SMD components or a damaged board trace, then it's back to the factory, obviously, but for many problems, users have obtained the guidance to fix it themselves. The modularity of the K3 is also helpful; you can remove one board and keep the rest of the rig in your shack. Yaesu turnaround, in my experience, was 4 to 6 weeks, and I live only 30 miles from their US repair facility in Orange County, CA. Score: Elecraft 1, Big Boys 0. 2. Elecraft monitors this group closely, and responds at lightning speed when issues arise. For example, if somebody flags a bug in the K3 Utility program or in firmware, it's typically fixed and a revised version made available in days, or even hours. Yaesu and Icom (and I presume Kenwood) presumably monitor their equivalent discussion groups, but they NEVER, EVER participate in the discussion, and never respond to anything posted on the groups. Score: Elecraft 2, Big Boys 0. 3. Elecraft documentation makes it far easier to identify and fix problems than any documentation I've seen on any ham radio equipment since Heathkit was in business. With modern micro-scale technologies, repairs aren't as easy as they might have been on Heathkits, but we're not in Kansas any more, (or Benton Harbor, to be more accurate). Score: Elecraft 3, Big Boys 0. In the World Cup competition, a 1-0 lead usually wins, 2-0 is insurmountable and 3-0 is a slaughter. Same is true here. Nobody's perfect, but Elecraft comes as close to perfection as we're all likely to see before we become SK and go to Ham Radio Heaven. Lew K6LMP __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Absolutely correct! Thank you! Philip LaMarche LaMarche Enterprises, Inc p...@lamarcheenterprises.com www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com 727-944-3226 727-937-8834 Fax 727-510-5038 Cell www.w9dvm.com K3 #1605 CCA 98-00827 CRA 1701 W9DVM -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of The Smiths Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 1:41 PM To: gelamb...@charter.net; Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair Ed, STOP your worrying right now. The K3 has PROVEN itself to be a VERY reliable rig, and what you are seeing is the squeaky wheel going around. This is how it works on this and other user groups... one person says something and then all the vocal people start building a mountain out of a mole hill. This will happen with EVERYTHING, the use of a static mat, how big it should be, what the resistor should be on the little cord that connects to the matt, what type of headphones to use, even why the clock in the K3 is 2 seconds off a month/day/etc... They blow everything up to look like the rig is a complete fail. You have to keep in mind that people that have a reason to complain about something want their opinions heard, and heard loudly.. where as the people that have had good experiences generally don't speak out on these sites. This is no different than when you go to a review sight about a Vacuum or any other consumer good and all you read are bad reviews, yet you've had the same very device sitting in your house working perfectly well for the last 3 years. Yes, there are going to be some issues with the rigs from time to time, but keep in mind over 4000 of these units have been sold... Most units go back for Mods or updates that appliance users are too afraid to do themselves. The President of the company has already come on this user group and explained what the majority of work he's been seeing coming back and why... Yet the wheels keep going around and around on here... The backlog on repairs will always change from day to day. Today it could be 20 people wanting the P3 I/O buffer resistor replaced in prep for the P3, tomorrow it could be 10 people wanting a new DSP replacement for the audio mods released, and then again, 2 weeks from now there may only be one unit on the bench waiting for a simple RF repair... It's all random.. The squeaky wheels are just catching this at a time when the delay is longer than not due to a lot of new mods that were implemented recently(last 2 or 3 months). Find someone that lives near you, spend a day with the K3, play with it. If you find that it looks and feels like you want in a rig, BUY it.. You wont regret it. I just urge you not to use the Squeaky wheels to make your decision for you. 73 > From: gelamb...@charter.net > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 11:09:09 -0400 > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > > As a prospective K3 customer, I have been following this link with > very great interest. I would be interested in knowing what percent of > K3 deliveries require return to Elecraft for repair and of that > cohort, what is the percentage of K3's that were fundamentally > defective upon delivery as opposed to damaged by customer (mis)use. > > For me the weakness of the K3 is the (probably necessary) departure > from the "kit model" of the rest of the Elecraft line where self > repair is the order of the day. The repair of a K3, it seems to me, > almost certainly requires a factory return, which, from this thread, is somewhat unappealing. > > I am interested further discussion on this thread in order to help me > determine whether my very limited funds go toward a K3 purchase or the > purchase of a second, but "fully tricked out", K2/100. > > Ed Lambert, KD3Y (K2 1999, KX1 1492) > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html _ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:W L:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_2 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html _
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
The K3 worked on 30 meters when I received it but the output was a bit low and drifted lower with component aging. Such things do happen and Elecraft gave me the support to find the problem and plus I've had experience with trimmers in older gear like my FT-101E that I've had for 35 years and other gear before that. Back in the dark ages ( I was first licensed in 1954 ), troubleshooting ham gear, doing periodic alignments, etc. were all a normal part of the game. All manufacturers have occasional component problems; the good manufacturers support their gear which Elecraft does quite well. Dunc, W5DC Ed Lambert wrote: Thanks, Dunc. It is interesting to me that it looks like you had to do 1 repair due to a radio delivered with a fundamental defect and that the rest of your work was voluntary. I am mildly disconcerted by the reports of radios delivered with defects. Thanks again, Ed __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Ed, STOP your worrying right now. The K3 has PROVEN itself to be a VERY reliable rig, and what you are seeing is the squeaky wheel going around. This is how it works on this and other user groups... one person says something and then all the vocal people start building a mountain out of a mole hill. This will happen with EVERYTHING, the use of a static mat, how big it should be, what the resistor should be on the little cord that connects to the matt, what type of headphones to use, even why the clock in the K3 is 2 seconds off a month/day/etc... They blow everything up to look like the rig is a complete fail. You have to keep in mind that people that have a reason to complain about something want their opinions heard, and heard loudly.. where as the people that have had good experiences generally don't speak out on these sites. This is no different than when you go to a review sight about a Vacuum or any other consumer good and all you read are bad reviews, yet you've had the same very device sitting in your house working perfectly well for the last 3 years. Yes, there are going to be some issues with the rigs from time to time, but keep in mind over 4000 of these units have been sold... Most units go back for Mods or updates that appliance users are too afraid to do themselves. The President of the company has already come on this user group and explained what the majority of work he's been seeing coming back and why... Yet the wheels keep going around and around on here... The backlog on repairs will always change from day to day. Today it could be 20 people wanting the P3 I/O buffer resistor replaced in prep for the P3, tomorrow it could be 10 people wanting a new DSP replacement for the audio mods released, and then again, 2 weeks from now there may only be one unit on the bench waiting for a simple RF repair... It's all random.. The squeaky wheels are just catching this at a time when the delay is longer than not due to a lot of new mods that were implemented recently(last 2 or 3 months). Find someone that lives near you, spend a day with the K3, play with it. If you find that it looks and feels like you want in a rig, BUY it.. You wont regret it. I just urge you not to use the Squeaky wheels to make your decision for you. 73 > From: gelamb...@charter.net > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 11:09:09 -0400 > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > > As a prospective K3 customer, I have been following this link with very > great interest. I would be interested in knowing what percent of K3 > deliveries require return to Elecraft for repair and of that cohort, what is > the percentage of K3's that were fundamentally defective upon delivery as > opposed to damaged by customer (mis)use. > > For me the weakness of the K3 is the (probably necessary) departure from the > "kit model" of the rest of the Elecraft line where self repair is the order > of the day. The repair of a K3, it seems to me, almost certainly requires a > factory return, which, from this thread, is somewhat unappealing. > > I am interested further discussion on this thread in order to help me > determine whether my very limited funds go toward a K3 purchase or the > purchase of a second, but "fully tricked out", K2/100. > > Ed Lambert, KD3Y (K2 1999, KX1 1492) > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html _ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_2 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative
" A couple of weeks ago I blew something on the KIO3A board in my brand new K3" Could I ask why this was not covered under warranty if it was a brand new K3? Bob W6VY Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative Pete Smith Fri, 02 Jul 2010 05:41:10 -0700 Whoah! This is really news to me. A couple of weeks ago I blew something on the KIO3A board in my brand new K3. The consensus at the time was that it would not be cost-effective to send the board to Elecraft for repair. In my conversations with Elecraft tech support, nobody ever mentioned the possibility of a swap. As a result, I paid $115 for a new replacement board, and have the old one on my desk here, probably just needing a new U1, which I may just try to do myself. Would Elecraft really have accepted my damaged board and charged me such a nominal figure for repair, and sent me a new board to use in the meantime? Sounds too good to be true - maybe I'm misunderstanding. 73, Pete N4ZR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Ed: You would have absolutely no chance of repairing one of the import rigs yourself. At least with Elecraft you have phone and email support, spare parts and modular construction going for you. Now if all that doesn't help then ship it in for service but to say "it almost certainly requires a factory return" is only true if you're totally electronically and mechanically inapt. If you can use a vom and screwdriver you at least have a fighting chance of repair. From I've seen, the K3 is about as reliable as anything else out there unless you really beat up on it, expose it to lightning or fat finger the assembly. Steve N4LQ - Original Message - From: "Ed Lambert" To: Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 11:09 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > As a prospective K3 customer, I have been following this link with very > great interest. I would be interested in knowing what percent of K3 > deliveries require return to Elecraft for repair and of that cohort, what > is > the percentage of K3's that were fundamentally defective upon delivery as > opposed to damaged by customer (mis)use. > > For me the weakness of the K3 is the (probably necessary) departure from > the > "kit model" of the rest of the Elecraft line where self repair is the > order > of the day. The repair of a K3, it seems to me, almost certainly requires > a > factory return, which, from this thread, is somewhat unappealing. > > I am interested further discussion on this thread in order to help me > determine whether my very limited funds go toward a K3 purchase or the > purchase of a second, but "fully tricked out", K2/100. > > Ed Lambert, KD3Y (K2 1999, KX1 1492) > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Tough call Ed... I had two K2s, and still really like the rig. Think the K3 is a bit more flexible and added 6M... Understand about the funds Happy 4th o' July! Julius Julius Fazekas N2WN Tennessee Contest Group http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/index.html http://groups.google.com/group/tcg1?hl=en Tennessee QSO Party http://www.tnqp.org/ Elecraft K2 #4455 Elecraft K3/100 #366 Elecraft K3/100 #1875 --- On Fri, 7/2/10, Ed Lambert-2 [via Elecraft] wrote: From: Ed Lambert-2 [via Elecraft] Subject: Re: K3 Repair To: "Julius Fazekas n2wn" Date: Friday, July 2, 2010, 11:10 AM As a prospective K3 customer, I have been following this link with very great interest. I would be interested in knowing what percent of K3 deliveries require return to Elecraft for repair and of that cohort, what is the percentage of K3's that were fundamentally defective upon delivery as opposed to damaged by customer (mis)use. For me the weakness of the K3 is the (probably necessary) departure from the "kit model" of the rest of the Elecraft line where self repair is the order of the day. The repair of a K3, it seems to me, almost certainly requires a factory return, which, from this thread, is somewhat unappealing. I am interested further discussion on this thread in order to help me determine whether my very limited funds go toward a K3 purchase or the purchase of a second, but "fully tricked out", K2/100. Ed Lambert, KD3Y (K2 1999, KX1 1492) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html View message @ http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Repair-tp5243994p5248101.html To unsubscribe from Re: K3 Repair, click here. - Julius Fazekas N2WN Tennessee Contest Group http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/index.html Tennessee QSO Party http://www.tnqp.org/ Elecraft K2/100 #4455 Elecraft K3/100 #366 Elecraft K3#1875 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Repair-tp5243994p5248264.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I agree that a posted repair queue length figure would probably eliminate a lot of angst by setting reasonable expectations. Probably eliminate a lot of phone calls to Elecraft as well. A weekly prognostication would be more than adequate for my purposes. Another thing that could use a little work is the level of communication. Last Friday I got a call from Elecraft stating that the symptoms (low SSB PO) had been confirmed, and that an EEINIT had resolved the problem. My K3 was going to "soak" over the weekend and shipout Monday (last) if was still good. I was glad to hear it was coming back but a bit curious as to why the first half a dozen or so times we did an EEINIT had not resolved the problem. Now its a week later, I don't know if my K3 is back in the shop (as I suspect) or if it is has been shipped and I need to hang around to receive it... I'm sure I could call and get an update but, being lazy, I would rather just get a short simple email periodically while the RSA is open or anytime there is a status update. 73 Jack KZ5A K3 #4165 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I purchased an assembled K3 because I didn't want to do the whole assembly project because of problems that I have with doing a lot of close work. I'm experienced with electronics repair in general, having operated service facilities for industrial instrumentation and having always repaired my ham radio equipment. Since the purchase, I've done the following: 1. Fixed a band pass filter problem caused by a semi-defective trimmer capacitor which caused low drive on 30 meters. The capacitor had a sticky point and was repaired by turning it several times after unsticking it with a screwdriver, sturdier than an alignment tool and setting it to the other side of the capacitor. I had consulted Elecraft and got trouble shooting advice from them. Elecraft service suggested returning it to them but I preferred to do it myself. The troubleshooting process also involved removing the antenna tuner and installing some jumpers which I subsequently removed as the tuner 8 MHz trap turned out to not be the problem. Troubleshooting also involved performing some calibration tests and measuring signal levels on the KXV3 although those turned out to be unnecessary steps. 2. Installed two filters which was a trivial excercise. 3. Installed the K44XV and exchanged the KXV3A which was necessary for the transverter installation. I also installed two more filters at the same time. 4. Installed an exchange dsp board, the K3DSPUPGD upgrade, which was quite straight forward.* *The most difficult part of these upgrades and repair was getting the two meter IF and antenna cables plugged back into the transverter. So, even if you purchase an assembled K3, you can do repairs and upgrades yourself and have email and telephone support as needed. The K3 instructions are explicit and quite adequate, even if you didn't build it from a kit first. If you take reasonable care and follow the instructions, you can avoid shipping and waiting. * *Dunc, W5DC Ed Lambert wrote: > As a prospective K3 customer, I have been following this link with very > great interest. I would be interested in knowing what percent of K3 > deliveries require return to Elecraft for repair and of that cohort, what is > the percentage of K3's that were fundamentally defective upon delivery as > opposed to damaged by customer (mis)use. > > For me the weakness of the K3 is the (probably necessary) departure from the > "kit model" of the rest of the Elecraft line where self repair is the order > of the day. The repair of a K3, it seems to me, almost certainly requires a > factory return, which, from this thread, is somewhat unappealing. > > I am interested further discussion on this thread in order to help me > determine whether my very limited funds go toward a K3 purchase or the > purchase of a second, but "fully tricked out", K2/100. > > Ed Lambert, KD3Y (K2 1999, KX1 1492) > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
On 2010-07-02 17:09, Ed Lambert wrote: > of the day. The repair of a K3, it seems to me, almost certainly requires a > factory return, which, from this thread, is somewhat unappealing. > > > Ed Lambert, KD3Y (K2 1999, KX1 1492) > I would say on the contrary. The way the K3 is constructed, I would call it modular construction, I would think it would be easy to isolate the "problem" to a certain module and then get a new one from Elecraft, a swap maybe or just buy one. / Jim SM2EKM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative
I paid the full price for my DSP board swap. Was this somehow a warranty price? Am I due a refund? 73, Mike NF4L Hector Padron wrote: > "The biggest difference I hear with Elecraft is that a lot of the problems > can be resolved quicker if the problem can be isolated to a board so that a > simple swap can be done and thus eliminates return to the factory for > repairs." > > > And that was the case with my K3,.my own mistake made the RX audio PA to be > damaged.A simple call to Elecraft and a short talk to Dale with my promise to > send back my damaged DSP board,he sent me next day a new DSP board that I got > in just two days in spite off the distance between CA and FL,.two more days > to make time to install the new board and that was it,my K3 working even > better than new because the new board came with all the mods done,price? Just > $14 from that new board plus $10 more to ship the bad board back to > them.Total bill for me,only $24. Time frame? 4 days, my radio was fixed. > This is an option guys you should consider,talk to the tech on the phone,most > of the times by their experience,they can tell where the problem is and which > board has to be replaced,so deal with them as I did,if you don't feel > confident to replace it by yourself,get a tech that you know in your location > and pay him to do the swap or maybe a friend of yours will do it by free. I > am sure it will be faster this way to have your K3 repaired than send it to > them,don't forget these guys has too many projects on hands,its not easy to > keep up a production of new radios,new P3,repair,mods,etc I think they are > doing a great job no matter what. > > AD4C > K3 # 2192 > > > > "If you see a woman handling a cell phone on her hands while she is > driving,do please stay away from her.!! > > --- On Thu, 7/1/10, Gary Gregory wrote: > > > From: Gary Gregory > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > To: "NZ8J" > Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Date: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 10:00 PM > > > Hmmm, > > Still like to know just what the ratio of units sold vs units requiring > return for repair. > > Not likely to see those figures I suppose but it would perhaps throw some > light on the reliability of the radios. > > These figures would need to have the "operator caused" repairs shown as > separate figures. > > I suspect the figures would be quite good (read low) when it comes to actual > component failure. > > When you add upgrades, building of new K3's, preparing for the P3 I would > imagine the picture would be a little clearer. > > Turn around time for my K3 was about 7 weeks, however, between 2 and 3 weeks > was postage between the US and Australia and the Kangaroo's seem slow to > deliver here when they have K3's strapped to their back...(Grin) > > Turnaround time by Icom in Australia was about a month the two times the > 706MKIIG suffered terminal issues and Yaesu here are not too bad either. > Kenwood is somewhere between slow and unresponsive from the stories we hear > down under. > > The biggest difference I hear with Elecraft is that a lot of the problems > can be resolved quicker if the problem can be isolated to a board so that a > simple swap can be done and thus eliminates return to the factory for > repairs. For those that are unable or not confidenrt in their ability to > take the radio apart they at least have to opportunity to use the factory > repair facility. > > Just my 2 cents worthkeep the change > > 73's > Gary > > On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 7:26 AM, NZ8J wrote: > > >> Hearing "at least a month before it hits the bench", was discouraging, >> stories of 7 weeks in the recent past is even more disappointing. At >> least I hope the theories are correct in that it is due to an unusual >> amount of upgrades and not an increase in failures. >> Tim >> NZ8J >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> >> > > > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
As a prospective K3 customer, I have been following this link with very great interest. I would be interested in knowing what percent of K3 deliveries require return to Elecraft for repair and of that cohort, what is the percentage of K3's that were fundamentally defective upon delivery as opposed to damaged by customer (mis)use. For me the weakness of the K3 is the (probably necessary) departure from the "kit model" of the rest of the Elecraft line where self repair is the order of the day. The repair of a K3, it seems to me, almost certainly requires a factory return, which, from this thread, is somewhat unappealing. I am interested further discussion on this thread in order to help me determine whether my very limited funds go toward a K3 purchase or the purchase of a second, but "fully tricked out", K2/100. Ed Lambert, KD3Y (K2 1999, KX1 1492) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I wasn't thinking of a "where is my radio in the queue?" feature, just a statement of the current length of the queue for complete radios and/or boards. 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/2/2010 7:34 AM, Pete Smith wrote: > One thought that comes to mind - put a "repair queue length" figure on > the web-site and update it every day or two > > 73, Pete N4ZR > > The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at > www.conteststations.com > The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at > reversebeacon.blogspot.com, > spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 > > > On 7/2/2010 12:01 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: >> The vast majority of repairs are turned around in less than 2 weeks. >> When Eric and I get back (we're both out of town), we'll review the >> reasons for the long turnarounds mentioned and make any necessary >> changes. >> >> We did have a big increase in upgrade requests in the past 6 months, >> associated with the K144XV, modified DSP, rigs for DXpeditions, etc. >> Thanks for your patience. >> >> 73, >> Wayne >> N6KR >> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> >> __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative
Whoah! This is really news to me. A couple of weeks ago I blew something on the KIO3A board in my brand new K3. The consensus at the time was that it would not be cost-effective to send the board to Elecraft for repair. In my conversations with Elecraft tech support, nobody ever mentioned the possibility of a swap. As a result, I paid $115 for a new replacement board, and have the old one on my desk here, probably just needing a new U1, which I may just try to do myself. Would Elecraft really have accepted my damaged board and charged me such a nominal figure for repair, and sent me a new board to use in the meantime? Sounds too good to be true - maybe I'm misunderstanding. 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/2/2010 7:41 AM, Hector Padron wrote: > "The biggest difference I hear with Elecraft is that a lot of the problems > can be resolved quicker if the problem can be isolated to a board so that a > simple swap can be done and thus eliminates return to the factory for > repairs." > > > And that was the case with my K3,.my own mistake made the RX audio PA to be > damaged.A simple call to Elecraft and a short talk to Dale with my promise to > send back my damaged DSP board,he sent me next day a new DSP board that I got > in just two days in spite off the distance between CA and FL,.two more days > to make time to install the new board and that was it,my K3 working even > better than new because the new board came with all the mods done,price? Just > $14 from that new board plus $10 more to ship the bad board back to > them.Total bill for me,only $24. Time frame? 4 days, my radio was fixed. > This is an option guys you should consider,talk to the tech on the phone,most > of the times by their experience,they can tell where the problem is and which > board has to be replaced,so deal with them as I did,if you don't feel > confident to replace it by yourself,get a tech that you know in your location > and pay him to do the swap or maybe a friend of yours will do it by free. I > am sure it will be faster this way to have your K3 repaired than send it to > them,don't forget these guys has too many projects on hands,its not easy to > keep up a production of new radios,new P3,repair,mods,etc I think they are > doing a great job no matter what. > > AD4C > K3 # 2192 > > > > "If you see a woman handling a cell phone on her hands while she is > driving,do please stay away from her.!! > > --- On Thu, 7/1/10, Gary Gregory wrote: > > > From: Gary Gregory > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > To: "NZ8J" > Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Date: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 10:00 PM > > > Hmmm, > > Still like to know just what the ratio of units sold vs units requiring > return for repair. > > Not likely to see those figures I suppose but it would perhaps throw some > light on the reliability of the radios. > > These figures would need to have the "operator caused" repairs shown as > separate figures. > > I suspect the figures would be quite good (read low) when it comes to actual > component failure. > > When you add upgrades, building of new K3's, preparing for the P3 I would > imagine the picture would be a little clearer. > > Turn around time for my K3 was about 7 weeks, however, between 2 and 3 weeks > was postage between the US and Australia and the Kangaroo's seem slow to > deliver here when they have K3's strapped to their back...(Grin) > > Turnaround time by Icom in Australia was about a month the two times the > 706MKIIG suffered terminal issues and Yaesu here are not too bad either. > Kenwood is somewhere between slow and unresponsive from the stories we hear > down under. > > The biggest difference I hear with Elecraft is that a lot of the problems > can be resolved quicker if the problem can be isolated to a board so that a > simple swap can be done and thus eliminates return to the factory for > repairs. For those that are unable or not confidenrt in their ability to > take the radio apart they at least have to opportunity to use the factory > repair facility. > > Just my 2 cents worthkeep the change > > 73's > Gary > > On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 7:26 AM, NZ8J wrote: > > >> Hearing "at least a month before it hits the bench", was discouraging, >> stories of 7 weeks in the recent past is even more disappointing. At >> least I hope the theories are correct in that it is due to an unusual >> amount of upgrades and not an
[Elecraft] K3 Repair - suggestions
Wayne & Eric, Study TenTec. A model of outstanding customer service. Excellent communications, generous documentation on repairs, fast turn around, board exchange, fair prices. And, good radios. Basically, their reputation. Another thought: Elecraft Repair Certification for those who are enterprising enough to offer service to others. Elecraft could manage the process and provide the pipeline needed to supply parts, data, etc. 73 es tnx Bill N4LG __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Upgrades are like elective surgery. You want to do it at a convenient time. I find myself much less interested in ham radio during the summer when there are so many other distractions. An interesting statistic might be what percentage of K3s are factory built. If the owner had his radio factory built it is likely that he would be inclined to have it factory upgraded. 73, Mike K2MK wayne burdick wrote: > > The vast majority of repairs are turned around in less than 2 weeks. > When Eric and I get back (we're both out of town), we'll review the > reasons for the long turnarounds mentioned and make any necessary > changes. > > We did have a big increase in upgrade requests in the past 6 months, > associated with the K144XV, modified DSP, rigs for DXpeditions, etc. > Thanks for your patience. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > >> > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Repair-tp5245409p5247488.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
WOW that is the best idea I have ever heard,so that way anyone will be able to see at the website his radio on the list and know exactly when it will be at the bench for repair. Good sugestion Pete. AD4C "If you see a woman handling a cell phone on her hands while she is driving,do please stay away from her.!! --- On Fri, 7/2/10, Pete Smith wrote: From: Pete Smith Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair To: "Wayne Burdick" Cc: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net reflector" Date: Friday, July 2, 2010, 11:34 AM One thought that comes to mind - put a "repair queue length" figure on the web-site and update it every day or two 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/2/2010 12:01 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > The vast majority of repairs are turned around in less than 2 weeks. > When Eric and I get back (we're both out of town), we'll review the > reasons for the long turnarounds mentioned and make any necessary > changes. > > We did have a big increase in upgrade requests in the past 6 months, > associated with the K144XV, modified DSP, rigs for DXpeditions, etc. > Thanks for your patience. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > >> > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
One thought that comes to mind - put a "repair queue length" figure on the web-site and update it every day or two 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/2/2010 12:01 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > The vast majority of repairs are turned around in less than 2 weeks. > When Eric and I get back (we're both out of town), we'll review the > reasons for the long turnarounds mentioned and make any necessary > changes. > > We did have a big increase in upgrade requests in the past 6 months, > associated with the K144XV, modified DSP, rigs for DXpeditions, etc. > Thanks for your patience. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > >> > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Repair alternative
"The biggest difference I hear with Elecraft is that a lot of the problems can be resolved quicker if the problem can be isolated to a board so that a simple swap can be done and thus eliminates return to the factory for repairs." And that was the case with my K3,.my own mistake made the RX audio PA to be damaged.A simple call to Elecraft and a short talk to Dale with my promise to send back my damaged DSP board,he sent me next day a new DSP board that I got in just two days in spite off the distance between CA and FL,.two more days to make time to install the new board and that was it,my K3 working even better than new because the new board came with all the mods done,price? Just $14 from that new board plus $10 more to ship the bad board back to them.Total bill for me,only $24. Time frame? 4 days, my radio was fixed. This is an option guys you should consider,talk to the tech on the phone,most of the times by their experience,they can tell where the problem is and which board has to be replaced,so deal with them as I did,if you don't feel confident to replace it by yourself,get a tech that you know in your location and pay him to do the swap or maybe a friend of yours will do it by free. I am sure it will be faster this way to have your K3 repaired than send it to them,don't forget these guys has too many projects on hands,its not easy to keep up a production of new radios,new P3,repair,mods,etc I think they are doing a great job no matter what. AD4C K3 # 2192 "If you see a woman handling a cell phone on her hands while she is driving,do please stay away from her.!! --- On Thu, 7/1/10, Gary Gregory wrote: From: Gary Gregory Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair To: "NZ8J" Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 10:00 PM Hmmm, Still like to know just what the ratio of units sold vs units requiring return for repair. Not likely to see those figures I suppose but it would perhaps throw some light on the reliability of the radios. These figures would need to have the "operator caused" repairs shown as separate figures. I suspect the figures would be quite good (read low) when it comes to actual component failure. When you add upgrades, building of new K3's, preparing for the P3 I would imagine the picture would be a little clearer. Turn around time for my K3 was about 7 weeks, however, between 2 and 3 weeks was postage between the US and Australia and the Kangaroo's seem slow to deliver here when they have K3's strapped to their back...(Grin) Turnaround time by Icom in Australia was about a month the two times the 706MKIIG suffered terminal issues and Yaesu here are not too bad either. Kenwood is somewhere between slow and unresponsive from the stories we hear down under. The biggest difference I hear with Elecraft is that a lot of the problems can be resolved quicker if the problem can be isolated to a board so that a simple swap can be done and thus eliminates return to the factory for repairs. For those that are unable or not confidenrt in their ability to take the radio apart they at least have to opportunity to use the factory repair facility. Just my 2 cents worthkeep the change 73's Gary On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 7:26 AM, NZ8J wrote: > > Hearing "at least a month before it hits the bench", was discouraging, > stories of 7 weeks in the recent past is even more disappointing. At > least I hope the theories are correct in that it is due to an unusual > amount of upgrades and not an increase in failures. > Tim > NZ8J > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > -- Gary VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile http://www.qsl.net/vk4fd/ K3 #679 For everything else there's Mastercard!!! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
The vast majority of repairs are turned around in less than 2 weeks. When Eric and I get back (we're both out of town), we'll review the reasons for the long turnarounds mentioned and make any necessary changes. We did have a big increase in upgrade requests in the past 6 months, associated with the K144XV, modified DSP, rigs for DXpeditions, etc. Thanks for your patience. 73, Wayne N6KR > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I really wanted to try and trace out what was going wrong with my KPA3 but I was kinda low for time to put into it and the first thing I was going to need was some ribbon cables made up that would allow me to remote the KPA3 so that I could trace it while its outside the K3... I figured I'd move on and go ahead and send it in once I realized I wasn't going to be able to trace things out that way. Not to mention that I really need to make an RF voltage probe but I usually go and use the spec an at work... Anyway sometimes a month before it hits the bench is faster than I'd be able to get to it. Esp when I can use it at 10W and get on the air instead! ;) However I do wish I could keep it and try to fix it for that month while I waited rather than it just sitting on a shelf. ~Brett (N7MG) On Thu, 2010-07-01 at 21:16 -0400, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > The biggest ramp up for working on a K3 is getting to the point where > you can read its schematic with understanding. The only piece of test > equipment I've had to use on it is an XG-1. I DID have some problems > that I could see most sending it back to the shop. DO need magnifying > glasses tho and willingness to get in the program for SMD components. > Much easier to work on a K2. > > 73, Guy > > On Thu, Jul 1, 2010 at 4:54 PM, David leDuc wrote: > > If you have all the test equipment necessary to troubleshoot these modern > > radios more power to you. In the old days I used to be able to work on my > > car too. > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
The biggest ramp up for working on a K3 is getting to the point where you can read its schematic with understanding. The only piece of test equipment I've had to use on it is an XG-1. I DID have some problems that I could see most sending it back to the shop. DO need magnifying glasses tho and willingness to get in the program for SMD components. Much easier to work on a K2. 73, Guy On Thu, Jul 1, 2010 at 4:54 PM, David leDuc wrote: > If you have all the test equipment necessary to troubleshoot these modern > radios more power to you. In the old days I used to be able to work on my > car too. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Hmmm, Still like to know just what the ratio of units sold vs units requiring return for repair. Not likely to see those figures I suppose but it would perhaps throw some light on the reliability of the radios. These figures would need to have the "operator caused" repairs shown as separate figures. I suspect the figures would be quite good (read low) when it comes to actual component failure. When you add upgrades, building of new K3's, preparing for the P3 I would imagine the picture would be a little clearer. Turn around time for my K3 was about 7 weeks, however, between 2 and 3 weeks was postage between the US and Australia and the Kangaroo's seem slow to deliver here when they have K3's strapped to their back...(Grin) Turnaround time by Icom in Australia was about a month the two times the 706MKIIG suffered terminal issues and Yaesu here are not too bad either. Kenwood is somewhere between slow and unresponsive from the stories we hear down under. The biggest difference I hear with Elecraft is that a lot of the problems can be resolved quicker if the problem can be isolated to a board so that a simple swap can be done and thus eliminates return to the factory for repairs. For those that are unable or not confidenrt in their ability to take the radio apart they at least have to opportunity to use the factory repair facility. Just my 2 cents worthkeep the change 73's Gary On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 7:26 AM, NZ8J wrote: > > Hearing "at least a month before it hits the bench", was discouraging, > stories of 7 weeks in the recent past is even more disappointing. At > least I hope the theories are correct in that it is due to an unusual > amount of upgrades and not an increase in failures. > Tim > NZ8J > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > -- Gary VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile http://www.qsl.net/vk4fd/ K3 #679 For everything else there's Mastercard!!! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I would be happy to trouble shoot and repair the K3 rigs if I thought that people would actually send them to an outside source for repair. However, I think that people would much rather wait the 7 weeks than have their rigs repaired by someone other than Elecraft. That's one thing Elecraft has going for themselves. > From: n...@woh.rr.com > To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 17:26:41 -0400 > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > > > Hearing "at least a month before it hits the bench", was discouraging, > stories of 7 weeks in the recent past is even more disappointing. At > least I hope the theories are correct in that it is due to an unusual > amount of upgrades and not an increase in failures. > Tim > NZ8J > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html _ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_2 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Repair
Hearing "at least a month before it hits the bench", was discouraging, stories of 7 weeks in the recent past is even more disappointing. At least I hope the theories are correct in that it is due to an unusual amount of upgrades and not an increase in failures. Tim NZ8J __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
If you have all the test equipment necessary to troubleshoot these modern radios more power to you. In the old days I used to be able to work on my car too. -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of The Smiths Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 3:08 PM To: phys...@mac.com; n...@comcast.net Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair No Conspirac therosts would see it more as a scheme to let ops know that the good old days of Hams actually working on their own radios are paractially dead, and even Elecraft is subjected to appliance operators too. Sad day, isn't it. > From: phys...@mac.com > Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 09:30:54 -0700 > To: n...@comcast.net > CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > > Just goes to show you that the smart operator is like a boy scout -- be prepared. So, have two K3s or at least another good rig for backup. > > Of course, a conspiracy theorist would see this as a Elecraft marketing scheme: that is, slow down repair cycle to encourage customers to buy a second K3 for backup. > > > On Jul 1, 2010, at 9:24 AM, Donald Butler wrote: > > > I've had to send a K3 back to Aptos two different times. Each time I did so > > it ended up taking twice as long as I was initially told it would (estimates > > were provided by the tech support person rather than someone who probably > > knew more). I didn't like it. I've always had more respect for businesses > > who tell you the truth up front rather than those who embellish and tell you > > what they think you might want to hear. > > > > IMHO, as more and more Elecraft products are being sold, the need for repair > > and service is obviously going to increase proportionally, and if the > > service and repair sections are not continually expanded to keep up with > > demand, we'll start seeing more posts of this type. > > > > Don, N5LZ > > > > - Original Message - > > From: "Lee Buller" > > To: "Elecraft Reflector" > > Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 9:38 AM > > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > > > > > >> > >> > >> I must say it did take some time for them to get to my K3. I sent it to > >> Aptos around May 12th and got it back on June 30th. Yes, that was quite a > >> bit of time, but I expected that because who knows what kind of back log > >> they have. They do not publish those stats. I guess as I turned 60 this > >> last month, I've learn patiences (finally). > >> > >> As I said in my previous post, Dale Farmer was excellent. There was not a > >> lot of communication between Elecraft and myself...and I had to email > >> Madelyn several times to see where I was in the process. That can be > >> frustrating, but again I exercised patience. She was quite helpful. > >> > >> I would suggest to the folks at Elecraft to communicate better with repair > >> customers. They have my baby and I want it back! Just good customer > >> service...something they already do quite well. > >> > >> Part of my patience was my K2/100. Still works fine. > >> > >> Lee - K0WA > >> > >> === > >> Ham Radio Operators: Kansas QSO Party is August 28-29, 2010. See > >> www.ksqsoparty.org for details > >> > >> In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you > >> don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you > >> can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some > >> Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? > >> > >> Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my > >> mind. - J. Wolf > >> __ > >> Elecraft mailing list > >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > >> > >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > >> > > > > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > This list ho
Re: [Elecraft] K3 repair
John, While such proactive communication would be a good thing, please understand that it takes a person -who is knowledgeable of the process and estimated time - to create the emails for that communication. The person with that kind of knowledge is most likely the tech himself, and if everyone wants their radios back as quickly as possible, it is best to keep him working on the radio currently on his repair bench. Even the tech cannot give a good answer if he has several radios in the queue. He never knows how long each radio will take until he gets it open and makes some progress on it. Bottom line is that all you really can get is an educated guess, and even though an educated guess, it is usually wrong - Murphy says so. The only real answer you can get is how far back in the queue is your radio. When I have more than 5 radios in line here, things get a bit hectic, and I don't do the K3 repairs, just KX1, K1, K2, XVseries and the rest of that line. With the advent of the K3 DSP Board upgrade, I believe the queue at Elecraft has grown substantially. Unfortunately, they cannot grow their repair staff quickly, it takes some learning and experience before a new tech can become proficient. But yes, 7 weeks is a long time. I get uncomfortable if I cannot hold my turnaround time to less than 2 weeks, but sometimes "stuff" happens. 73, Don W3FPR WA6L wrote: > The only real complaint I had with the entire process is that there was no > proactive communication. I had to inquire each time a deadline passed in > order to get an update. > > 73, > > John, WA6L > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 repair
I sent my K3 in about 2 months ago for some mods and updates. I was originally told it would be a 2-3 week turn around. After 3 weeks I contacted them and was told it would be 5 weeks. After 5 weeks, I contacted them again and was told that it would go on the bench the following week. It did go on the bench the following week and was returned quickly after that. All told I was without my K3 for 7 weeks. The only real complaint I had with the entire process is that there was no proactive communication. I had to inquire each time a deadline passed in order to get an update. 73, John, WA6L -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-repair-tp5243177p5245069.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
No Conspirac therosts would see it more as a scheme to let ops know that the good old days of Hams actually working on their own radios are paractially dead, and even Elecraft is subjected to appliance operators too. Sad day, isn't it. > From: phys...@mac.com > Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 09:30:54 -0700 > To: n...@comcast.net > CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > > Just goes to show you that the smart operator is like a boy scout -- be > prepared. So, have two K3s or at least another good rig for backup. > > Of course, a conspiracy theorist would see this as a Elecraft marketing > scheme: that is, slow down repair cycle to encourage customers to buy a > second K3 for backup. > > > On Jul 1, 2010, at 9:24 AM, Donald Butler wrote: > > > I've had to send a K3 back to Aptos two different times. Each time I did so > > it ended up taking twice as long as I was initially told it would > > (estimates > > were provided by the tech support person rather than someone who probably > > knew more). I didn't like it. I've always had more respect for businesses > > who tell you the truth up front rather than those who embellish and tell > > you > > what they think you might want to hear. > > > > IMHO, as more and more Elecraft products are being sold, the need for > > repair > > and service is obviously going to increase proportionally, and if the > > service and repair sections are not continually expanded to keep up with > > demand, we'll start seeing more posts of this type. > > > > Don, N5LZ > > > > - Original Message - > > From: "Lee Buller" > > To: "Elecraft Reflector" > > Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 9:38 AM > > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > > > > > >> > >> > >> I must say it did take some time for them to get to my K3. I sent it to > >> Aptos around May 12th and got it back on June 30th. Yes, that was quite a > >> bit of time, but I expected that because who knows what kind of back log > >> they have. They do not publish those stats. I guess as I turned 60 this > >> last month, I've learn patiences (finally). > >> > >> As I said in my previous post, Dale Farmer was excellent. There was not a > >> lot of communication between Elecraft and myself...and I had to email > >> Madelyn several times to see where I was in the process. That can be > >> frustrating, but again I exercised patience. She was quite helpful. > >> > >> I would suggest to the folks at Elecraft to communicate better with repair > >> customers. They have my baby and I want it back! Just good customer > >> service...something they already do quite well. > >> > >> Part of my patience was my K2/100. Still works fine. > >> > >> Lee - K0WA > >> > >> === > >> Ham Radio Operators: Kansas QSO Party is August 28-29, 2010. See > >> www.ksqsoparty.org for details > >> > >> In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you > >> don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you > >> can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some > >> Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? > >> > >> Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my > >> mind. - J. Wolf > >> __ > >> Elecraft mailing list > >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > >> > >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > >> > > > > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
As it was explained to me, there are two different areas, Repairs and Modifications. I was told two to three weeks when I initially asked for an approximate time, but that was back towards the beginning of the year. There has been one new mod added since then. I'm guessing a lot of folks put off sending a rig back and Elecraft got hit all at once. I certainly would have liked a shorter turn around time, but do understand why it is taking so long. I would also think any warranty repair would have higher priority and would probably use repair/mod techs to build newly ordered rigs, at least some of the time (this is my opinion only) It's not been too horrible with a second K3 and K2 on hand, but sure do miss the second RX at times. hihi Too, now I have a good excuse to work on antennas and other station improvements. 73, Julius - Julius Fazekas N2WN Tennessee Contest Group http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/index.html Tennessee QSO Party http://www.tnqp.org/ Elecraft K2/100 #4455 Elecraft K3/100 #366 Elecraft K3#1875 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Repair-tp5243994p5244569.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Just goes to show you that the smart operator is like a boy scout -- be prepared. So, have two K3s or at least another good rig for backup. Of course, a conspiracy theorist would see this as a Elecraft marketing scheme: that is, slow down repair cycle to encourage customers to buy a second K3 for backup. On Jul 1, 2010, at 9:24 AM, Donald Butler wrote: > I've had to send a K3 back to Aptos two different times. Each time I did so > it ended up taking twice as long as I was initially told it would (estimates > were provided by the tech support person rather than someone who probably > knew more). I didn't like it. I've always had more respect for businesses > who tell you the truth up front rather than those who embellish and tell you > what they think you might want to hear. > > IMHO, as more and more Elecraft products are being sold, the need for repair > and service is obviously going to increase proportionally, and if the > service and repair sections are not continually expanded to keep up with > demand, we'll start seeing more posts of this type. > > Don, N5LZ > > - Original Message - > From: "Lee Buller" > To: "Elecraft Reflector" > Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 9:38 AM > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > > >> >> >> I must say it did take some time for them to get to my K3. I sent it to >> Aptos around May 12th and got it back on June 30th. Yes, that was quite a >> bit of time, but I expected that because who knows what kind of back log >> they have. They do not publish those stats. I guess as I turned 60 this >> last month, I've learn patiences (finally). >> >> As I said in my previous post, Dale Farmer was excellent. There was not a >> lot of communication between Elecraft and myself...and I had to email >> Madelyn several times to see where I was in the process. That can be >> frustrating, but again I exercised patience. She was quite helpful. >> >> I would suggest to the folks at Elecraft to communicate better with repair >> customers. They have my baby and I want it back! Just good customer >> service...something they already do quite well. >> >> Part of my patience was my K2/100. Still works fine. >> >> Lee - K0WA >> >> === >> Ham Radio Operators: Kansas QSO Party is August 28-29, 2010. See >> www.ksqsoparty.org for details >> >> In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you >> don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you >> can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some >> Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? >> >> Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my >> mind. - J. Wolf >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
I've had to send a K3 back to Aptos two different times. Each time I did so it ended up taking twice as long as I was initially told it would (estimates were provided by the tech support person rather than someone who probably knew more). I didn't like it. I've always had more respect for businesses who tell you the truth up front rather than those who embellish and tell you what they think you might want to hear. IMHO, as more and more Elecraft products are being sold, the need for repair and service is obviously going to increase proportionally, and if the service and repair sections are not continually expanded to keep up with demand, we'll start seeing more posts of this type. Don, N5LZ - Original Message - From: "Lee Buller" To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 9:38 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Repair > > > I must say it did take some time for them to get to my K3. I sent it to > Aptos around May 12th and got it back on June 30th. Yes, that was quite a > bit of time, but I expected that because who knows what kind of back log > they have. They do not publish those stats. I guess as I turned 60 this > last month, I've learn patiences (finally). > > As I said in my previous post, Dale Farmer was excellent. There was not a > lot of communication between Elecraft and myself...and I had to email > Madelyn several times to see where I was in the process. That can be > frustrating, but again I exercised patience. She was quite helpful. > > I would suggest to the folks at Elecraft to communicate better with repair > customers. They have my baby and I want it back! Just good customer > service...something they already do quite well. > > Part of my patience was my K2/100. Still works fine. > > Lee - K0WA > > === > Ham Radio Operators: Kansas QSO Party is August 28-29, 2010. See > www.ksqsoparty.org for details > > In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you > don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you > can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some > Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? > > Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my > mind. - J. Wolf > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
A fate worse than death...being confined to 2 meter FM while the real rig is being tweaked/repaired! John Ragle -- W1ZI = On 7/1/2010 12:10 PM, Tim Cook wrote: > Wish I'd have known that before I sent one in for some work yesterday, > I might have at least explored other options before sending it off for > such a long time. Maybe an estimated repair time supplied with the RSA > might be something to consider. > > Tim > NZ8J > > Sent from my iPhone > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Repair
Wish I'd have known that before I sent one in for some work yesterday, I might have at least explored other options before sending it off for such a long time. Maybe an estimated repair time supplied with the RSA might be something to consider. Tim NZ8J Sent from my iPhone __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Repair
I must say it did take some time for them to get to my K3. I sent it to Aptos around May 12th and got it back on June 30th. Yes, that was quite a bit of time, but I expected that because who knows what kind of back log they have. They do not publish those stats. I guess as I turned 60 this last month, I've learn patiences (finally). As I said in my previous post, Dale Farmer was excellent. There was not a lot of communication between Elecraft and myself...and I had to email Madelyn several times to see where I was in the process. That can be frustrating, but again I exercised patience. She was quite helpful. I would suggest to the folks at Elecraft to communicate better with repair customers. They have my baby and I want it back! Just good customer service...something they already do quite well. Part of my patience was my K2/100. Still works fine. Lee - K0WA === Ham Radio Operators: Kansas QSO Party is August 28-29, 2010. See www.ksqsoparty.org for details In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. - J. Wolf __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 repair
Dave, I sent in my K3 for hardware updates that I was unable to perform. It was in Aptos just over a month. It arrives home tomorrow When I inquired earlier this year, I was told that the waiting period was approximately two weeks. So, I believe they are experiencing a rush of new work lately. Some folks may be doing just what I did, updating in preparation of the release of the P3. 73 Gary W7TEA - 73, Gary W7TEA K3 #1001 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-repair-tp5243177p5243366.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 repair
I sent my K3 to Elecraft in California after I and tried and failed to fix the problem using Elecraft's support process. I finally called them after hearing nothing for over a week. The nice lady who answered the phone told me that the radio wouldn't even be put on the repair bench for at least a month. Is this the normal turnaround time? I'm sure that there are lots of techs unemployed in CA. Maybe Elecraft should put them to work. Dave N1IX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
