Elecraft

Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

> If I had a K3 and a K3S side by side with the same antenna, properly
> adjusted and tuned, could I hear a difference in signal quality,
> noise....etc.. ?

Probably not if the K3 had the new synthesizer installed. There might
be a slight difference/improvement in overall speaker audio quality due
to the updated audio amplifier but there is nothing "wrong" with the
speaker amplifier in the K3.

Even if the K3 had the old synthesizer, you will probably not notice
a significant difference unless there is a very strong (S9+60 dB)
relatively close when trying to work someone at the noise level.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2015-07-28 11:48 AM, [hidden email] wrote:

> Good points all around so far.
> My goal is DXCC/WAS then work DXCC for each band/mode. I aspire to primarily do CW but am currently re-learning the code with the goal to be armchair copy over 20wpm (we'll see how that goes).
> The opportunities I have are limited antennas currently and we may yet move in the next 1-5 years. Currently running a buckmaster 7 band OCF 300w version directed towards EU. The short term plan is to construct some better receiving antennas (vertical loop perhaps? Not enough room for proper beverages). Long term plan is a crankup/foldover tower with two or more elements on 40/20/15 as high as I can get it.
>
> At 50 my goal is to buy the last HF rig I'll need (hopefully).
>
> If I had a K3 and a K3S side by side with the same antenna, properly adjusted and tuned, could I hear a difference in signal quality, noise....etc.. ?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Phil Hystad [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 11:32 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?
>
> No brainer — buy the K3S if money is not too much of a problem!
>
> But, if you use your brain and maybe factor in the difference in cost, a K3 is a great radio too. However, if it were me in the same situation I would go for latest and greatest equipment.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
>
>> On Jul 28, 2015, at 8:02 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>
>> Is there a good reason to get a K3s instead of a preowned K3? I'm
>> returning to the hobby and looking hard at the K3S. So much has
>> changed that I'm trying to catch up.
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>>
>>
>> Jerry Moore
>>
>> AE4PB
>>
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Edward R Cole

Re: Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

(My opinion:) If buying a radio, I would buy the new K3S. If you
already have a K3, then I would keep it and upgrade what you think is
necessary for your use. One exception might be available
cash. Probably you can save a little buying a K3 and upgrading it.

I bought my K3/10 in 2010 (SN 4043) and have the KRX3 so will end up
purchasing two Synth board upgrades. I operate on 600m but renewal
of (ARRL Exp Group) license requires me to operate on 630m so I will
obtain the kit to upgrade the K3 for operation lower in freq.

I operate 6m, so I obtained a PR6-10 from a ham who upgraded to the
new KXV3 which integrate the preamp inside the radio. I saved some
and he got funds to put forward to his purchase.. win-win! Actually
already had a 6m Gasfet preamp but it is being installed on the 6m
tower for eme. The bypass feature of the PR6-10 works perfectly for
switching between preamps and I get better 10m reception as a bonus.

My station operates on 18-bands from 630m to 9cm, so its way too late
to worry about too many external cables hanging off the radio. I
have five transverters with assoc amps, three towers and a 16-foot
dish; there are over 2-dozen coax running thru the wall entrance
plate, and then all the control cables, etc. etc. In fact I just
completed design of a new relay pc board for my station control panel
rebuild (uses three boards with five DPDT relays on each board).

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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alsopb

Re: Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Bob,

You may be disappointed.

Since people have yet to quantify what exactly is wrong with K3 auidio,
it's going to be hard to quantify any difference.

I fully expect some people to hear a "big positive difference" when in
fact there may be none.

It may sound different but characterizing it as "better" is going to be
tough.

Some might think it's worse.

This is the problem with something which is so subjective.

If this is your only reason for upgrading, perhaps you ought to hear
before you buy.

73 de Brian/K3KO

On 7/28/2015 1:57 PM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:

> To me the audio enhancement for the K3S is expected to be a nice
> improvement. Historically some have expressed previous concerns
> regarding K3 audio quality, stating it was noted to be "fatiguing".
> I had available at my disposal a K3/10 and later a K3/100 the result
> of being asked to assemble those for folks that didn't feel qualified
> to do so. I agree, the audio, compared to other radios, seemed to be
> "strained". With the published information regarding the K3S and its
> enhanced audio features, this sure looks like a nice forward step on
> behalf of Elecraft.
>
> I'm waiting on my K3S to arrive and I'll add, I'm coming from a long
> line of another brand of radio that is noted to have great audio quality.
>
> To explain it another way.........The strength of a chain is defined
> by its weakest link.
>
> 73 Bob, K4TAX
>
> On 7/28/2015 12:07 PM, Jim Miller wrote:
>> I just sold my K3 #1210 and finished putting together a loaded K3S
>> #10122.
>>
>> The net cost difference was about $0.07 per day over the time I owned
>> the
>> K3. Easy way for me to rationalize!
>>
>> I don't think Elecraft would have gone to the trouble of doing this
>> expensive and extensive redesign if there wasn't benefit to the product
>> now, and more importantly to me, in the future.
>>
>> I suspect it gives it legs in ways that haven't been disclosed yet.
>>
>> I really appreciate the cleanup of the cabling on the K3S with USB
>> and the
>> internal replacement of the PR6.
>>
>> At 67 it's likely my last rig. I plan to enjoy it!
>>
>> 73
>>
>> jim ab3cv
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>>
>>
>
>
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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

I agree completely with what Phil says, both Phils
:-)

If I were buying today, I'd buy the K3S vs. a used
K3. I don't get my current K3 on the air enough
today to motivate me to sell my fine K3 (with the
new synth board) and buy the K3S. So I will stand
pat.

73, Phil W7OX

On 7/28/15 9:14 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:

> I think that all would agree that unless $Money is the big issue in the decision, go for the K3S. Unless of course there is some reason to want an older model. Yes, the K3 can be updated with the most important *new* features of the K3S by why do that — unless money is the issue.
>
> Yes, I too am keeping my K3 (and soon be upgrading to the new synth board) but this is only because I have not yet used up my current K3 — you don’t ask for a new slice of pie when there is pie remaining on your plate!
>
> So, if $ is not an issue — buy the K3S.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
> P.S. Then again — I am the type of guy to buy a new latest model car (or, in my case, pickup truck) rather than a used when when I go car shopping.
>
>
>
>
>> On Jul 28, 2015, at 8:36 AM, Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I'm sure others will weigh in, Jerry, but IMO from a performance standpoint no -- so long as you have (or add) the new synth board in the pre-owned K3. Of course, there are the usual used vs. new issues:
>>
>> * No warranty
>> * Potential defects which have arisen in the used K3
>>
>> Now if you work 6 meters or are very fussy about your RX audio, the K3S has pluses, though most (all?) of those can be addressed by upgrades which are (or will be) available to the K3.
>>
>> 73, Phil W7OX (I'm keeping my K3!)
>>
>>
>> On 7/28/15 8:02 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>> Is there a good reason to get a K3s instead of a preowned K3? I'm returning to the hobby and looking hard at the K3S. So much has changed that I'm trying to catch up.
>>> Thanks in advance.
>>>
>>>
>>> Jerry Moore
>>>
>>> AE4PB

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

In reply to this post by alsopb

For me I like my K3 and truthfully I was a little disappointed when they changed the bezel because now it really does not quite match 100% the rest of the K-Line in looks.

That being said I like My K3 and at this point seen no real reason to upgrade.

But if I were buying then a clean used K3 might catch my eye.

My suggestion is to buy what you like and enjoy it.

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Agree with the chain statement, Bob, and
audio-wise my ears are the weakest link: Deaf in
one for 48 years and need a hearing aid in the
other now. So improving the K3's audio would not
address my weakest link :-) That may be true of
other hams in my age group (here, pushing 79) as well.

73, Phil W7OX

On 7/28/15 10:57 AM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:

> To me the audio enhancement for the K3S is
> expected to be a nice improvement. Historically
> some have expressed previous concerns regarding
> K3 audio quality, stating it was noted to be
> "fatiguing". I had available at my disposal a
> K3/10 and later a K3/100 the result of being
> asked to assemble those for folks that didn't
> feel qualified to do so. I agree, the audio,
> compared to other radios, seemed to be
> "strained". With the published information
> regarding the K3S and its enhanced audio
> features, this sure looks like a nice forward
> step on behalf of Elecraft.
>
> I'm waiting on my K3S to arrive and I'll add,
> I'm coming from a long line of another brand of
> radio that is noted to have great audio quality.
>
> To explain it another way.........The strength
> of a chain is defined by its weakest link.
>
> 73 Bob, K4TAX

MarcV

Re: Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

In reply to this post by Edward R Cole

> On Jul 28, 2015, at 4:03 PM, Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> (My opinion:) If buying a radio, I would buy the new K3S.

There is no warranty on the used K3 but the K3S is fully warranted by Elecraft.

That fact will end up costing me more for a recent production used Elecraft device than it would have cost to buy new.

You may or may not have my experience.
--
Marc W8SDG
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Johnny Siu

Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

In reply to this post by Phil Wheeler-2

If I did not have a K3, I would go for the K3S right the way. I feel the K3S holds better value in case I need to sell it in future. Buying an used K3 and then putting in the upgrades seem not much a saving in money terms.
However, I have already had my K3 and will just the do the necessary upgrades to suit my operation needs.
73
Johnny VR2XMC
寄件人︰ Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ [hidden email]
傳送日期︰ 2015年07月29日 (週三) 4:09 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

I agree completely with what Phil says, both Phils
:-)

If I were buying today, I'd buy the K3S vs. a used
K3. I don't get my current K3 on the air enough
today to motivate me to sell my fine K3 (with the
new synth board) and buy the K3S. So I will stand
pat.

73, Phil W7OX

On 7/28/15 9:14 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:

Byron Peebles

Re: Is there a good reason to buy a K3S instead of a used K3 ?

In reply to this post by ae4pb

You know what you're getting, and you're getting a better transceiver.

On 07/28/2015 11:02 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
> Is there a good reason to get a K3s instead of a preowned K3? I'm returning to the hobby and looking hard at the K3S. So much has changed that I'm trying to catch up.

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