Updating an older K3

[Gary Smith-2]

I assembled this K3 in Nov 08 and it has most of the accessories of
the day; sub RX, KAT3, KP3A, KXV3, KTCXO3-1  TCXO & KBPF3 Gen
coverage module.  

I'm thinking it might do well with an update with the factory mods to
bring it current. Has anyone had this done at the factory recently
and if so, did you notice any obvious operational difference from
before to after the upgrade?

If yes, in your opinion was it significant enough to be worth the
money spent after all was said & done? And, how much did it cost in
the end?

Off list replies please.

Thanks & 73,

Gary
KA1J

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[Bill-3]

Why off list? This is of interest to all K3 owners and the
experiences/expenses of others is very relevant.

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC K-Line


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[Tex]

Ditto's, I would be very interested as I'm in the same boat.

73 Tex
ka5y

[Johnny Siu]

Well, most of the update can be done by the user and I did them myself.  Elecraft gives a webpage of the modifications:

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_app_notes.htm

They also provide the necessary parts with clear instruction and at reasonable prices:
http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K3 Parts


To me, the construction process was interesting and educational.  The soldering work is not difficult and managable by most of us.

73

Johnny VR2XMC
 
 寄件人︰ pkhjr <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ [hidden email]
傳送日期︰ 2013年11月17日 (週日) 9:11 PM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] Updating an older K3
 

Ditto's, I would be very interested as I'm in the same boat.

73 Tex
ka5y
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[AC6JA]

I would be interested in the same information.
My K3 serial number is 3215.
 
Mike  AC6JA
 
 
In a message dated 11/16/2013 7:39:32 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
[hidden email] writes:

I  assembled this K3 in Nov 08 and it has most of the accessories of
the day;  sub RX, KAT3, KP3A, KXV3, KTCXO3-1  TCXO & KBPF3 Gen
coverage  module.  

I'm thinking it might do well with an update with the  factory mods to
bring it current. Has anyone had this done at the factory  recently
and if so, did you notice any obvious operational difference from  
before to after the upgrade?

If yes, in your opinion was it  significant enough to be worth the
money spent after all was said &  done? And, how much did it cost in
the end?

Off list replies  please.

Thanks & 73,

Gary
KA1J

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protection is  active.
http://www.avast.com

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[Mike K2MK]

Hi Gary,

Some of the hardware mods correct problems or prevent problems and they aren't noticeable after installation. But they provide peace of mind and increase resale value.

One mod that I found useful was the one that corrected noise while tuning the VFO. It improved operation on 6 and 10 meters on my K3.

An upgrade (not really a mod) was the exchange of the DSP board. This made my K3 sound quieter to me. I think you have to hunt around the Elecraft website to find this one.

I did the mods myself so I can't comment on the factory cost.

73,
Mike K2MK

Gary Smith-2 wrote

I assembled this K3 in Nov 08 and it has most of the accessories of
the day; sub RX, KAT3, KP3A, KXV3, KTCXO3-1  TCXO & KBPF3 Gen
coverage module.  

I'm thinking it might do well with an update with the factory mods to
bring it current. Has anyone had this done at the factory recently
and if so, did you notice any obvious operational difference from
before to after the upgrade?

If yes, in your opinion was it significant enough to be worth the
money spent after all was said & done? And, how much did it cost in
the end?

Off list replies please.

Thanks & 73,

Gary
KA1J

[Arie Kleingeld PA3A-2]

Hi all,


My K3 is a #1255.

I've done all the  mods myself. I'll give you a roundup of that , with
the results:


*Solving a problem:*

- K3 Synth ALC = That was a really necessary one, I had that problem and
it needed to be fixed

- K3 external ALC Mod = Necessary since I started to use ALC when I
bought rhe KPA500. Before that I used all Amps without ALC. Actually,
now Ithat  use the KPA500, the ALC is set at such a level that it well
never react :-)

- 12V ERR mod (13.8V supply to PA in K3 fails due to bad connectorpins)
= Had this problem last year. Decided to make the Field-fix instead of
changing the connectors. This means bridging the connectors with a wire.
Easy! Good chance that you will run into the problem at some point.


*Improvements:*

- IF output Buffer Gain  = Good mod! I am using a softrock and NAP3 for
a bandscope om my stations pc

- AF stage upgrade (line out and speaker amp)  = Yes, it helps

- K3DF DSP Low Pass Filter installation = It really makes a difference.
*Do this one*. I noticed that I could sit at the K3 for much longer when
I  participated in a contest.

*
**' Maybe'   Improvements*:

- Front panel Macrophone Circuit MOd = No difference, I had no problems
before that but I did this one together with the LPF installation

- Improving Immunity of the rear panel RS232 and audio connectors = No
difference because I did not have any problem before the mod.


*
**Precautions*:

- K3 AF amp output mod = just a precaution. Never had a problem since I
use stereo computer speakers and not a mono speaker.

- K3 automatic Frond End Protection = Just a precaution. No difference
noticed, I did not have a problem before the mod.


I hope this list helps you to decide what to do.


73
Arie PA3A




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[DaveL G3TJP]

Did you make the VFO tuning noise reduction mod, Arie?  My tuning noise was
very bad until the mod was applied.  It certainly made a lot of difference.

 

73 Dave G3TJP

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[Arie Kleingeld PA3A-2]

Dave,

No noticeble tuning noise in my K3, so I did not do that one. Not in
main, nor subRX.
Seeing how it's done, it should be an easy job.

73
Arie PA3A




Dave Lankshear schreef op 18-11-2013 0:00:
> Did you make the VFO tuning noise reduction mod, Arie?  My tuning noise was
> very bad until the mod was applied.  It certainly made a lot of difference.
>
>  
>
> 73 Dave G3TJP
>
> _

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