Elecraft

With all the problems...

Classic

List

Threaded

28 messages Options

Thom Durfee

With all the problems...

people on this list with their K3's...

I am having apprehension about ordering one.

Thom WI8W

______________________________________________________________
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

Larry W2LJ

Re: With all the problems...

On 11/14/2012 8:08 PM, Thom Durfee wrote:

> people on this list with their K3's...
>
> I am having apprehension about ordering one.
>
> Thom WI8W
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

You only hear from those having problems here ... the rest of us
are too busy *operating* our K3s and having fun!

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 11/14/2012 8:08 PM, Thom Durfee wrote:

Phillip Lontz

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

Tom, that are thousands and thousands of units out in the field. Nothing is perfect but the Elecraft line is damn near. There will be units that go bad. Electronics is never 100%. Never has never will. The real question is.... If a unit does go bad what will happen?
The guys and gals at Elecraft will get it running in short order. They will.
And you will be happy! You can bank on it!
Yes, I did drink the Elecraft koolaid aid years ago.

Phil
Santa Fe

K5SSR If you don't know what it is, don't poke it.

On Nov 14, 2012, at 6:08 PM, Thom Durfee <[hidden email]> wrote:

Nate Bargmann

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

* On 2012 14 Nov 19:08 -0600, Thom Durfee wrote:
> people on this list with their K3's...
>
> I am having apprehension about ordering one.

Mine has been in the shack just over two years and out to Field Day this
year with nary a problem. I use it nearly every day, voice and some CW
and once in a great while on digi modes. Since buying it I added the IF
board and a P3 just over a year ago and the internal tuner earlier this
year. All with no problems at all.

As I've seen others state, I don't even look at the ads for other radios
any more.

73, de Nate, N0NB >>

--

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true."

Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us
______________________________________________________________
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

N8MSA

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

I've have owned, or borrowed, about every transceiver available (aside from the Hilberling). My K3 is about the toughest and most reliable piece of ham gear I have ever owned, so much so that I'm ordering another one soon .

You should, so as to give yourself a frame of reference, subscribe to some of the other brand's mailing lists and Yahoo groups. The occasional solder joint failure is NOTHING compared to "the display died in my XXXX, and it will cost $1000 and take four months to fix". That's not an exaggeration...

Mike Alexander - N8MSA

[hidden email]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Thom Durfee" <[hidden email]>
To: "[hidden email] Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 8:08:34 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] With all the problems...

people on this list with their K3's...

I am having apprehension about ordering one.

Thom WI8W

______________________________________________________________
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
______________________________________________________________
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

Dave, W8OV

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

Thom,

I had the same apprehension as I read the list for a few weeks before
ordering my K3 kit in May of 2009. I figured that if there is a problem
it will likely show up on the list, but considering the numbers sold,
that percentage was still small. So you probably aren't seeing notes
from the majority-- folks like me who put the kit together carefully or
bought a factory assembled K3 and have had nothing but satisfaction with it.

73, Dave W8OV

On 11/14/2012 7:08 PM, Thom Durfee wrote:
> people on this list with their K3's...
>
> I am having apprehension about ordering one.
>
> Thom WI8W
>

______________________________________________________________
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

GREG WILSON

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

Thom -- You have to realize that while there are some legitimate problems
raised, much of what you read is pilot error from people who either have not
read the manual or have not tried very hard to solve the problem themselves.
Elecraft is great. The radio is phenomenal. My K3 has replaced my trusty
FT-1000D and I couldn't be more pleased with the radio. AND if you do need
service or have a question, it doesn't get any better than Elecraft! Super
company...super people. You won't be sorry if make the leap! 73 de
Greg-N4CC

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Thom Durfee
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 6:09 PM
To: [hidden email] Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] With all the problems...

people on this list with their K3's...

I am having apprehension about ordering one.

Thom WI8W

______________________________________________________________
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

______________________________________________________________
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

Eduardo González

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Nate Bargmann

I got my k3/p3 kit full loaded two years ago and radio have worked
perfectly. Equipment is utilized all days for my wife and me, I can say is
it is really great radio

Edu Yy4gmj & yy4and
On Nov 14, 2012 9:25 PM, "Nate Bargmann" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> * On 2012 14 Nov 19:08 -0600, Thom Durfee wrote:
> > people on this list with their K3's...
> >
> > I am having apprehension about ordering one.
>
> Mine has been in the shack just over two years and out to Field Day this
> year with nary a problem. I use it nearly every day, voice and some CW
> and once in a great while on digi modes. Since buying it I added the IF
> board and a P3 just over a year ago and the internal tuner earlier this
> year. All with no problems at all.
>
> As I've seen others state, I don't even look at the ads for other radios
> any more.
>
> 73, de Nate, N0NB >>
>
> --
>
> "The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
> possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true."
>
> Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Thom Durfee

Re: with all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

Thanks for all the comments folks. I know that no radio can possibly,
absolutely be perfect so to speak. All electronic gadgets have their
problems. I have a Vizio 42" HDTV and simply lost it's HD capability
last Sunday. It has a bad HD board in it according to Vizio. More
expensive to fix it than buying a new one.

I am currently working on building my second K2 in 10 years and it has
been giving me fits with my advanced age and very lousy eyesight. Had to
buy a 30X stereo microscope to read some of the values on those caps.
Slowly, but surely, it is coming together.

So maybe a K3 is on my wish list for sometime next year...I do not know yet.

73

Thom WI8W

______________________________________________________________
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

Richard S. Leary

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Larry W2LJ

Thom,
I've got K3/100 kit #4497, P3 kit #344, KPA500 kit #930. The K3 has been on
the air for over 2 years. I have not had a failure with any of the items.
Compared to other rigs I've used, I'll take the K3 over any of them, and
I've worked the lot, Icom, Kenwood, Heath, Yaesu, and Collins. I do mostly
CW, but RTTY is really fun with the K3. Just keep the firmware updated, and
have a blast. If you read the manuals, and watch the reflector you can't go
wrong. Putting the kits together are rather easy. And you cannot, repeat,
cannot, beat the Elecraft Support you can and will get if you need it. If
you could find someone with a K3, maybe they could let you "check it out".
I'm sure you will be impressed. I used my first one during Field day three
years ago and then just wanted one. Just an FYI from someone who's been
working CW for almost 60 years, and been a ham for 51 of those.

Rick, W7LKG

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Larry Makoski
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 17:19
To: Thom Durfee
Cc: [hidden email] Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] With all the problems...

On 11/14/2012 8:08 PM, Thom Durfee wrote:

> people on this list with their K3's...
>
> I am having apprehension about ordering one.
>
> Thom WI8W
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Got mine in June of this year (kit - 10W version). It went together as
smooth as butter and has been a blast to use.

So glad I took the plunge!

Larry W2LJ

--
73 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!

http://w2lj.blogspot.com/
http://www.w2lj.qrpradio.com/

______________________________________________________________
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

______________________________________________________________
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

PTA_ABD

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

I bought a used, early model K3. It developed a few problems over the years, but all were fixable right here, and I don't have a degree in rocket science either. Elecraft is Number One in customer service and support. There are nits to pick ( one guy wants this, that guy wants that ... etc.) , but I would consider changing to another brand as a hallucogenic nightmare.

Antos likes Aptos...

Paul Antos WB2ABD
K3 129
KX3 149
KPA500 369
KAT500 due Friday ( wonder if the ser. nr. ends in 9?)
PT0S in the log on 160m ( nr. 180 )

On 11/14/2012 8:08 PM, Thom Durfee wrote:
> people on this list with their K3's...
>
> I am having apprehension about ordering one.
>
> Thom WI8W

______________________________________________________________
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

N0AZZ

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by GREG WILSON

Thom

I can only give you my example for 2 yrs I had another top of the line radio
and it was the FTDX-5000MP and I had zero issues with it. But I bought a
used K3 just to compare the 2 they were so close in performance you could
really not tell them apart. Except for a few small issues where one was
better than the other and there were some. After 3 mo I decided to sell my
5000 and bought another K3 and set them up in a SO2R. I have been well
pleased they are smaller and lighter and some of the best support anywhere
that is what separates Elecraft from the pack by a long shot.

IMHO you would be hard pressed to find a better radio and I tend to buy what
is best not a brand loyalist.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Greg
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 7:56 PM
To: 'Thom Durfee'; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] With all the problems...

Thom -- You have to realize that while there are some legitimate problems
raised, much of what you read is pilot error from people who either have not
read the manual or have not tried very hard to solve the problem themselves.
Elecraft is great. The radio is phenomenal. My K3 has replaced my trusty
FT-1000D and I couldn't be more pleased with the radio. AND if you do need
service or have a question, it doesn't get any better than Elecraft! Super
company...super people. You won't be sorry if make the leap! 73 de
Greg-N4CC

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Thom Durfee
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 6:09 PM
To: [hidden email] Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] With all the problems...

people on this list with their K3's...

I am having apprehension about ordering one.

Thom WI8W

______________________________________________________________
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

______________________________________________________________
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

______________________________________________________________
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

Mike Reublin

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

Thom,

I believe the reason it seems like so many problems turn up here is because Elecraft owners KNOW that their issue is likely to be solved here. And I think a large number of issues posted here are pilot error, rather than hardware failures.

I've owned YaeComWood rigs over the years, and I can state with 100% certainty that the responses here are the most helpful in the world. None of those other groups had the owners/engineers/tech support people respond.

Any piece of gear from your can opener to your computer can have problems. What separates
companies is how that's handled. Elecraft can't be beat.

Buy with confidence that you're not making a mistake.

73, Mike NF4L

On Nov 14, 2012, at 8:08 PM, Thom Durfee <[hidden email]> wrote:

C L Jonkers

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Thom Durfee

Thom,

My K2 and K3 have worked flawlessly for years despite being hauled around in a
trailer. The difference between Elecraft and the "other" brands is in
performance and customer service response.

73,
Neil NJ6L
______________________________________________________________
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

wayne burdick

Re: With all the problems [opportunities]

Administrator

In reply to this post by Mike Reublin

Our goal is to improve existing products while seeking input on new
products and features. This is a very organic process. It can be a
little chaotic at times, involving long reflector threads. We adjust
priorities when necessary based on the extended conversation.

Our motto, "hands-on ham radio," applies to this meta-level
interaction between our staff and customers, as well as to the literal
process of building Elecraft gear. I hope we all have a richer
experience as a result.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

______________________________________________________________
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

Andy Cunningham-2

WAS: (With all the problems) ... New Elecraft Opportunities - Products ..

A little "Off Topic" the way I've wrote this perhaps (apologies) ...

============================================================================
====================================================
Wayne - N6KR Wrote " ...Our goal is to improve existing products while
seeking input on new products and features..
Our motto, "hands-on ham radio," our customers as well building Elecraft
gear.

I hope we all have a richer experience as a result..."
============================================================================
=====================================================

Well MY VOTE in case I've missed it ?? would be for a:

Dedicated Elecraft Product (FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T\HAVEN'T BUILT ONE BEFORE)

Elecraft "Styled" Portable-in-Hand "Step Attenuator"

The kind that can be left in line during Rx\Tx and adjusted accordingly for
various Power Outputs from ones transceiver ... There was a nice design to
take ones transceiver into the "Milliwatt AND Microwatt" output power range
in the 1981 or 1983 ARRL Handbook from what I remember ..?

And I think Ten Tec did one in yester-year also but their like "Hen's Teeth"
to find now ...

For me this would be a tremendous addition to the shack, so perhaps for
others as well... And YES Wayne ! This WOULD make my operating experience a
LOT "Richer" ..

Again Apologies guy's if I've missed-the-train on this, not checked the
Elecraft website in quite a while...

73's
Andy
GM0NWI
[hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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

Bill K9YEQ

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Mike Reublin

Mike,

I think like everything in the world, we get used to something and the
expectations get higher without realizing how really well we have it.
Elecraft does such a great job, even expecting criticism to improve, that we
can almost come to think we get license to behave like a bunch of careless,
brainless hooligans.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Mike Reublin
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2012 9:04 AM
To: [hidden email] Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] With all the problems...

Thom,

I believe the reason it seems like so many problems turn up here is because
Elecraft owners KNOW that their issue is likely to be solved here. And I
think a large number of issues posted here are pilot error, rather than
hardware failures.

I've owned YaeComWood rigs over the years, and I can state with 100%
certainty that the responses here are the most helpful in the world. None of
those other groups had the owners/engineers/tech support people respond.

Any piece of gear from your can opener to your computer can have problems.
What separates companies is how that's handled. Elecraft can't be beat.

Buy with confidence that you're not making a mistake.

73, Mike NF4L

On Nov 14, 2012, at 8:08 PM, Thom Durfee <[hidden email]> wrote:

> people on this list with their K3's...
>
> I am having apprehension about ordering one.
>
> Thom WI8W
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

______________________________________________________________
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

______________________________________________________________
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

ny4g

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Dave, W8OV

Take a bigger perspective - there are about 7000+ K2s out there ( mine is sn7105) and there are about 6000+ K3s if I venture to guess. And now there are also 2500+ KX3s. Yes there are problems because (//{}# happens. My k2 got zapped by static and blew the wattmeter diodes. Don W3FPR and the Elecraft reflector got me back running in a matter of days by helping me diagnose the problem and I was back in the air within a few days and even repaired it myself with a few dollars worth of diodes (mostly postage). Contrast that to when my FT817 was in for repairs. Over the course of two repair cycles I was out 2 months without a radio and was also out $150 in repair bills. To this day I don't know what went wrong. The Elecraft gear are as rugged as nails. Mine has been out on multiple field days. That is why they are the choice of DXpeditioners. They have the best combination of form factor, ruggedness and ergonomics. No I did not drink the Elecraft kool-aid just lauding
the good gear that they are.

Ariel

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 14, 2012, at 8:48 PM, "Dave, W8OV" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Thom,
>
> I had the same apprehension as I read the list for a few weeks before
> ordering my K3 kit in May of 2009. I figured that if there is a problem
> it will likely show up on the list, but considering the numbers sold,
> that percentage was still small. So you probably aren't seeing notes
> from the majority-- folks like me who put the kit together carefully or
> bought a factory assembled K3 and have had nothing but satisfaction with it.
>
> 73, Dave W8OV
>
> On 11/14/2012 7:08 PM, Thom Durfee wrote:
>> people on this list with their K3's...
>>
>> I am having apprehension about ordering one.
>>
>> Thom WI8W
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Jim Low man

Re: With all the problems...

In reply to this post by Phillip Lontz

Thom, a couple of years ago one of the ops brought a K3 to Field Day.
At the time I thought that it was nuts to bring a transceiver of such
high value out into the elements.
But, he's brought it for the last two years and it was our workhorse on
20m, CW and SSB.
Similarly, many a K3 has been taken on a DXpedition, with excellent results.
For home use, I don't think you have any cause for concern.
As was noted, if any problem arises, it will be quickly solved by the
collective experience of this list or by Elecraft.
I don't recall an instance when an entire piece of Elecraft equipment
had to be returned to the factory for repair.

In October I attended Pacificon, and paused for a moment to look over
the FTDX-5000.
Looks like it would take an advanced degree to operate all of the controls.
I was the only person even giving it a glance, where the Elecraft booth
had a steady stream of traffic.
I'm sure that Lisa was busy taking orders, but at least she had time for
a short chat.

72/73 de Jim - AD6CW

On Nov 14, 2012, at 6:08 PM, Thom Durfee <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> people on this list with their K3's...
>>
>> I am having apprehension about ordering one.
>>
>> Thom WI8W
>>

______________________________________________________________
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