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| Reviews Summary for Elecraft K3 |
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Reviews: 65
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Average rating: 4.7/5
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MSRP: $1,399
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Description: ELECRAFT K3 Transceiver
High Performance • 160-6 Meters • 100 W
Dual 32bit DSP, "switched mode mixer"
Factory Assembled or No-Soldering Kit
160-6 meter ham-band coverage; optional general-coverage filters
• High-contrast, full-custom LCD with with alphanumeric text display
• 100-W or 10-W (upgradeable) models
• 32-bit I.F. DSP
• Rich I/O complement (see rear-panel drawing above)
• All modes: SSB, CW, Data, AM, FM
• Built-in PSK/TTY decode/encode allows data mode operation with or without a PC — use CW keyer paddle to send PSK/TTY too!
• High performance DDS/PLL Synthesizer with TCXO reference
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More info: http://www.elecraft.com
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You can
write your own review of the Elecraft K3.
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W4GIW
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 9, 2008 18:28
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BEST Rig I ever owned in my 55 years as a ham
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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In this review I am not going to go into all the details of what makes the K3 outstanding but instead I want to give you my recent experience with Elecraft and the K3.
I recently installed the Sub receiver and after completing the installation it did not operate properly. I called Elecraft and they put a repairman on the phone and he spent the next 3 plus hours doing his best to help me. We both finally decided that it was best to send it back to Elecraft. I returned it and 2 work days after it arrived at Elecraft I got a call from a repairman telling me it was fixed and that at no charge they had done a complete diagnostic check on the rig and it was ready to go meeting all new factory standards. They found that I had misalligned a multiple pin connection by one pin. They charged me a minimum service charge and returned it to me at Elecraft's cost. After I got it back it performed in an outstanding manner. I might also point out that I did not even buy the K3 or the sub receiver from them. It was purchased used but they had no problem with my keeping the warranty.
A few days later I found what I thought could be an improvement in the firmware. I sent a routine email to Elecraft support outling my suggestion. Within 10 minutes I got an acknowledgement of my email informing me it would be sent to the appropriate people. 10 minutes later I got an email from one of the owners of Elecraft saying he liked my idea and suggesting a way to accomplish it and asking if I thought that his method would satisfy the need. I agreed and the next day I got an email from him with a new firmware upgrade. It worked great.
This is the kind of service almost never found anywhere in todays market much less the small amateur radio market dominated by large overseas companies. I have seen nothing like this in my 55 years as a ham.
I am sure they are not able to always be this effective but it says a lot about the intentions Elecraft has to become a major player. The K3 is an outstanding transceiver as shown by the many independent test results available. I also have the LP-Pan panadapter connected to the K3 and it works far better than any panadapter I have ever seen. I am using a 50$ soundblaster card and other than the fact that it is limted to a 90 KHZ view it works great.
I was using a Yaesu FT 2000 with DMU prior to the K3 purchase. The K3 DSP is far better and the roofing filters are rock solid. The DMU unit is not even in the same league with the LP PAN.
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K9NZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 9, 2008 09:15
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Radio at its best
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have had my k-3 (1340) for a little over 3 months and it has blown away every expectation I had. This radio will truly define future radio's.
I have had the FT1000's and Ic 775, Pro-I-II-III
They are good but not this good.The roofing filters rock, No blow-by, no DSP artifacts just rock solid filtering. The last 3 contest have proven that to me. I had a problem after assembly it was taken care of with in a week.
The software updates are steady and making a great radio better. Wayne and Eric are listing
to the customers, thats a nice change! I get great audio reports with the built in eq and a Heil gm-5
I love DXing on 160 and 75 meters. This radio shines there, with its quiet receiver and silent qsk. You can tailor just about anything to your own taste and the best part it all works! I think for now this radio is at the top of the heap. It may not be for everyone but I am very happy it here in my shack!
K9NZ
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W4WFB
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 5, 2008 17:52
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Best Radio
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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About seven years ago I built a loaded K2/100/KAT100-1. I had a lot of fun building, modifying and updating it. It was expensive buying all the upgraded firmware chips, but it was worth it. My early serial number K2 is as up-to-date as the latest kits being sold today. This radio was well engineered, and it works well today.
When the K3 was introduced I had to have one. Unlike its predecessor, the K3 can be updated with FREE downloadable firmware.
I ordered the K3/100 kit, KRX3, KBPF3, KXV3, KAT3, KTCXO-3, and KDVR3. In the main receiver I installed the KFL3A-FM, KFL3A-AM, 2.7Khz (standard) and KFL3A-500 filters. In the KRX3 receiver I installed the 2.7Khz (standard) and KFL3A-500 diversity matched filters. The radio went together nicely and worked successfully the first time after programming the filters.
The assembly manual says to check the front panel screw holes to make sure the threads will accept the screws. It is important to do this BEFORE mounting anything to the front panel. I used a 2-56 tap in all four LCD cover screw holes because paint had clogged up the threads. Using a tap after the front panel board is installed would be difficult and could result in damaging the LCD display.
I have installed 22 firmware upgrades to date and more are coming. Elecraft listens to its customers and makes available new features often.
Unlike its competitors Elecraft uses solid state T-R switching eliminating the noisy relays used by others. QSK CW operation is as silent and smooth as it gets.
I use a GM5 Goldline mic, and the SSB audio reports received are excellent.
There are too many features to list that make this transceiver the best radio I have owned to date. It is well worth the wait when you order one. W4WFB
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K6CTA
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 4, 2008 20:04
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Excellent!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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This was one of my most researched ham radio purchases ever. I was concerned about the small size, multi-use buttons, and vast menu system. I asked many questions, and went to look at one in person. In the end, none of my concerns turned out to be issues. In my 4 decades of ham radio, this has turned out to be the best rig I have ever owned. It is by far the best contest rig I have operated. No fatigue after long periods of operating, which was evidenced in the just concluded ARRL CW Sweepstakes. The receiver shines in a crowded band; it was as though I was in a private room. The rig is actually very easy and intuitive to use. I'm very pleased......
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N6TR
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 30, 2008 13:28
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Replaces the TS850S
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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For about 15 years, the TS850 has been my radio of choice - giving me the performance I need to compete in the big contests and for DXing on topband. I have waited for an economical replacement for it - which also provided a step up and finally Elecraft has answered with the K3.
I have had my serial #0013 now for 17 months and have used it in over a dozen contests and for many DX filled evenings on 160 meters. I can't wait to replace my other TS850 with a K3.
I am using the KRX3 receiver to enable diversity reception on 160 meters - using a beverage in one receiver and my transmit antennas in the other (which is somewhat directional now). This setup is a killer on 160 and is enabling me to work guys I couldn't hear before. A couple of nights ago, I was the first zone 03 contact for RZ3EM on 160 meters.
I have been able to intergrate the K3 into the station very easily. There aren't many new contest grade radios that can boast the same footprint as the TS850. The K3 puts the 850 to shame with performance AND has a smaller footprint. Having two K3s side by side doesn't take up any more space than your keyboard.
One of the best feature of the K3 is the support. Have you ever tried to get a response to your e-mail from any of the Japanese mfgs? Even the other domestic company hasn't been very responsive with product enhancements. The K3 radio continues to evolve and many of the new features were suggested by the users.
In my 17 months - I have not experienced any reliability problems. The radio runs cool even in a contest.
Thanks Elecraft for a job well done.
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W4ZV
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 29, 2008 10:53
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eHam Reviews - Let the reader beware!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The last couple of reviews prompted me to write my own. I hope everyone reading eHam reviews always remembers to consider the source before taking reviews at face value.
Regarding the use of K3s in the NCJ CW Sprint I found the following interesting:
Two K3 SO2R stations finished #1 (N6TR/7) and #3 (N6TV) in that contest.
http://dayton.contesting.com/archives//html/3830/2008-09/msg00391.html
N6TV's soapbox comment: "This was my first serious contest using the two new Elecraft K3s. I think they are a big improvement over the two Yaesu FT-1000MPs that I've been using up until now. They handle pileups better and there are no "glitches" or "beeps" when you press a button.
These two K3 users (finishing #1 and #3 overall) apparently liked their performance. Again, a little caution to not take everything you read on eHam at face value (i.e. a little research may contradict what you read here).
Here are a few comments on my 11 months experience with K3s (#111 and #1361)...
1. The analog performance of the K3 is simply unsurpassed. This is borne out in many independent technical reviews like ARRL, RSGB, Sherwood, W8JI and ON4UN. When reading eHam reviews, always keep in mind the credentials of the reviewer. Is this person an accomplished contester (i.e. Top Ten results) or DXer (like ON4UN or W8JI on the low bands).
2. The support from Elecraft is simply unequalled anywhere. I thought another US manufacturer had excellent support but Elecraft's is simply incredible. I've literally seen Wayne N6KR respond to a problem within hours, even on a Sunday evening! This man takes personal pride in his product and instills excellent support throughout the whole company. I won't even bother commenting on support from overseas manufacturers other than to say it took one of them 13 years of stone-walling before finally fixing a bad key click design problem in production. Prior to that the customer had to fix it at their own expense.
3. I'm mainly a low-band DXer and occasional contester (holding all 6 USA records for 10m in CQ WW, ARRL DX and CQ WPX, both modes). True Diversity with the K3 is something you really must experience to appreciate. NO other rig has this capability...period. Suffice it to say, I wouldn't want to chase weak DX signals on 160 or enter another contest without Diversity having used it for several months now.
4. No, the K3's firmware isn't perfect but so what, I hope it never will be! Wayne will continue to take customers' inputs very seriously and improve the product. The K3 is so far ahead of the competition in nearly every area that I personally don't view frequent firmware updates as an issue. I truly hope my competition will stay away from the K3 forever, while waiting for it to be "perfect". :-)
5. The modular configuration of the K3 is a wonderful thing for everyone. In my case, I'm not forced to pay for things I'd never use (e.g. AM, FM, General Coverage, etc) so I could configure a K3 that meets my needs perfectly for ~$2800 (dual RX version) or ~$2400 (portable/expedition version). NOTHING else can touch the performance of the K3 AT ANY PRICE, and the modular configuration allows you to have better performance at a fraction of the cost of other rigs. BTW the prices I used above assume I assembled the rig, which was a fun experience in itself.
6. But you want a Band Scope? Order N8LP's ~$200 LP-PAN and a ~$100 sound card, install free PowerSDR or $75 Skimmer software in your shack computer and you have a band scope that will literally run circles around any internal band scope on the market.
7. Nothing is perfect and there is one area that I do fault the K3, which has to do with the size of the front panel. Although I appreciate the light weight and small footprint, a little more front panel real estate would make the K3 easier to use. This is not so much an issue for the single RX version, but when using both Main and Sub RXs in Diversity, there are so many combination's of antenna, audio, etc options surrounding two fully independent receivers that a larger front panel would definitely make the K3 easier to use (primarily for better annunciation). Regarding the controls, I have large hands (9" from pinky to thumb when extended) and I have no problems with the controls. Coming from my experience with a TS-930S, FT-1000MP and Orion, I thought the size of the controls might be a problem but so far it hasn't. Some day I hope Elecraft will take all they've learned with the K3 and do a K4 in a larger format, which would make Diversity mode even more user-friendly. Until then I'm very happy with it "as is" since True Diversity in other rigs simply isn't available today.
In summary, no rig is perfect. On a scale of 0-10, and I'd probably rate the K3 a 9. Since the scale is 0-5, I'll go with a 5.
73, Bill W4ZV
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K1DWZ
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Rating: 3/5
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Oct 28, 2008 18:16
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Good radio but some problems
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I waited 8 months for my K3. I used it for about 5 months when a problem arose. On certain areas of any given band the transmitter and receiver went dead. I got in touch with Elecraft and the techs emailed me possible solutions. Nothing they suggusted worked. Then the owner of Elecraft got involved. I ended up doing tests and trouble shooting as he suggusted. Nothing worked. Finally the owner told me to send the radio directly to him so he could do some trouble shooting.
He checked it out and said there was a problem with the software. He re-wrote some of the software and said the radio now checked out ok.
I received the radio and found that problem was solved. But now another problem came up. An error message came up that shouldn't be there every time I turned the rig on.
Again I contacted the techs and again their suggustions did not solve the problem. The owner again got involved and again he had me do some tests and trouble shooting with no solution. I ended up shipping the radio back to Elecraft for a second time.
As it turned out it once again was a software problem that was corrected and now the radio works fine.
I spent 3 months e-mailing Elecraft back and forth before the final problem was solved. It seems to me that not enough testing was done before the K3 was released to the public. I felt like I was one of the beta testers with all of the tests and trouble shooting I was asked to do.
At one point I almost asked for my money back because I was so disappointed. That is the reason I can give the K3 only a 3 out of 5 rating.
On the other hand I have to give customer service a strong 5 of 5 for the personal attention given to me. The rig is now working perfectly and meets and exceeds my expectations
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K5AF
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Rating: 3/5
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Oct 20, 2008 06:28
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Disappointment Times Two
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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When I saw the press releases for the K3, I felt it would be the very best radio for me. Not too big, not too small, highly capable, user configurable, software defined -- seemed perfect!
I decided to get two K3s without subreceivers to use in an SO2R arrangement. I plunked down cash for my first one, and sold my Omni VIs to pay for the second.
My experience with the first radio was bad to say the least. Within 24 hours of getting the radio on the air, I started experiencing erratic SWR indications with the finals going into an overtemp condition and shutting down.
I made a couple of calls to Elecraft's tech support guy and answered a list of questions about the radio configuration and the problems. On the second call, the tech asked the same list of questions that he had asked the day before. I was frustrated enough with my brand new "super radio" dying after just a day, but having to repeat the same information just caused me to lose it. I don't use obscenities, its not my style, but I found myself shouting out a string of them at that poor tech.
The next day, I got an apology from the tech. He set up a call to Rene, one of the engineers at Elecraft. We worked through the problem and determined, as I had suspected, that the problem was with a bad current sensing diode in the SWR circuitry. We made some adjustments on the tech menu, and I was able to manually set my power level and check SWR on my external wattmeter. When my second radio arrived, the first one went back to Elecraft for repair.
The following observations about the radio are both subjective and objective. I have NOT spent a lot of time in the manual, but I feel quite comfortable with the radio's options and capabilities.
ERGONOMICS: First of all, I recognize the challenge of building a lot of capability into a small package. I have my own ideas on how it might have been done better, but I cannot be sure that my suggestions would make things better without being able to try them.
A major ergonomic issue to me is that the radio was designed with emphasis on it being a two-receiver radio. The dual concentric AF and RF controls are for the main and sub receivers. My feeling is that the operating focus needs to be on optimizing one receiver at a time. In other words, split the controls by radio, not function, with the two dual concentric controls being RF and AF controls on one stalk, one for the main, and one for the sub receiver.
I fundamentally dislike the "press and hold" feature for many of the functions. I am a Low Power S&P operator and every nanosecond counts for me. To have to wait even a half second when hitting the "Tune" or the "NR" button may cause me to miss a QSO opportunity. I don't know what better alternative there is, but I find it irritating.
The Shift/Width function is really neat, but I find the selectivity more like changing channels than an smooth analog feel. I think the encoders could be a bit more granular. Moreover, dual concentric controls here would make a lot of sense here, with width on the outer ring and shift on the inside. This would open up a little more real estate on the panel and be easier to use than the little knobs currently there.
Maybe its just the very hot receiver in the K3, but I'm noticing noise that I never noticed before in the background. This has been mentioned in other reviews. I've yet to play with the receiver parameters, that might help.
These are personal preferences, but why are the A/B buttons on the top row of the keypad? Why not have them right above the B VFO knob? It makes much more sense to me. I like the RIT/XIT arrangement, but the Clear control could be a push on the RIT knob instead of a seperate button.
On a stock K3 with no sub receiver option, the A/B VFOs can only be used within the same band, you can't do splits between bands. I understand that is being addressed in one of the new software updates. I like keeping the B VFO on a second band, and use the A/B switch to jump between two bands instead of using the band up/down controls. A great Sprint technique, hope I'll be able to use it after a future software update.
CAPABILITIES: QSK is awesome. It is so good that when I'm calling CQ on radio one and S&Ping on radio two, I sometimes think that I'm listening to another station until I hear my own callsign!
I don't use any outboard BP filters on the radios in my SO2R setup, and I find the interference between radios is minimal, slightly better than my Omni VIs. Because the K3 is synthesized, I do hear some broadband hash when transmitting, though. Overall, it is about a wash with the Omni VIs as far as SO2R capability is concerned.
Another issue is that of latency of the receive controls while transmitting. You cannot adjust the receive filtering while transmitting. During Sprint, one might use tight filtering to find and work a weak station. It is very advantageous while completing the exchange to open up the bandpass for the next station or stations that might be calling you. You cannot do that while transmitting. Elecraft is working on this.
OVERALL: This is a competent radio but I am have trouble learning to love it. I have used most of the popular contesting radios, and those with some of the Ft-1000 variants will probably find the K3 very user friendly by comparison.
I don't want to go back to the Omni VI, I'm committed to the K3s until something else better comes along, but I am disappointed with the execution of the design from a personal standpoint.
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AB3EN
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 19, 2008 09:01
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K3 a keeper
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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K3 Serial Number 1734
Arrived as promised and works as promised. K3/100 with 2.8k, 6k (AM), and 13k (FM) filters, ATU and TCXO, and KXV3 I/O. Used in conjunction with HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe) and Heil ProPlus Ic mic.
Lots of configuration options in the menus and frequent upgrades in software plus a super active listserve and top notch support from real people at Elecraft make this a radio that works well and keeps you active and thinking. Definitely not a radio appliance, this one keeps you engaged.
Comparison to the IC-7000 and Ten Tec Delta give the K3 the edge in almost all categories. I did find that the radio is most sensitive to what you feed it with – a good mic is a must. I do like the multifunction buttons and the programmable PF1 and PF2 buttons, but I also learned to work the IC-7000 with much more cryptic menus, navigation and small knobs. The radio fits my desk and packs a lot into a mid sized package. Well thought out menus and control placements. If you want to change the way the radio controls look and function try HRD. (Good job Simon HB9DRV!)
All in all this one is a keeper.
73 de AB3EN
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ZENKI
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Rating: 3/5
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Oct 18, 2008 23:18
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Needs Work
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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K3, is a radio that has its potential squandered by having too few knobs and a box size thats
too small to make it a realistic contest radio.
There are too many basic controls that are placed in menus and double/tripple functioning knobs that make the K3 a nuisance to operate. The K3 should have more knobs and buttons like the FT2000 that are properly layed out for convenience. Yeah i knew what i was buying yadda yadda yadda, i just expected too much i guess.
There are numerous user interface issues that even basic radios like a IC718 or TS480 have right that cant be fixed on the K3.
Having owned the K3 for just over 1 year now, i am dissatisfied at the slow progress in making the basic radio work to an acceptable standard.
The transmitter section of the K3 needs serious attention, and in its current form
does not work properly. The drive/ALC/power output problems have caused me no end of
frustration. Its just a nuisance having the power wonder all over the place. The K3s wattmeter doesnot reflect the reality that the LP100 shows and likewise the Powermaster on my amps output.
The fact that the SWR meter jumps around is another nuisance issue that leads to confusion that can be a distraction in the contest..
My K2 has no such problems, and neither do any of my other radios. The transmit design on SSB needs some serious work!
The speech processor is not very effective.
The noise blanker is totally ineffective.
The narrow roofing filters work well on CW, but on SSB they appear to be off center and its irritating listening to them. To me narrow filters should work like they do on a SDR receiver, i should not have to adjust the IF shift to make signals sound good. If you buying a K3 stick with the standard SSB and CW filter. The other filters are a waste of money.
While its nice having the worlds greatest receiver, it becomes frustrating and tiring using a radio that does not even have the very basics right. The K3 would have great potential in the future in a new form with a bigger panel and more front panel knobs, maybe this radio will be the K4.
After switching between many radios, i believe the K3 has a noisy receiver. It appears to make the band seem noisier than it really is compared to my analogue radios. Frankly the hiss and noisy sound combined with a noisy preamp
makes the K3 very fatiguing to listen too all day. This i find surprising since i always expected SDR type radio to be basically low noise?
I would be happy if Elecraft brought out a K3 Junior with a single receiver, built in power supply, 200 watts of output power, more knobs, bigger panel and basic things like memory channels and split operation done in the tradditional way. The K3 in its current form cant even operate in better manner than my old worn out IC751A which i prefer to use now
on a daily basis.
In Short the K3 is radio with great potential that been squandered by many design oversights and also the designers needs to make it a portable radio. I am selling mine to find something better.. I might come back and take another bite on the Elecraft Apple when they have something decent that works like any other Japanese radio.
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