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Reviews For: Elecraft K3

Category: Transceivers: HF Amateur HF+6M+VHF+UHF models - non QRP <5W

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Review Summary For : Elecraft K3
Reviews: 226MSRP: 1,399
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
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.elecraft.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
002264.8
YC0LOW Rating: 2011-07-11
K3 happy user Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
My K3 does it all, and does it well on 160m CW. The only band I work.

Jo, YC0LOW
K3BU Rating: 2011-05-11
reality Time Owned: more than 12 months.
1. K3 seems to be the best architecture using today's available technology - hardware - software - computer control. If computer quits, the radio still works stand alone.
2. Specs and performance wise it is right there at the top with $5000 plus rigs, based on ARRL lab and NC0B tests and measurements.
3. Modular design and kit form allowing one to start with minimum configuration and grow as money and expertise allow and require. Cost per performance is better than rest.
4. Elecraft managed to squeeze super performance into a small package, you can carry-on with you. Design and layout of controls might be too small for fat fingers, but one can use computer to control the rig and just use the big VFO knob if needed, but functions assigned to controls are well chosen and reprogrammable if needed.
5. When fully "souped up" with filters, two receivers, it offers top notch performance, diversity receive, 100% duty cycle for demanding DXer and contester.
6. Adding LP-PAN and SDR software adds the third super quiet receiver, pan adapter and host of features.
7. Architecture allows software updates of various modules allowing constant improvements making it GREAT LONG TERM VALUE.
8. Designed and company owned by hams who LISTEN to their customers and are the best at implementing the changes and bug fixes.
9. Service and support is excellent. Technician can walk you through steps to identify or remedy the problem, in most cases replacement module is shipped and factory service if needed is better than competition.
10. K3 is quickly becoming preferred choice of DXers and contesters. It is my preferred rig after the lineage of modified Drake B-line, TS930, IC781, Orion.

DXing and contesting for 63 years with bunch of world records.
I do not own stock in Elecraft, but I am glad that they did read my
http://www.k3bu.us/Orion.htm
review and implemented some ideas in K3 design.
Love it
W2XS Rating: 2011-05-06
Still Happy Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased my K3 several years ago. Options that I got at that time included the 200 Hz, 500 Hz, 2.7 kHz, AM and FM filters, the antenna tuner, and the general-coverage receiver module. A few months later I added the KXV3 for an external receive antenna input. A year later I added the second receiver with just the standard 2.7 kHz filter. Recently, I added the P3 spectrum display.

I have installed more than 50 firmware upgrades using the KUSB with no issues, and have also performed all of the published h/w modifications.

I generally use ladder-line-fed antennas for 160m to 6m using an external balun. The fact that the antenna tuner remembers its settings from band segment to band segment is a real convenience and makes band changes quick and easy. A two-button press gets me from one band to another and I am immediately all tuned up and ready to transmit into a matched antenna.

The APF has helped me work some very weak stations. The received audio sounds great through a pair of decent speakers or headphones. I am mostly a CW operator but have received very good transmitted audio reports with both the W2ENY and Audio-Comm mike/headset combinations. The synchronous AM detector is wonderful for SWLing. The QSK is fast and smooth. Using the sub-receiver for split operation makes working DX fun and much easier than the “old-fashioned” way of just switching between VFO A and VFO B. I listen to the DX station in the left ear with a narrow bandwidth and at the same time use a wider bandwidth in the right ear to find the station he is talking to and then transmit there.

Many features that I take for granted now were not there when I first received the rig. That is not to say that the rig did not work amazingly well right from the beginning. The first time that the 200 Hz roofing filter kicked in was jaw-dropping as all the close-in, hi-power QRM disappeared. The NR, NB, AFX and AGC parameters are each adjustable. This may have been a source of intimidation for some but the default settings are a good place to start. I have optimized my settings thanks in part to postings on the very active reflector.

I have had some quality Kenwood, Ten Tec and other gear in my ham lifetime. The K3 contains a huge set of high-performance features inside a compact package. I really enjoy using this rig. Any issues at the beginning were fixed over time with updates. I look forward to adding new updates in the future.

73.

John W2XS
K2UE Rating: 2011-05-01
High praise Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I retired in December, 2010 after 45 years as an RF Engineer, with considerable commercial and military SSB transceiver design experience. I had an unfavorable experience with an IC-7600 which replaced an IC-746 and encountered severe RFI from by end-fed antenna on the other side of the shack outside wall. The K3, like the IC-746 before it was happy in the strong field.
GOLDTR8 Rating: 2011-04-28
6 Months Owned First Review Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
The K3 for me was a major purchase for me and it took a lot of time to make my decision and I am extriemly happy that I made the choice that I did.

It was easy to build and its easy to use!

Connection to a PC was a piece of cake and with all the connections for line in and out getting software to run digital modes was very easy to set up and allow the pc to control the radio.

Then you start to get into the good parts of the radio. The ability to set filters and use your RF gain to adjust the input really shows off the great ears that this radio has and ability to reject noise. It really has started to show its stuff with all the static crashes as I can crank down the RF gain and then put on the attnuator and really use the S/N capability of the radio to hear signals.

It also has great adjustability for your TX settings. I can set it for a lot of punch and have been making great state side and dx contacts breakinig thru pileups with only 100w.

This radio also makes me wish elecraft made a remote control panel so I could put one in my jeep as my mobile rig seems like its deaf in comparison to this rig. And yes I have had them both connected to the same antenna to make the comparision.

The other great part of this rig is the ability to add options to it. Unlike the other rigs on the market. My pocket book was limited and I was able to get the K3 with less features and when I add options going forward I will have a rig with more capability than the origional rig I wanted to buy and for less money.

When using a rig with this type of capability you really start to enjoy it more as you learn more of the little things that you can set to make listening more enjoyable or make digital modes easy.

Would I recommend this rig, yes I would, it has ears, it gets out a clean signal, is easy to update, build and simple to use.

KD8NNU
VE3NJG Rating: 2011-04-28
Not a great long term value Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have had the pleasure to test driving a K3 for several weeks. The software is very well written, but not for the average user. It is probably the best experiment in the market today though. It sure woke up many other manufacturers. Perhaps a lot of it is out sourced anyway as well. Who knows ?
All the previous user objections can be easily adjusted to make it your radio just the way you like it if you learn and use the full options in the software.. The unit I used had 2 extra filters, the second receiver, tuner, 100 watts etc. It had more than enough hardware options. Much of the fit and finish were just plain built on the cheap to save production costs.I understand this, but there is still no excuse in the big leagues. If the rig cost a $1000.00 less I could live with it and love it. I understand the high cost of great customer service and the other high costs required for a tiny manufacturer to absorb, but the facts are the facts. The K3 in concept is a wonderful radio for any advanced user. If you have a problem using complicated menus then stay away from it. The little things like the screws and the power cord etc. are built very cheap. It has been a very well marketed rig, but it relies far too much on the U.S.A. hams pride that see it with rose coloured glasses. It in my view it is a great concept radio with only some minor design short comings , but, but,but, It is simply not worth it's final cost period. Once all the really needed extras are added when put up against the other global competition it falls flat in value pricing. If that does not matter to you then go buy one as long as you realize this thing is an engineers design for other similar hams and not about great value. The manual needs to be reworked in several areas for many users. The parametric EQ's are just so so. The speech processing is just ok compared to others now in the market. On the other hand it is very light weight and small deluxe DX machine with a lot of hype behind it.
Shop the market first before you buy one based solely on peer pressure alone. It is a very fun radio that I believe has pretty much peaked out in the market. Elecraft have proved many things with the K3, but the big boys stood right up and noticed this time unlike the K2 launch. Thank you elecraft for that If you like to take risks this one is for you folks. I hope the company is turning a profit these days. Long term fantastic Customer support requires deep deep pockets. The next year will be very important and telling with the new QRO addition.
If you want a better bang for your current dollar though, look elsewhere. The red white and blue only can go so far for them.
WB4OOA Rating: 2011-04-05
Cutting Edge Technology Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After owning K3 #604 for three years it is time for another review. The K3 is an Electronic Technologist Dream Rig.

The physical features built into the K3 (some to be enabled in FW) are really amazing.

Having test equipment built in to the K3 enables Hams without test equipment to effectively troubleshoot their K3.

The “K-Line” equipment is just the right size. Not too small and not too big. It gives me the feeling I had when the Collins S-Line was designed. I remember thinking “How small this KWM-2A is”. Now I am thinking “How small this K-Line is”.

The K3 RX Dynamic Range is impressive. The noise control is great. The VOX is the best ever designed. The built in 8 band RX and TX EQ is welcome.

Front and rear microphone/headphone jacks are so functional. Best audio quality DVR in the industry.

Special modes such as ESSB; Audio Effects; RTTY; CW; PSK31; and FSK all built in.

The no wires and soldering kit build is Unique and such a pleasure to build and provides “EASY” repairs & Modifications when needed.

Simple to install Firm Ware Updates are exciting and keep my K3 new and enjoyable to use. I don’t have any technical reasons to try another rig.

The all Aluminum chassis and front panel construction is rugged and functional.

Is there anything I do not like? I guess it would be the Rubberized push buttons and switches. They are working well and don’t even show signs of wear which is a tribute to the quality of the material. There is even a test procedure built into the K3 which allows you to test all the buttons in real time for problems. Amazing!

The Elecraft support and service has been second to none. And in my opinion is the best in the business by far. The K3 takes some getting used to but is worth the effort.

Now I can’t wait to get my KPA500 amplifier and KAT500 auto tuner. The K3 may not be for everybody but it sure has been the best radio I have ever experienced. It has made Ham Radio FUN again.
KJ1D Rating: 2011-03-28
Great Radio Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Well.....I have had the K3 now for a few weeks. Let me say first that this radio takes some time getting used to it. As others have said...it is not what I would call a plug and play radio.
I used it during the contest this weekend and it really showed what it could do on a VERY crowded band. It ran circles around my FT-950. I am using it with a P3 Panadapter and the combination is outstanding. I have only begun to scratch the surface of what this radio can do.

KU5Q Rating: 2011-03-26
Followup...over a year.. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
....s/n's 3974-config stays stable, I use this one everyday, 2558-config subject to change and has during the year trying different component-options/modules. Both have internal ATU's, 200/400/1k/2.7k/6k, 100wPA, KXV3A in both. Won't parrot too much, but definitely do take some time, read owners manual and get familiar with with the robust functionality. Hopefully you know the rudiments of HF XCVR design (no problem here 30 plus years in aviation electronics and systems integration, certification & design), download this; http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K3_Schematics_Jan_2010.pdf, and study it. Know and appreciate the intimate details as best you can from this information. Short of overt, slobbering, bloviation, know that for it's size, weight, and power consumption, the K3 is a model of latent sophistication and functionality. It is beyond the scope of a single review to cover it all, especially if you operate CW. For almost a year, both units have been used for CW only. Spend some time understanding how use the K3 AGC, how it really works, and how to tweak it. Same with the NR & NB (if u need it). Really like having straight key and paddle plugged in at same time and switching between both. The filter width/shift, keyer speed, mon lvl setup there right in front is really handy, as is the dual function of each button. XCVRS it has replaced; IC7700(what a waste), PROIII, Orion II(very good but too big), and when a K144XV-K is installed in one, the IC910H. Only used a mic in each one once to make sure things worked and got back good reports with transmit eq flat and MH2mic. For what I do, these will be more than, and all I need indefinitely.
WA6LIE Rating: 2011-03-13
Great Company and Radio Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned my K3 for almost 3 years now. #1993
Back when I was looking for a new radio, I was tossing around ideas of a high end radio.
All the others seemed bulky and big.
I wanted a radio that would run off 12 volts and consume low current for Field Day and emergency use. After the '89 Loma Prieta earthquake, I made a vow to have all 12 volt radios! I also wanted to but American, but think the Ten-Tech's are very ugly radios, but it is what is inside that counts. They are great receivers and sound pretty good too! Considered a Flex radio, but wanted knobs to spin and buttons to push.
I really wanted to keep my hard earned money in the USA, and locally, as the K3 was built in my back yard with the taxes benefiting our local economy.
When I got home with my new K3 and out of the box, I was amazed how light it was! It seemed lighter than my FT-857D. I had to shake it to see if there was anything in it.. HI
After hooking it up I noticed how big it sounded.
I also noticed how light it was too, because if you push a button too hard, the radio moves back. My only complaint.

The K3 is a superb radio in all aspects.
It just does everything very well, like my 2004 M3.
Has a great feel to it and really love the weighted VFO knob. It feels and sounds like an old tube rig.
Great audio quality and filters, DSP etc. If you can't hear the DX on the K3, you won't hear it.
I also wanted to use the radio remotely, which it does easily and sounds GREAT! All you need to do is take your DB9 serial cable and plug into the K3.
Connect your computer sound card in/out to the K3's line in/out. Run your control software and that is it! Very EASY to interface!

If you want to hear the K3 or kick the tires, you can find it on the internet. Go to www.remotehams.com and scroll down to Elecraft K3. My radio is online 24/7 but may not be accessible if I am using.

In all, the K3 is the radio for me and dealing with the people at Elecraft is a pleasure. The customer service and response to technical questions is EXCELLENT! I wish more companies did business like Elecraft does!

My hat is off to you folks at Elecraft and thanks for all the great products you make, with the customer in mind!

73, Scott
WA6LIE Salinas, Ca.