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Reviews For: Elecraft Repair & Alignment by W3DVX

Category: Amateur Radio Equipment Repair

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Review Summary For : Elecraft Repair & Alignment by W3DVX
Reviews: 133MSRP: 95/hr. Const: contact for quote
Description:
Williamsport, PA. W3DVX since 1955; Amateur Extra since 1957. Built dozens of Heathkits and many K2s. Electrical Engineer (computer h/w & s/w).In addition to building new kits, will finish kits for you if you need help. Repair of legacy Elecraft K1, K2, and especially K3/K3S products. Reasonable rates and quick turn-around. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Product is in production
More Info: http://WilcoxEngineering.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
251335
9V1YC Rating: 2018-12-06
Excellent service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After 16 years and over 100K DXpedition QSOs I decided that it was time for a full re-alignment of my old K2. It was less sensitive compared to another, recently-built K2, the headphone jack was broken, and the filters were all out of alignment. But rather than tackle these problems myself I decided to send it to Alan on my next trip back to the US. I felt it needed an expert hand. Alan did an excellent job, and my K2 is now sounding as good as new. He took the time to call me and explain what he felt needed adjustment, ask about my preferrred filter bandwidths, and tell me all the options available. He even upgraded my MCU, IOC and KPA100 firmware with newer versions. Total turnaround time was exactly 1 week - door to door. If you have an Elecraft radio that needs a tune-up or repair then you can do no better than Alan.

- James 9V1YC / N1YC
KC5WA Rating: 2018-09-17
repair of my K2 Time Owned: N.A.
I sent Alan an Elecraft K2 that I messed up so bad I told him it was a box of two headed rattle snakes. Not only did Alan Repair my K2 but I got back a snake skin belt and a matched set of baby rattles. All Kidding aside Alan did a superb complete repair-alignment of my K2 but also built and installed KIO2 in the process in less then 10 days. Alan's rates are very reasonable and it a pleasure to do business with this fine tech. He knows his business. I would not hesitate to use Alan's services in the future.
73 WW5RC
N2SO Rating: 2018-07-13
Excellent Service Fast & Expert Repair Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Hi,
Several years ago I purchased a completed used K-2 from a local ham. It had just about all of the options that I could want except the ability to communicate with my PC. I purchased the RS-232 interface and started building the kit. I finished all the soldering work and made up the cable and all went well until it came time to "extract" the control board. The instructions told me to use the long handled allen wrench as a type of pry up tool as described in p.42 of the original construction manual. Although I struggled mightily the board wouldn't come out. At least not until I realized that the instructions failed to mention that you must first remove the two fastener screws on the left and the 2d fastener on the right. If I had put the K-2 together originally, I might have realized that error before ending up cutting the PC Board traces with the allen wrench. Of course the RS-232 Interface failed the 1st test and Elecraft confirmed that the cut traces were the probable cause. Although they suggested a way to repair the traces, this was really beyond my abilities and I sought out the help of Alan W3DVX who I knew specialized in rescuing builds. I am delighted to report that within 24 hours of receipt of my K2, Alan had it shipped back to me repaired, tested, completed and aligned all at a most reasonable price! What more could you want? It is my pleasure to recommend Alan wholeheartedly.
KA3EVT Rating: 2018-06-11
Excellent Experience - Again Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Alan provide excellent service and support. This is my second experience with his service and everything was as outstanding as the first. I highly recommend him.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by KA3EVT on 2018-05-27

Alan has great expertise. He is helpful with any questions and regularly sends updates on his progress. I highly recommend him to anyone for Elecraft repairs and kit building.
KM8L Rating: 2018-01-04
Highly Recommended! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Looks like this may be the 100th review. 100 reviews with a 5.0 average! I am happy to add my “5” as I received prompt service, excellent communication, and a radio that seems as good (or better) than it was 13 years ago. After many QSOs later, my K2 needed new finals, a new battery, upgrades, and alignment. All was done expertly at a resonable price. I highly recommend Alan Wilcox if you need any work done on an Elecraft transceiver!
N6DMB Rating: 2017-06-27
K2 Reset and Calibration Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After a long break from the hobby, I now have time to devote to amateur radio. While reaquainting myself with my Elecraft K2, I encountered a receiver issue which I could not resolve on my own. Alan did a great job for me on a build project (not this K2) a few years ago. So when my radio acted up, I was glad when he offered to check it out for me. Alan quickly had the radio working properly again, recalibrated and good to go in practically no time. Turnaround time was less than a week.

Thank you, Alan.



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Earlier 5-star review posted by N6DMB on 2010-01-05

Alan had recently done some work on my K2. That review is under my former call sign KI6ZOP. When I decided to go ahead with my next project, I did not hesitate to contact Alan.

The Elecraft K2/10 is arguably one of the best QRP radios on the market today. Occasionally it would be nice to have just a little more output power at home, you know, like a full featured K2/100. I just didn't want to give up the portability of my K2/10. The solution was to install the KPA100 and KAT100 together in a separate project enclosure. With a simple connection to my K2, I can now enjoy the best of both worlds.

Elecraft drop shipped the parts to Alan directly. As the assembly progressed, he would keep me up to date by email and even a digital photo or two. He discovered a defective transistor in the parts package and worked with Elecraft to have a replacement sent without any further attention on my part. Before long, the unit was ready for shipment. I am very happy with the results.

Because of my earlier review I know that I am repeating myself here, but I will say it again anyway. Alan Wilcox does a first class job while charging reasonable prices. He is a pleasure to work with and you will be delighted with the results.

Thanks again, Alan. I'll be in touch again when I have set aside enough for a new K3.
WB5BKL Rating: 2017-06-08
Excellent communication Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I picked up a new-to-me K2 and sent it to Alan for a tune-up. Alan suggested a few mods and updates - and I am glad that I took his advice. Lots of good communication during the process. Great rig and great, prompt service.
N6EZS Rating: 2017-05-19
Excellent in every way Time Owned: N.A.
Highly recommended. Alan lives up to his well-deserved reputation as the go-to guy for Elecraft servicing/assembling/upgrading. Communication, price and quality are all superior. If you've got an Elecraft issue, don't hesitate to contact him.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by N6EZS on 2012-07-17

Great job in every way. Alan tuned and upgraded my K2 (which I bought used on ebay) and now I have a perfect rig. Alan's easy to deal with, reliable, reasonable prices.
KL7TF Rating: 2016-11-22
Outstanding Service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I recently sent my Elecraft K2 S/N 2153 to Alan for a tuneup and to have the filters re-calibrated. I also had the AF Gain pot replaced per Alan's recommendation. The rig performs better than expected. Never thought the K2 could sound this good. Total turnaround time from Alaska was exactly 1 week! Prices are fair and the service is first rate.
KA1IS Rating: 2016-10-16
excellent K1 alignment and repair Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently bought a used K1 that had problems with the tuning range and resolution.

Alan repaired and aligned it with turnaround time of less than 10 days. The results were even better than expected. The K1 is now an awesome sounding receiver.

Highly recommended.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by KA1IS on 2015-07-07

Alan updated my very low serial number K2 with all current revisions, installed a serial IO board, replaced the battery, and did a complete alignment.

Great workmanship. Reasonable rates. Fast turnaround. Good communication throughout the process. Highly recommended.

Tom ZIcarelli, KA1IS