Other Features
The K3 has a whole bunch of configuration options that are too numerous to post here. I can cover a few more of the more significant options if there is interest. Suffice it to say, this is a rig that you can truly tailor to your operating preferences. There are other options available that I did not purchase, but may at a future date. These include a board that contains an additional RX antenna, IF out and transverter interface, a sub receiver that includes slots for 5 roofing filters, digital voice recorder, and a 10 watt, 2 meter module. If you purchase the additional sub receiver, you can configure the rig for diversity receive, which allows you to listen to a frequency with two different antennas, preferably with different polarity. There are very few rigs on the market that have this capability.
Final Summary
I'll sum up my review with brief comments on the following criteria: Performance, Functionality, Value, Support, and X-Factor.
Performance: Everything on this rig works as advertised. I have no ability or reason to doubt lab reports like those from Clifton Labs, but from a practical standpoint, performance is outstanding. I have never had a rig of this caliber before and I don't want to go back to something inferior. From the RX design, to NB, NR, DSP functions, TX, PC interface...everything is top shelf.
Functionality: I've already stated how nice it is to be able to customize just about everything. That alone makes this rig worth gold. The 8 band TX and RX EQ, Noise Gate, macro capability, complete control of the NB at both the IF and DSP, tons of memories, roofing filters, CW recorder, etc. offer top of the line functionality. There are a few things that I think could be improved, however. The memory functionality is OK, but it is a little different/weird compared to other rigs. Once you become familiar with the memory implementation, it's OK but it does take some getting used to. They try to make up for the lack of direct band change buttons by implementing the special memory 0-9 band switch, but it doesn't work as well as rigs that have the bands actually labeled on the numbered buttons. This is primarily because it is difficult to remember which bands you assigned to each button. I wish there was a band sweep function similar to my Icom 746 Pro. The P3 Panadapter is a far superior way to accomplish this, but a "poor mans" version would be nice. Lastly, the onscreen PSK31/CW/RTTY decoder just doesn't have enough screen real estate to be effective. The inclusion of a DB9 serial port instead of a more useful USB port is odd. Keep in mind that these points are my personal ideas for improvement and could even be considered nit-picking. As a whole, the functionality of the rig is outstanding
Value: A basic K3 with 100 watt PA, three roofing filters (to get you SSB, AM, and FM operation) and automatic tuner will run you about $2500. When you consider that you also get 8 band RX and TX EQ's, a noise gate, and the best receiver on the market, the price starts to look very competitive with other rigs. Other rigs that might be considered comparable are the Icom IC-7600 ($3800), the Yaesu FT-2000 ($2650), and the TenTec Omni VII ($2995). Keep in mind that all three of these rigs have slightly different included features that you need to compare for yourself. The constant improvements and upgrades that are available to owners free of charge ensure that your investment will last a long time.
Support: Initial experience with the Elecraft support team has been very positive. Emails to tech support are answered incredibly fast. Turn around for my build mistake was more than prompt. Elecraft fans rave about how good the support is and so far I have no reason to dispute that. Elecraft appears to listen to suggestions and respond as quickly as they are able. When I pointed out that there were many MARS frequencies that were blocked, even after the MARS mod was applied, Elecraft updated their utility within weeks to give us what we needed. Very cool.
X-Factor: This is where I rate things like "coolness" and "fun" factors. First, the ability to build the rig yourself, even if it is just a modular board kit makes "coolness" rate off the charts. I have not had this much fun with a piece of radio equipment in years. "Made in America" means something special to me, too. Knowing that I can expand the rig and add more features as budget and needs allow is worth something to me, too. I can't wait to add stuff like the second receiver and P3 panadapter.
Overall, I rate this rig as a real winner. While there are opportunities for improvement, I can't really find any glaring faults. I'm sure that some operators will favor the user interface of other rigs, but the capabilities and performance of this rig simply are best of class. I hope the features and capabilities continue to grow throughout the lifespan of the rig.
