As a group, you have a decision to make.? But first, a little background.
In order to make our antenna switching automatic and fool-proof I felt we had to take it off the manual ADR2200 relay where you have to switch to the correct antenna. If the correct antenna is not selected our $6,000 KPA1500 will suffer damage from the extreme SWR.? It was a choice of spending? almost $200 on a band select switch or $6,000 on an amp.? EASY CHOICE.
I have been happy with our Elecraft K3S/KPA1500 combination and Elecraft had the KRC-2 kit.? I bought one.
George, W3AB, did a professional job building the kit for us at no charge.
I put the KRC-2 on line, but it was not stable.? When we switched to the 80 meter antenna the unit often went to 20 meters.
In troubleshooting the KRC it was obvious it worked on all bands except 160-40.? Those bands were controlled by IC-4.
I called Elecraft, explaining the problem, and since it was only a couple of weeks old, ,it would be a warranty repair.? Wrong
Read this email I sent to Eric
Eric at I got another call from Vic informing me that my KRC-2 has been repaired.
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At first he agreed with my theory that U-4 had failed.
Then he emailed stating that one of the lines was being held high and more research was needed.
Then, the first time he called this morning, he said he was going to have to bring someone in to help.
He just called again saying my KRC-2 was repaired and the problem was he had plugged the processor in upside-down.
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I thanked he for his hard work and asked what is next. He said they will write up the invoice. I asked what the charge is and he said ¡°two hours¡$200¡± I said I was told it would be a warranty repair. He responded ¡°Eric says no on KRC-2 repairs¡±
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Eric, $200 is more than I paid for the device and it is not my fault the processor was plugged in upside-down.
While I truly love the Elecraft station I have and promote Elecraft often and via my homepage.
I ?am very unhappy with your decision relative to a warranty repair.? The kit was professionally built by George, W3AB, whom you know.
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Here is the message I got from Elecraft an hour ago:
Hello Keith,
I have confirmed with Eric.
He has agreed to reduce the labor charge to the minimum charge - 1 hour.
He also indicates not a warranty repair.
I have your paperwork here and will generate an invoice?for you.? It will show $125.00 plus return shipping to you in New Mexico.
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Regards,
Madelyn Gomez
Elecraft Sales
I MENTIONED TO YOU THAT AS A GROUP YOU HAVE?DECISIONS? TO MAKE
I don't think we should gamble with a manual relay to control antenna.
Do we pay Elecraft the $125 or do we by a competitors unit for $200.
YOU DECDE ON WHICH WAY TO GO AND HOWWE ARE GOING TO PAYTO MSKE.
IN THEMEANTIME, I have taken 80 meters off line to prevent the problem.
Which unit do we buy
and which of you is going to help pay for it.
The remote is back on line without 80 meters
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