Saturday, May 19, 2012

A wonderful surprise

A couple of weeks ago I received an email to inform me that a 5lb package was on its way to me by UPS from Elecraft. As I had not ordered a KX3 or indeed anything else from Elecraft recently I wondered if I was the winner of a competition I had forgotten about or whether it was just my lucky day. I accepted the explanation from Elecraft Sales that it was just finger trouble at their end - those drop-down auto-complete lists can sometimes be a bit too helpful - and thought no more about it.

This morning the postman knocked on the door and handed over a package that looked as if it weighed about 5 pounds...

KX3 S/N 110
Actually it was not a complete surprise as by then I had been let into the secret. A fellow Elecraft reflector subscriber, blog follower and someone with whom I have often corresponded about Elecraft and other matters (who wishes to remain anonymous) suggested to Elecraft that, in his words, "in appreciation for all of your constructive criticisms and suggestions over the years of how to improve Elecraft (and other) ham radio products that a fully accessorized KX-3 arriving on your doorstep would be a pleasant surprise." It was, you better believe it!

Wayne and Eric were in on the conspiracy, as was a friend of my benefactor who was passing through the UK on his way home from the US and carried the radio across the Atlantic in his hand luggage before consigning it to the Royal Mail for the final leg of its journey.

I can hardly find the words to describe how delighted I am at this wonderful surprise. As I have written before, I didn't want to even think about ordering a KX3 until orders were being fulfilled off-the-shelf because my health situation makes it impossible to plan very far ahead. My wish is to "beat the bugger" and survive as long as possible, but having a brain tumour is like having a time-bomb in your head with no idea what the fuse is set to.

A trio of Elecrafts
For the time being, Elecraft KX3 serial number 110 joins its two older siblings: K3 s/n 222 and K2 s/n 392 in my shack. But it will be a constant reminder and incentive to get fit and well enough for some QRPTTF operation. Thanks to everyone involved in sending me this wonderful little radio.

17 comments:

skids said...

I’m very pleased for you Julian & I’m sure you’ll get many years of enjoyment from this new radio.

Cheers
Chris G0BHX

Paul Stam PAØK said...

Wow! What can I say more?

Anonymous said...

I had an idea that was what was going on when I read your earlier blog post, and was hoping that was the reason for the e-mail.

Enjoy your KX3 Julian, and I'll be keen to read your opinions on it - particularly on the receiver.

Dave
AA7EE

Tim said...

I am so pleased! When I read your earlier e-mail I had hopes, but I had no idea!

Am now looking forward to hearing how you get on.

If any of the conspirators are reading this, WELL DONE!

Tim G4VXE

PE4BAS, Bas said...

Great Julian have fun with it. From what I did read this is a fine radio.
And it matches all the other Elecrafts in your shack.

73, Bas

VE9KK said...

Julian that is GREAT news!! Enjoy the rig and do give one of your reports on the rig and how it does as well.
Mike

Anonymous said...

Excellent Julian! I'll be looking forward to your impressions of it, particularly the SDR aspects...all in due time of course!

Randall Friesen said...

Wow, very sweet indeed.

Indeed, thank you Elecraft and you conspirators. Well done.

Casey Bahr said...

Nothing like a new radio to take your mind off things! We're all looking forward to hearing about operating latest Elecraft wonder! Vy 73 OM!

Blogmaster said...

Looking forward to working you out on the Hills with it Julian!!

Well done to the "conspirators" !!

Brendan, EI6IZ said...

Very pleased to hear about this nice surprise.
I hope you get lots of enjoyment from it and very much look forwards to hearing your views on it.

73
Brendan EI6IZ

hg said...

Julian, you deserve it :)

PU3HAG Huelbe

Patrick said...

I am also feeling very pleased.
That is a pleasant surprise indeed !
You really deserve this Julian.
May you enjoy this wonderful little radio for a long time. Well done to those into the conspiracy.

Patrick ON4CDJ

Anonymous said...

Hi Julian,

Like many of the other people who commented, I feel that you really deserve this gift.

Enjoy the radio!

Regards, Sivan

F4ILX said...

What a nice move from very smart people, now you have a very nice incentive to be on the air !!! Who said ham radio doesn't develop human relationships ... Enjoy it !!!

4z4rb said...

BE healthy and happy
enjoy this tribute and the spirit of ham radio
Baruch 4z4rb

N6KR said...

Julian,

I'm glad we were able to help arrange this little surprise for you. It's an honor to have you using a KX3.

As with the K3, I fully expect your comments about the KX3 will help us improve it. But above all, I'm picturing you out in the field, enjoying rays of both sun and RF.

73,
Wayne
N6KR