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Adding options later for the K3

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Michael Germino

Adding options later for the K3

I am looking to get a K3 kit. Just the basic 10watt kit, the ATU and maybe a Filter.

I would assume that the hardest part, would be the original build. Is it? As time and cash becomes available, I will add to it. Is it all easy to add later, or is there some option, because of complexity, that I should install at the beginning?

It will be replacing a Kenwood TS-570, so don't need to start with a lot of options to see a big difference. I'm planing on using a Heil Goldline microphone, that I was using with the TS-570.

I just joined the list here, yesterday.

Mike
AD6AA

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Brett Howard

Re: Adding options later for the K3

Welcome to the list. Pleasure to have you here. There really isn't
anything that is too difficult to install after the fact. I'd say that
the hardest stuff to get into is the back panel area. So if you feel
the need for the KXV3A then you could get that out of the box but
honestly its not that big of a deal to add later. The KXV3A allows for
transverters to be connected, allows for an IF output for panadapters,
allows for a separate RX antenna input. and allows you to use the RX
output to pass things onto another radio for A/B testing and many other
things.

Anyway feel free to ask questions here. Do search the archives online
and do Goole searches for questions you have as you can find the answers
immediately that way often. If you're really in a rush (like while
you're building the radio) come in here and you'll find many of us will
jump at the opportunity to help make sure you succeed!

Again welcome to the Elecraft community. This is what makes Elecraft
Elecraft!

~Brett

On Tue, 2010-03-23 at 19:23 -0700, Michael Germino wrote:

> I am looking to get a K3 kit. Just the basic 10watt kit, the ATU and maybe a Filter.
>
> I would assume that the hardest part, would be the original build. Is it? As time and cash becomes available, I will add to it. Is it all easy to add later, or is there some option, because of complexity, that I should install at the beginning?
>
> It will be replacing a Kenwood TS-570, so don't need to start with a lot of options to see a big difference. I'm planing on using a Heil Goldline microphone, that I was using with the TS-570.
>
> I just joined the list here, yesterday.
>
> Mike
> AD6AA
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Don Cunningham

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by Michael Germino

Mike,
I have just finished my K3 kit, and learning how to use it, but I think the
options are very easy to put in at any time. They are well thought out, and
instructions are VERY clear whether all are added at the initial build, or
if they are added later. One question I would ask is have you been runing
the 570 at 10w or less?? I think if you are used to the 100w output, you
might want to seriously consider the 100w amp as you build the kit. I too
started to build the 10w version, as I have a very low drive Alpha
amplifier, but find I would have been disappointed had I not put in the 100w
amp in the initial build. I find myself satisfied with the barefoot rig in
a lot of my operations. However, I did not buy the ATU, since I am
restricted to my 160m wire, fed with ladder line and tuned with an external
tuner until I get my quad back up. Ice storms are not a quad's best friend,
hi. That helped me keep the cost down. I did add the KBPF3 as I enjoy
SWLing (I am listening to the Voice of Vietnam as I type this, hi). I find
the receiver to be OUTSTANDING, and the AM Sync mode to be very good for
shortwave listening. You WILL enjoy the build. Inventory before you
start, take frequent breaks, and read the manual that you can download
before the kit arrives if you can, Mike. It pays dividends in the end.
73,
Don, WB5HAK

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Chris W7CTH

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by Michael Germino

Welcome ! I have a Kenwood TS-830s that will be on the side lines after I order my K3 in July.

Chris W7CTH

________________________________
From: Michael Germino <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Tue, March 23, 2010 8:23:18 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Adding options later for the K3

I am looking to get a K3 kit. Just the basic 10watt kit, the ATU and maybe a Filter.

I would assume that the hardest part, would be the original build. Is it? As time and cash becomes available, I will add to it. Is it all easy to add later, or is there some option, because of complexity, that I should install at the beginning?

It will be replacing a Kenwood TS-570, so don't need to start with a lot of options to see a big difference. I'm planing on using a Heil Goldline microphone, that I was using with the TS-570.

I just joined the list here, yesterday.

Mike
AD6AA

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Fred Atchley

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by Michael Germino

Hi Mike. You might get things needed for building the K3 ahead of time, like
a static pad/wrist strap, and a 50 Ohm dummy load. Get a good Phillip's Head
screwdriver. I use a "Husky" 90044 #1. It has an 8" shank which helps reach
areas where my fat fist won't fit.

You'll need a signal source for calibration. If you're looking for an
inexpensive signal source I suggest the Elecraft 2T-gen kit. This is an easy
kit to build and it is perfect for use with the automated gain setup in the
K3 Utility program.

I use the Heil footswitch and HM-10 mike so your Goldline should work just
fine. Just set the Menu: Mic Sel to fPH (front panel, high) if you use the
mike jack on the front of the K3 or rPH if you use the rear PTT and MIC
jacks.

The K3 kit itself does not require any soldering and the options are a snap.
Just take your time and enjoy.

73, Fred, AE6IC, K3 2241

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Brett Howard

Re: Adding options later for the K3

2T Gen Kit? I think he'd be better served with an XG1 or XG2...
Granted its nice being able to do an gain calibration however its not
required.

~Brett

On Tue, 2010-03-23 at 23:36 -0700, Fred Atchley wrote:

> Hi Mike. You might get things needed for building the K3 ahead of time, like
> a static pad/wrist strap, and a 50 Ohm dummy load. Get a good Phillip's Head
> screwdriver. I use a "Husky" 90044 #1. It has an 8" shank which helps reach
> areas where my fat fist won't fit.
>
> You'll need a signal source for calibration. If you're looking for an
> inexpensive signal source I suggest the Elecraft 2T-gen kit. This is an easy
> kit to build and it is perfect for use with the automated gain setup in the
> K3 Utility program.
>
> I use the Heil footswitch and HM-10 mike so your Goldline should work just
> fine. Just set the Menu: Mic Sel to fPH (front panel, high) if you use the
> mike jack on the front of the K3 or rPH if you use the rear PTT and MIC
> jacks.
>
> The K3 kit itself does not require any soldering and the options are a snap.
> Just take your time and enjoy.
>
> 73, Fred, AE6IC, K3 2241
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Fred Atchley

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by Michael Germino

Oops. Mike I meant to say get an XG2 3-Band 1-uV/50 -uV Receiver Test Osc,
NOT the 2T-gen. The K3 has it's own built-in 2 tone test osc anyway. Thanks
Brett for bringing that to my attention. My mistake; its past my bedtime HI.

73, Fred, AE6IC, (es GN)

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John Lemay

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by Michael Germino

Mike

It's refreshing to hear from someone who is not considering buying the 100w
kit with almost every single option on day one !

Building the basic kit will give you a first class rig at a very competitive
price and will give you the confidence to go back inside and add options
when you need them. It might be wise to save up and buy and install more
than one option at a time, just to save repeatedly opening up the covers,
but that is all.

The basic kit you refer to comes with DSP IF filtering, and a 2.7K roofing
filter, so you needn't order any other filters, unless you're interested in
AM/FM, or you're a confirmed CW addict. Filters are one of the easiest
options to fit.

There's just a small snag with new options (such as the 2m module) - when
they're first released, there can be a backlog, and experience shows us that
release dates tend to move forward too !

Regards

John G4ZTR

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Michael Germino
Sent: 24 March 2010 02:23
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Adding options later for the K3

I am looking to get a K3 kit. Just the basic 10watt kit, the ATU and maybe
a Filter.

I would assume that the hardest part, would be the original build. Is it?
As time and cash becomes available, I will add to it. Is it all easy to add
later, or is there some option, because of complexity, that I should install
at the beginning?

It will be replacing a Kenwood TS-570, so don't need to start with a lot of
options to see a big difference. I'm planing on using a Heil Goldline
microphone, that I was using with the TS-570.

I just joined the list here, yesterday.

Mike
AD6AA

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Charles Tropp

Re: Adding options later for the K3

On 3/24/2010 4:36 AM, John Lemay wrote:

> Mike
>
> It's refreshing to hear from someone who is not considering buying the 100w
> kit with almost every single option on day one !
>
> Building the basic kit will give you a first class rig at a very competitive
> price and will give you the confidence to go back inside and add options
> when you need them. It might be wise to save up and buy and install more
> than one option at a time, just to save repeatedly opening up the covers,
> but that is all.
>
> The basic kit you refer to comes with DSP IF filtering, and a 2.7K roofing
> filter, so you needn't order any other filters, unless you're interested in
> AM/FM, or you're a confirmed CW addict. Filters are one of the easiest
> options to fit.
>
> There's just a small snag with new options (such as the 2m module) - when
> they're first released, there can be a backlog, and experience shows us that
> release dates tend to move forward too !
>
> Regards
>
> John G4ZTR
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Michael Germino
> Sent: 24 March 2010 02:23
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Adding options later for the K3
>
> I am looking to get a K3 kit. Just the basic 10watt kit, the ATU and maybe
> a Filter.
>
> I would assume that the hardest part, would be the original build. Is it?
> As time and cash becomes available, I will add to it. Is it all easy to add
> later, or is there some option, because of complexity, that I should install
> at the beginning?
>
> It will be replacing a Kenwood TS-570, so don't need to start with a lot of
> options to see a big difference. I'm planing on using a Heil Goldline
> microphone, that I was using with the TS-570.
>
> I just joined the list here, yesterday.
>
> Mike
> AD6AA
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature
> database 4969 (20100323) __________
>
> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>
> http://www.eset.com
>
>
>
>
> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature
> database 4969 (20100323) __________
>
> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>
> http://www.eset.com
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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>
>

Welcome to the list Mike! I too bought the stripped down K3 in Jan '09
with just the one CW filter. In July I added the ATU and in October the
100W option with an additional CW filter. Now I am making updated
modifications. All installations went according to plan and were easily
accomplished. Maybe later this year I will add the 2nd receiver. Make
sure you wear an anti-static strap and have some small screwdrivers and
needle nose pliers available. Take your time building the initial kit,
follow the instructions and enjoy the immense sense of accomplishment
when you throw the switch and see the K3 come alive!

73, Charles N2SO K3 Serial # 2502
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Mike Reublin

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by Michael Germino

Michael,

There's nothing I'd call difficult about building or re-building the K3.
Tedious maybe, but not difficult.
Building the kit will give you the understanding of how it goes
together, and thus how it comes apart. Download the build manual and
read it thoroughly before you order, it will give you a better look at
the task. The manual does not cover all the options, some come with
their own instructions.

You get 1 filter with the rig(2.7 5 pole). It won't work without it.

I found the back panel to be the most tedious. I'd really not like to
have to pull it to add something else. YMMV.

It's a blast!

73, Mike NF4L

Michael Germino wrote:

k5oai

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by Fred Atchley

Fred Atchley wrote:
> Oops. Mike I meant to say get an XG2 3-Band 1-uV/50 -uV Receiver Test Osc,
>
so, am I going to need to order this XG2 also,
so I can build the K3 I intend to order later today?
Just the K3 it's self is going to break the bank for me.
Will I have to wait until I am able to afford the XG2,
just to be able to finish the build and put it on the air?

--
GB & 73
K5OAI
Sam Morgan
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Bill W4ZV

Re: Adding options later for the K3

Sam Morgan-3 wrote

>
so, am I going to need to order this XG2 also,
so I can build the K3 I intend to order later today?
Just the K3 it's self is going to break the bank for me.
Will I have to wait until I am able to afford the XG2,
just to be able to finish the build and put it on the air?

It's not absolutely necessary but nice to have for accurate S-meter and RF gain calibrations. You can always use the default settings if you don't have a calibrated 50 uV source.

73, Bill

Geoffrey Downs-2

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by k5oai

No, Sam. An XG2 is not essential.

Take a look at page 6 of the Assembly Manual on the Elecraft website. It
lists "required" tools and test equipment and two items of "optional
equipment" :-
"1. RF Power Meter with accurate readout from 1 mW to 5 watts, minimum.

2. Signal generator with calibrated 50 uV output at 20 or 40 meters."

The XG2 would be optional item 2 and would be used to fine tune the rf gain
and S meter calibrations but you will be able to complete and operate your
K3 without it. I found the default settings to be pretty good.

Having said that I do have an XG2 and have found it to be a useful item of
test equipment.

73 to all

Geoff

G3UCK

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sam Morgan" <[hidden email]>
> Will I have to wait until I am able to afford the XG2,
> just to be able to finish the build and put it on the air?

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drewko

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by k5oai

No, you don't need the XG2. I operated my K3 for a year, no problem,
before getting one. Actually, I posted a WTB request here on the list
for the older, cheaper XG1.

It is nice to have a XG1/XG2, to calibrate your S-meter exactly and
check the minimum signal capability of your K3, but it's not necessary
by any means.

BTW, a magnetic screwdriver really speeds the build. Also, I din't
bother doing an inventory of all the screws and washers-- a waste of
time, in my opinion. I just dumped them all into a shallow pan and
picked them out as they were called for . Only make sure you can
differentiate between similar size screws if you go this route.

73,
Drew
AF2Z

On Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:28:13 -0500, K5OAI Sam Morgan wrote:

>Fred Atchley wrote:
>> Oops. Mike I meant to say get an XG2 3-Band 1-uV/50 -uV Receiver Test Osc,
>>
>so, am I going to need to order this XG2 also,
>so I can build the K3 I intend to order later today?
>Just the K3 it's self is going to break the bank for me.
>Will I have to wait until I am able to afford the XG2,
>just to be able to finish the build and put it on the air?

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John Ragle

...magnetic screwdriver...fat fingers...

drewko wrote:
> BTW, a magnetic screwdriver really speeds the build.
...or a "maggie button / maggie bottom" One of the more useful tools in
my tool drawer; excellent suggestion! ...just remember if using the
stainless screw kit...some stainless steels are either non- or
weakly-magnetic. I built a K2/100/SSB + ATU from scratch a couple of
years ago as therapy for peripheral neuropathy. Without the maggie
whatzit, it could have been exceedingly frustrating, even though the
panels all fit and the holes all match perfectly, which is more than one
can say of some kits.

John Ragle -- W1ZI
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K6LMP

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by Michael Germino

I bought a "bare" K3 kit in late December, and assembled it in seven hours on New Year's Day. I've had the back off since then to install the transverter/RXANT interface, which took about an hour in total, including reassembly. I'll have the back off again in a day or two to install the internal 2 meter transverter that is FINALLY being shipped this week. (WOO HOO!) Ordered in early January. Lisa in Sales is working weekends to beaver through the backlog on this component. Blessings upon her.

A couple of suggestions on assembly.
1. You do NOT need the signal generator. It provides small, maybe even minute, improvement in calibration. You don't need a frequency generator, because you can zero beat with WWV to calibrate the frequency readout.
2. Get a muffin tin from your kitchen and sort all the small screws and other parts into it. I think that will speed things up compared with just dumping all parts into a single bowl.
3. anti-static wrist strap and pad: essential unless you like to play Russian Roulette.
4. RadioShack sells a great little "electronics bit driver set" that has all sort of smaller-sized straight, Phillips, Torx, hex and square bits. the handle is big enough to allow you to generate enough torque to tighten screws down thoroughly. Catalog #16-071. At $16, a very useful and valuable tool. Best screwdriver I've ever seen for this sort of work.
5. Read the assembly manual all the way through before you pick up your screwdriver.
6. Read it again.
7. As you go through the assembly process, read each instruction twice before you do it.

I wasted almost an hour in my assembly by not reading the manual with enough care. Hence, suggestions 5-7. There are several steps in assembly where you think you've "got it," but 'way down at the bottom of the page is a key piece of information that makes you think differently about the step you're about to take.

You'll be amazed at the precision with which this kit is constructed. Every part and screw hole lines up exactly. Instructions are very clear. Best kit I have ever built, even though I love the smell of rosin in the morning, and did miss being able to do some soldering for this kit.

I can't speak to the issue of sequential assembly, because I'm at the start of that road, not the finish line. THe one time I'e gone into the rig, it was not difficult. There are some components that you have to de-install in order to install other components, but instructions are very clear.

Don't be in too big a rush to get the 100 watt amplifier. QRP can be fun (as I am learning for the first time). Working JA, Europe, New Zealand, on 12 watts SSB is a real kick.

I would hold off buying any additional filters unless you mostly work CW, in which case one of the narrow CW filters would be desirable, or if you intend to work FM on 10 and 6 meters, in which case you MUST install the 13K filter. You can always add filters later, as funds free up, and it's an easy job.

Lew K6LMP

On Mar 23, 2010, at 7:23 PM, Michael Germino wrote:

Fred Atchley

Re: Adding options later for the K3

In reply to this post by Michael Germino

Sam wrote:

Will I have to wait until I am able to afford the XG2, just to be able to
finish the build and put it on the air?

No, it is not a necessity Sam, as others have stated, it is optional. The
minimal test arrangement required is an antenna for zero-beating the
reference osc with WWV, and a small dummy load for low power TX gain
calibration. See pp. 49/50 of the Owner's Manual.

Even a caveman can to it

73, Fred, (caveman 3rd class)

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