K3 Kit Wisdom

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Re: K3 Kit Wisdom

Gary W. Hvizdak
Sat May 3 19:24:08 EDT 2014

Hank K7HP writes ...

John -  One  other small step for K3 assemblers  that  I felt should be done
earlier is on page 58 of the K3 assembly manual  "KNB3 installation
procedure"

My note to myself was the standoff for the noise blanker should be done
BEFORE the KPA3 shield step or even earlier - it was a dog for me to get
that standoff mounted after the KPA3 shield was in place.

--- - - - ---

I thought so at first as well but after studying the situation, realized
that it had to be done in the order specified.  (I don't recall why.)

73,
Gary  KI4GGX
K3 #2724


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Re: K3 Kit Wisdom

Elecraft mailing list
I had to remove that standoff to get the shield out (and back in)
so I could cut a notch in the shield for the two meter antenna cable




________________________________
 From: Gary W. Hvizdak <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
Sent: Saturday, May 3, 2014 8:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom
 

Sat May 3 19:24:08 EDT 2014

Hank K7HP writes ...

John -  One  other small step for K3 assemblers  that  I felt should be done
earlier is on page 58 of the K3 assembly manual  "KNB3 installation
procedure"

My note to myself was the standoff for the noise blanker should be done
BEFORE the KPA3 shield step or even earlier - it was a dog for me to get
that standoff mounted after the KPA3 shield was in place.

--- - - - ---

I thought so at first as well but after studying the situation, realized
that it had to be done in the order specified.  (I don't recall why.)

73,
Gary  KI4GGX
K3 #2724


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Re: K3 Kit Wisdom

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by kk4oyj
John,

As for the advice about screwdrivers, yes, get yourself a quality, new
#1 phillips.  I like the ones from Ace Hardware with the blue handles
(Pro Series), and I like the 8 inch length, just because I learned to
use that length many, many years ago - pick whatever length you are
comfortable with,but do buy a quality screwdriver from a reputable
supplier - a bargain bin screwdriver tip is usually not cut with
adequate precision.  If you can see shiny spots on the corners of the
tip, it is not adequate for the task, it will slip and strip your
screwheads.  My method of judging a phillips tip driver is if it does
not hold a 3/16 inch phillips head screw when it is held horizontally,
it is time for that screwdriver to be replaced.

I take issue with the suggestion to use magnetic holders and the insert
bits.  I prefer not to have any magnetic tools at my electronics
workbench, they attract stray bits of cutoff component leads and other
things stick to the tools.  YMMV on that one - take your pick.  I use
several magnetic holders to great benefit in the woodworking shop, but
never at the electronics workbench.

As for anti-static, yes take measures - a wrist strap is a minimum, if
you have an anti-static mat at the workbench, work on that surface,
especially when handling unmounted boards.  Do NOT work on a completely
conducting surface such as a bare metal desktop or cookie sheet, or
aluminum foil or whatever - fully conductive surfaces can also create
static damage when they contact that fully conductive surface and are a
safety hazard if there are live power sources anywhere near.  Newspapers
misted with a spray of water in addition to the wrist strap can be more
effective than a fully conducting surface.  If you have no other
alternative, cut open one of the black anti-static bags that the boards
are packed in, connect it to a 1 megohm resistor with a clip lead, and
ground the far end of the 1 megohm resistor to the center screw on an AC
receptacle cover plate (your wrist strap can ground to the same place).

As has been said about the egg cartons, stay away from most plastic
containers for sorting because plastics and foam stuff attracts a static
charge.  If you need to sort the hardware into the various sizes, use
metal tins (Altoids tins?) or paper cups.  If you are adept at spotting
a screw size and length 'by eye', you can just dump all the hardware
into a large box and pick the right ones from there.  Those having long
term experience with woodworking measurements or metalworking will have
that ability.
Make such judgements based on what you know about your abilities.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/3/2014 3:51 PM, John, 9H5G wrote:
> Gentlemen,
>
> Thank you for a fantastic list of hints and tips so far!
>
> As Gary, KI4GGX, pointed out I should have mentioned the options that I have coming. It's a K3/100 with a KRX3 and a handful of filters. Simple but very effective, I'm sure.
>
>

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Re: K3 Kit Wisdom

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
There should be no need to cut any notch in the KPA3 shield for the 2
meter antenna cable if the K144XV instructions are followed.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/3/2014 8:20 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:
> I had to remove that standoff to get the shield out (and back in)
> so I could cut a notch in the shield for the two meter antenna cable
>
>
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Re: K3 Kit Wisdom

NK7Z
In reply to this post by Bill-3
Old Heathkit trick. :)
--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
for Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info


On Sat, 2014-05-03 at 14:15 -0400, Bill W2BLC wrote:

> Good point regarding the plastic foam egg cartons. I never even thought
> about them, as all I ever see are the old style paper ones. Must be from
> living in a cave!
>
> Bill K-Line
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Re: K3 Kit Wisdom

Elecraft mailing list
In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4
You are 100% correct

That is why you should not install modules after a very long week

Thank you




________________________________
 From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Saturday, May 3, 2014 8:35 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom
 

There should be no need to cut any notch in the KPA3 shield for the 2
meter antenna cable if the K144XV instructions are followed.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 5/3/2014 8:20 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:
> I had to remove that standoff to get the shield out (and back in)
> so I could cut a notch in the shield for the two meter antenna cable
>
>
______________________________________________________________
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Re: K3 Kit Wisdom

KM3K
In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4
To be on the safe side, wear only cotton clothing; no wool or synthetic
clothes.
Cotton will be least likely to pick-up any charges.
73 Jerry KM3K   KX3 #6088

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don
Wilhelm
Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2014 8:28 PM
To: John, 9H5G; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom

John,

As for the advice about screwdrivers, yes, get yourself a quality, new
#1 phillips.  I like the ones from Ace Hardware with the blue handles
(Pro Series), and I like the 8 inch length, just because I learned to
use that length many, many years ago - pick whatever length you are
comfortable with,but do buy a quality screwdriver from a reputable
supplier - a bargain bin screwdriver tip is usually not cut with
adequate precision.  If you can see shiny spots on the corners of the
tip, it is not adequate for the task, it will slip and strip your
screwheads.  My method of judging a phillips tip driver is if it does
not hold a 3/16 inch phillips head screw when it is held horizontally,
it is time for that screwdriver to be replaced.

I take issue with the suggestion to use magnetic holders and the insert
bits.  I prefer not to have any magnetic tools at my electronics
workbench, they attract stray bits of cutoff component leads and other
things stick to the tools.  YMMV on that one - take your pick.  I use
several magnetic holders to great benefit in the woodworking shop, but
never at the electronics workbench.

As for anti-static, yes take measures - a wrist strap is a minimum, if
you have an anti-static mat at the workbench, work on that surface,
especially when handling unmounted boards.  Do NOT work on a completely
conducting surface such as a bare metal desktop or cookie sheet, or
aluminum foil or whatever - fully conductive surfaces can also create
static damage when they contact that fully conductive surface and are a
safety hazard if there are live power sources anywhere near.  Newspapers
misted with a spray of water in addition to the wrist strap can be more
effective than a fully conducting surface.  If you have no other
alternative, cut open one of the black anti-static bags that the boards
are packed in, connect it to a 1 megohm resistor with a clip lead, and
ground the far end of the 1 megohm resistor to the center screw on an AC
receptacle cover plate (your wrist strap can ground to the same place).

As has been said about the egg cartons, stay away from most plastic
containers for sorting because plastics and foam stuff attracts a static
charge.  If you need to sort the hardware into the various sizes, use
metal tins (Altoids tins?) or paper cups.  If you are adept at spotting
a screw size and length 'by eye', you can just dump all the hardware
into a large box and pick the right ones from there.  Those having long
term experience with woodworking measurements or metalworking will have
that ability.
Make such judgements based on what you know about your abilities.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/3/2014 3:51 PM, John, 9H5G wrote:
> Gentlemen,
>
> Thank you for a fantastic list of hints and tips so far!
>
> As Gary, KI4GGX, pointed out I should have mentioned the options that I
have coming. It's a K3/100 with a KRX3 and a handful of filters. Simple but
very effective, I'm sure.
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Re: K3 Kit Wisdom

Fred Smith-2
IMHO there is only one "Perfect Way"........Don't buy a kit let Elecraft
build it, burn it in, do setup.

Then I open the box when I get it and in less than 5 min. I'm on the air. Oh
yes I've been studying the manuals both the build one and operating one
(downloaded printed in 3 ring binder with sheet protectors) like every piece
of gear I own.

I did build my K2 and KPA500 that is the reason I like Elecraft the option
to do so, some things I just want them to do they are very reasonable. The
big plus you have more time to operate instead of building.


73,
Fred/N0AZZ
K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 5210--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100
P3/SVGA--KAT500--W2
Amps Elecraft KPA500 HF/6m--Alpha's 9500 HF--87A HF--Mirage B-5030-G
300+w--(2) B-5016-G's 165w 2m




-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jerome
Sodus
Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2014 8:55 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom

To be on the safe side, wear only cotton clothing; no wool or synthetic
clothes.
Cotton will be least likely to pick-up any charges.
73 Jerry KM3K   KX3 #6088

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don
Wilhelm
Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2014 8:28 PM
To: John, 9H5G; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom

John,

As for the advice about screwdrivers, yes, get yourself a quality, new
#1 phillips.  I like the ones from Ace Hardware with the blue handles (Pro
Series), and I like the 8 inch length, just because I learned to use that
length many, many years ago - pick whatever length you are comfortable
with,but do buy a quality screwdriver from a reputable supplier - a bargain
bin screwdriver tip is usually not cut with adequate precision.  If you can
see shiny spots on the corners of the tip, it is not adequate for the task,
it will slip and strip your screwheads.  My method of judging a phillips tip
driver is if it does not hold a 3/16 inch phillips head screw when it is
held horizontally, it is time for that screwdriver to be replaced.

I take issue with the suggestion to use magnetic holders and the insert
bits.  I prefer not to have any magnetic tools at my electronics workbench,
they attract stray bits of cutoff component leads and other things stick to
the tools.  YMMV on that one - take your pick.  I use several magnetic
holders to great benefit in the woodworking shop, but never at the
electronics workbench.

As for anti-static, yes take measures - a wrist strap is a minimum, if you
have an anti-static mat at the workbench, work on that surface, especially
when handling unmounted boards.  Do NOT work on a completely conducting
surface such as a bare metal desktop or cookie sheet, or aluminum foil or
whatever - fully conductive surfaces can also create static damage when they
contact that fully conductive surface and are a safety hazard if there are
live power sources anywhere near.  Newspapers misted with a spray of water
in addition to the wrist strap can be more effective than a fully conducting
surface.  If you have no other alternative, cut open one of the black
anti-static bags that the boards are packed in, connect it to a 1 megohm
resistor with a clip lead, and ground the far end of the 1 megohm resistor
to the center screw on an AC receptacle cover plate (your wrist strap can
ground to the same place).

As has been said about the egg cartons, stay away from most plastic
containers for sorting because plastics and foam stuff attracts a static
charge.  If you need to sort the hardware into the various sizes, use metal
tins (Altoids tins?) or paper cups.  If you are adept at spotting a screw
size and length 'by eye', you can just dump all the hardware into a large
box and pick the right ones from there.  Those having long term experience
with woodworking measurements or metalworking will have that ability.
Make such judgements based on what you know about your abilities.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/3/2014 3:51 PM, John, 9H5G wrote:
> Gentlemen,
>
> Thank you for a fantastic list of hints and tips so far!
>
> As Gary, KI4GGX, pointed out I should have mentioned the options that
> I
have coming. It's a K3/100 with a KRX3 and a handful of filters. Simple but
very effective, I'm sure.
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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Re: K3 Kit Wisdom

Gary K9GS
In reply to this post by KM3K
Elecraft needs to develop a kit-building jumpsuit.  They could use
static dissipative cloth like we have for our smocks at work.

Maybe have Eric and Wayne's faces silk-screened on the back.

An added option would be a Batman-like utility belt that has a wrist
strap and the correct screwdrivers.


On 5/4/2014 8:55 AM, Jerome Sodus wrote:

> To be on the safe side, wear only cotton clothing; no wool or synthetic
> clothes.
> Cotton will be least likely to pick-up any charges.
> 73 Jerry KM3K   KX3 #6088
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don
> Wilhelm
> Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2014 8:28 PM
> To: John, 9H5G; [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom
>
> John,
>
> As for the advice about screwdrivers, yes, get yourself a quality, new
> #1 phillips.  I like the ones from Ace Hardware with the blue handles
> (Pro Series), and I like the 8 inch length, just because I learned to
> use that length many, many years ago - pick whatever length you are
> comfortable with,but do buy a quality screwdriver from a reputable
> supplier - a bargain bin screwdriver tip is usually not cut with
> adequate precision.  If you can see shiny spots on the corners of the
> tip, it is not adequate for the task, it will slip and strip your
> screwheads.  My method of judging a phillips tip driver is if it does
> not hold a 3/16 inch phillips head screw when it is held horizontally,
> it is time for that screwdriver to be replaced.
>
> I take issue with the suggestion to use magnetic holders and the insert
> bits.  I prefer not to have any magnetic tools at my electronics
> workbench, they attract stray bits of cutoff component leads and other
> things stick to the tools.  YMMV on that one - take your pick.  I use
> several magnetic holders to great benefit in the woodworking shop, but
> never at the electronics workbench.
>
> As for anti-static, yes take measures - a wrist strap is a minimum, if
> you have an anti-static mat at the workbench, work on that surface,
> especially when handling unmounted boards.  Do NOT work on a completely
> conducting surface such as a bare metal desktop or cookie sheet, or
> aluminum foil or whatever - fully conductive surfaces can also create
> static damage when they contact that fully conductive surface and are a
> safety hazard if there are live power sources anywhere near.  Newspapers
> misted with a spray of water in addition to the wrist strap can be more
> effective than a fully conducting surface.  If you have no other
> alternative, cut open one of the black anti-static bags that the boards
> are packed in, connect it to a 1 megohm resistor with a clip lead, and
> ground the far end of the 1 megohm resistor to the center screw on an AC
> receptacle cover plate (your wrist strap can ground to the same place).
>
> As has been said about the egg cartons, stay away from most plastic
> containers for sorting because plastics and foam stuff attracts a static
> charge.  If you need to sort the hardware into the various sizes, use
> metal tins (Altoids tins?) or paper cups.  If you are adept at spotting
> a screw size and length 'by eye', you can just dump all the hardware
> into a large box and pick the right ones from there.  Those having long
> term experience with woodworking measurements or metalworking will have
> that ability.
> Make such judgements based on what you know about your abilities.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 5/3/2014 3:51 PM, John, 9H5G wrote:
>> Gentlemen,
>>
>> Thank you for a fantastic list of hints and tips so far!
>>
>> As Gary, KI4GGX, pointed out I should have mentioned the options that I
> have coming. It's a K3/100 with a KRX3 and a handful of filters. Simple but
> very effective, I'm sure.
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

--


73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032   http://www.cwops.org

************************************************

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