K3 STATUS -- a note from the lab

[wayne burdick]

Since the K3's PCB modules are pre-assembled, we have to 100% test
them, whether they're destined for a kit or for a fully-assembled unit.
I thought I'd give you some flavor of what goes into this.

For the K3 RF Board, we use a computer-controlled signal generator and
spectrum analyzer, along with the K3's built-in true-RMS audio
voltmeter, to do MDS tests on each band (receive mode). While the
process is partially automated, each unit's band-pass filters, first
I.F. trap, and mixer balance must be carefully aligned by hand. We also
sweep each band for return loss from the antenna through the T-R
switch. During this test, some low-pass filter toroid windings must be
hand-adjusted. In transmit mode, each band is checked for drive range,
max power output, key-down current drain, spectral purity, etc.

Performance tests of this kind are also done on all other modules
(there are over a dozen in even a basic K3). The results are highly
repeatable, ensuring that both kit and factory-assembled K3s work
equally well.

However, this turns out to be very time-consuming, so reducing test
time through automation is one of our major ongoing efforts. I'm now
pitching in to help our manufacturing-engineering team (Brian, W6FVI
and Rene, WR6MTR) by adding test firmware to the K3 itself. K3 owners
will benefit from this effort in another way, since some tests are
added to the K3's POST routine (power-up self-test), and all of the
added remote control commands can be used to advantage in third-party
software applications.

That's the news from the lab. Back to work....

73,
Wayne
N6KR

---

http://www.elecraft.com

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[N5GE]

On Fri, 2 Nov 2007 11:56:32 -0700, you wrote:

Below...

>Since the K3's PCB modules are pre-assembled, we have to 100% test
>them, whether they're destined for a kit or for a fully-assembled unit.
>I thought I'd give you some flavor of what goes into this.
>
>For the K3 RF Board, we use a computer-controlled signal generator and
>spectrum analyzer, along with the K3's built-in true-RMS audio
>voltmeter, to do MDS tests on each band (receive mode). While the
>process is partially automated, each unit's band-pass filters, first
>I.F. trap, and mixer balance must be carefully aligned by hand. We also
>sweep each band for return loss from the antenna through the T-R
>switch. During this test, some low-pass filter toroid windings must be
>hand-adjusted. In transmit mode, each band is checked for drive range,
>max power output, key-down current drain, spectral purity, etc.
>
>Performance tests of this kind are also done on all other modules
>(there are over a dozen in even a basic K3). The results are highly
>repeatable, ensuring that both kit and factory-assembled K3s work
>equally well.
>
>However, this turns out to be very time-consuming, so reducing test
>time through automation is one of our major ongoing efforts. I'm now
>pitching in to help our manufacturing-engineering team (Brian, W6FVI
>and Rene, WR6MTR) by adding test firmware to the K3 itself. K3 owners
>will benefit from this effort in another way, since some tests are
>added to the K3's POST routine (power-up self-test), and all of the
>added remote control commands can be used to advantage in third-party
>software applications.
>
>That's the news from the lab. Back to work....
>
>73,
>Wayne
>N6KR
>
>---
>
>http://www.elecraft.com
>
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
>
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Wayne,

I have a K3 ordered from batch three.  Please don't take any short-cuts for me.
I have four other HF rigs here and can wait for what I believe will be a very
good piece of equipment.  I agree that you should, for your sake, work on
speeding the test and assembly and process, but not at the expense of quality.
I look forward to making a side by side comparison with my Orion II, which has
so much RX hiss (no antenna attached) that it won't work with the XV144. Turning
the AGC off really doesn't kill the AGC, which makes adjusting the RF amp in the
XV144 impossible.  I now use my FT-1000MP MK V with the XV144.

I am also especially interested in the possibility of using my Kenwood SM230
Band scope with the K3's IF output.

Keep up the good work!
 
Tom, N5GE

http://www.n5ge.com
http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE

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