Elecraft

K3 Shipping Box

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James Setzler

K3 Shipping Box

Greetings,

I bought my K3 as a kit and, for some reason, the finished product doesn't
fit back into the box it came in!

Is there a Factory Approved Box available that I can get to insure the K3 is
packaged properly for shipping?

73 James K1SD

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Ron Manfredi

Re: K3 Shipping Box

Following along with James' question, should the K3 be double boxed for
shipment back to Elecraft for the "migration?"

On 2/18/2017 7:12 PM, James Setzler wrote:

> Greetings,
>
>
>
> I bought my K3 as a kit and, for some reason, the finished product doesn't
> fit back into the box it came in!
>
>
>
> Is there a Factory Approved Box available that I can get to insure the K3 is
> packaged properly for shipping?
>
>
>
> 73 James K1SD
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

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Don Wilhelm

Re: K3 Shipping Box

In reply to this post by James Setzler

Jim,

I don't know if you can get the box and spacers that Elecraft uses - you
can give them a call and ask. They use a box and dense foam supports
which fit the K3. After your K3's first trip to Elecraft, you will have
a box like that when it returns.

I ship a lot of radios (K1, KX1, K2 and XV series transverters), so I
have come to know what packing methods will work well and protect your K3.

The requirement for safe shipping (by all carriers I know of) is that
you have 2 inches of protection space on all sides between the radio and
the box.
The very most important aspect is that the radio cannot move in the box
if the box is subjected to a sudden stop at the end of a sorting ramp.

The K2 will meet those requirements by using a 16x16x8 box. Wrap the K3
in bubblewrap (using only a minimum amount of tape, it does not have to
be wrapped as a mummy), then put almost 2 inches of packing peanuts in
the bottom of the box. put the K2 in and fill the rest of the box with
packing peanuts. The bubblewrap is to keep the packing peanuts from
sticking to the K3.

If you do not have packing peanuts, put layers of bubblewrap to 2 inches
thick under the K3 and use crumpled newspaper to fill the rest of the
box. If you use crumpled newspaper, make sure there is enough tightly
packed at each of the K3 corners so the K3 cannot move in the box.

With an object as heavy as the K3, do not use the large air bags. While
they fill a lot of space, when pressure is applied, they can burst
leaving little protection.

You can always take your K3 to a shipping depot and they will package it
for you. But they will usually wrap the radio "like a mummy" with lots
of tape holding the bubblewrap - that gives the technician unwrapping it
fits to get all the wrapping off.
But the shipping depots are responsible for the safe packing of whatever
you are shipping. Yes, they charge for that service.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/18/2017 7:12 PM, James Setzler wrote:

Don Wilhelm

Re: K3 Shipping Box

In reply to this post by Ron Manfredi

Ron,

With proper packing as I indicated in my post a few minutes ago, there
is not real need for double boxing. The important thing is that the
radio is not able to move in the box if subjected to an impact.

Rarely do I receive a damaged radio, and in all cases of damage
(normally minor), the radio moved within the box. Only rarely do I find
a damaged box, and usually that is normal "wear and tear" from handling.

I have most experience with USPS and UPS although sometimes FedEX.
Those carriers are good with packages, and as I said, only rarely do I
find damage, and in all cases that was caused by movement of the radio
in the box.

I have been shipping and receiving the Elecraft legacy gear since 2004,
and have never had a claim that was worth pursuing. It is easier to
just replace the BNC connector that contacted the packing box than to go
through the process of placing a claim.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/18/2017 7:31 PM, Ron Manfredi wrote:

> Following along with James' question, should the K3 be double boxed for
> shipment back to Elecraft for the "migration?"
>
>
>
> On 2/18/2017 7:12 PM, James Setzler wrote:
>> Greetings,
>>
>>
>> I bought my K3 as a kit and, for some reason, the finished product
>> doesn't
>> fit back into the box it came in!
>>
>>
>> Is there a Factory Approved Box available that I can get to insure the
>> K3 is
>> packaged properly for shipping?
>>
>>
>> 73 James K1SD
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Ken G Kopp

Re: K3 Shipping Box

In reply to this post by James Setzler

James,

I expect Elecraft could sell / send you the proper box for your K3. The
cost to mail an (assembled) empty carton shouldn't be too high, and sent
via Priority Mail can be anywhere in the US within 2 - 3 days. This is
Rose's experience with her cases and covers business.

73!

Ken - K0PP

On Feb 18, 2017 5:12 PM, "James Setzler" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Greetings,
>
>
>
> I bought my K3 as a kit and, for some reason, the finished product doesn't
> fit back into the box it came in!
>
>
>
> Is there a Factory Approved Box available that I can get to insure the K3
> is
> packaged properly for shipping?
>
>
>
> 73 James K1SD
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

bhemmis

Re: K3 Shipping Box

Hi James, It might be simpler if you are not comfortable packing & shipping gear to let the UPS or FedEx store pack and ship the radio. If they pack it “in house” and there is any damage in shipping they will cover it 100% for whatever you claim its value to be. I normally pack myself but a couple years ago I sold an Alpha amp to a man half way across the country and let them pack it in 2 boxes as I didn’t have the original boxes. I’m guessing Elecraft will ship the radio back in a proper K3 factory box.
73, Brian K3USC

> On Feb 18, 2017, at 8:00 PM, Ken G Kopp <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> James,
>
> I expect Elecraft could sell / send you the proper box for your K3. The
> cost to mail an (assembled) empty carton shouldn't be too high, and sent
> via Priority Mail can be anywhere in the US within 2 - 3 days. This is
> Rose's experience with her cases and covers business.
>
> 73!
>
> Ken - K0PP
>
>
>
> On Feb 18, 2017 5:12 PM, "James Setzler" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Greetings,
>>
>>
>>
>> I bought my K3 as a kit and, for some reason, the finished product doesn't
>> fit back into the box it came in!
>>
>>
>>
>> Is there a Factory Approved Box available that I can get to insure the K3
>> is
>> packaged properly for shipping?
>>
>>
>>
>> 73 James K1SD
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

W1GO (Joe)

Re: K3 Shipping Box

In reply to this post by James Setzler

James

I had to send my KPA500 (including transformer) back to Elecraft from NY. My KPA500 was a kit so, like you, I had to figure out the best packaging. The KPA500 is much heavier than the K3s, so if you package as has been recommended (i.e. 2 inches peanuts or bubble pack on all sides and no movement), you should be fine. And, be sure to get the correct amount of insurance. By the way, the packaging sent back from Elecraft had absolutely no peanuts or bubble wrap; it wasn’t needed. The two big foam end pieces held the KPA500 rock solid in the box; There’s no way I’m throwing that box and foam pieces away.

Good luck,

Joe
W1GO

> On Feb 18, 2017, at 7:12 PM, James Setzler <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Greetings,
>
>
>
> I bought my K3 as a kit and, for some reason, the finished product doesn't
> fit back into the box it came in!
>
>
>
> Is there a Factory Approved Box available that I can get to insure the K3 is
> packaged properly for shipping?
>
>
>
> 73 James K1SD
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Ken G Kopp

Re: K3 Shipping Box

In reply to this post by Ken G Kopp

Thanks, Todd!

Hi Kenny,

I had to purchase one from Elecraft for my K3. $27.00 cost. Kind of
pricey but it is a good box. My two cents worth from Hawaii. Todd

On Feb 18, 2017, at 3:00 PM, Ken G Kopp <[hidden email]> wrote:

James,

I expect Elecraft could sell / send you the proper box for your K3. The
cost to mail an (assembled) empty carton shouldn't be too high, and sent
via Priority Mail can be anywhere in the US within 2 - 3 days. This is
Rose's experience with her cases and covers business.

73!
Ken - K0PP
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Mike Rhodes-2

Re: K3 Shipping Box

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

On 2/18/2017 7:43 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> <snip>
>
> If you do not have packing peanuts, put layers of bubblewrap to 2
> inches thick under the K3 and use crumpled newspaper to fill the rest
> of the box. If you use crumpled newspaper, make sure there is enough
> tightly packed at each of the K3 corners so the K3 cannot move in the
> box.
At least with UPS, DO NOT USE NEWSPAPER. From their "Internal Packaging
<https://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/materials/insulation.html>"
page:
---------------------
*Kraft Paper
*Kraft paper_(not newspaper or newsprint)__**_is wrapped and crumpled to
fill empty space inside a package with light-to-medium weight,
non-fragile items. When using kraft paper, tightly wad the paper and use
at least two inches (5.08 cm) around and between the contents. Make sure
that there are at least two inches (5.08 cm) of kraft paper on all six
sides of the box.
-----------------------
...and, UPS does not sell "Insurance" but rather "Assurance". Not
exactly sure what that means other than, if there is a claim and you
have failed in any way to follow their packing specs, it doesn't matter
how much you declared or how much you paid for "assurance", you are S.O.L.

FedEx may be the same way but I don't know.

...just an FYI.

Mike / W8DN
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Doug Renwick

Re: K3 Shipping Box

In reply to this post by W1GO (Joe)

I make my own shipping boxes. I describe my procedure below which in reality
is much easier and faster than it reads. I have employed this to ship by
post office quite a few radios and power supplies (i.e. Collins and Drake
gear) and have not had any damage. I have found the Styrofoam used here to
be very 'forgiving'.

You need to 'float' the item in a single shipping box. Select a box that is
at least 2" wider on each side, top and bottom and 3-4" wider front and
back. Get some solid Styrofoam insulation, preferably 2" thick; 1" thick
will work. Make a template of the rig's front or back for size. Measure the
inside of the box's front and back for height and width. With this
measurement cut two pieces of the Styrofoam board using utility knife.
Center the template from above on the Styrofoam board, mark and cut out the
opening. Slide the two Styrofoam boards onto the rig, say 1", one front and
one back. You may have to partially notch the board to accept the rigs feet.
It should be a firm fit. Place the rig into the box. It should be a firm fit
and the two Styrofoam board supports will 'float' the rig in the box.

The Styrofoam board support boards and rig need to be secured in place. Once
the rig is floating in the box, it will become obvious where additional
blocking needs to take place. Take other pieces of Styrofoam, cut to size to
go between the rigs front (2) and back (2), glued to the box, and resting on
the outside edges of the rig away from any knobs. This will prevent the rig
from sliding forward or rearward. Now take other pieces of Styrofoam, cut to
size and glue inside to the box sides (3 per side) to hold the Styrofoam
board supporting the rig in place. You can add bubble wrap, crumbled paper,
peanuts, foam to fill the openings, front, back, sides, top and bottom. I
also try to place the rig inside a plastic bag to reduce any chances of
scratching.

Doug/VA5DX

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of W1GO
(Joe)
Sent: February-18-17 7:19 PM
To: James Setzler
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Shipping Box

James

I had to send my KPA500 (including transformer) back to Elecraft from NY.
My KPA500 was a kit so, like you, I had to figure out the best packaging.
The KPA500 is much heavier than the K3s, so if you package as has been
recommended (i.e. 2 inches peanuts or bubble pack on all sides and no
movement), you should be fine. And, be sure to get the correct amount of
insurance. By the way, the packaging sent back from Elecraft had absolutely
no peanuts or bubble wrap; it wasn't needed. The two big foam end pieces
held the KPA500 rock solid in the box; There's no way I'm throwing that box
and foam pieces away.

Good luck,

Joe
W1GO

---
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Mike Maloney

Re: K3 Shipping Box

Would someone share the dimensions of assembled K3/s box as it comes from factory? Am guessing it comes with surround Styrofoam?
Mike AC5P

On Sunday, February 19, 2017 2:40 PM, Doug Renwick <[hidden email]> wrote:

I make my own shipping boxes. I describe my procedure below which in reality
is much easier and faster than it reads. I have employed this to ship by
post office quite a few radios and power supplies (i.e. Collins and Drake
gear) and have not had any damage. I have found the Styrofoam used here to
be very 'forgiving'.

You need to 'float' the item in a single shipping box. Select a box that is
at least 2" wider on each side, top and bottom and 3-4" wider front and
back. Get some solid Styrofoam insulation, preferably 2" thick; 1" thick
will work. Make a template of the rig's front or back for size. Measure the
inside of the box's front and back for height and width. With this
measurement cut two pieces of the Styrofoam board using utility knife.
Center the template from above on the Styrofoam board, mark and cut out the
opening. Slide the two Styrofoam boards onto the rig, say 1", one front and
one back. You may have to partially notch the board to accept the rigs feet.
It should be a firm fit. Place the rig into the box. It should be a firm fit
and the two Styrofoam board supports will 'float' the rig in the box.

The Styrofoam board support boards and rig need to be secured in place. Once
the rig is floating in the box, it will become obvious where additional
blocking needs to take place. Take other pieces of Styrofoam, cut to size to
go between the rigs front (2) and back (2), glued to the box, and resting on
the outside edges of the rig away from any knobs. This will prevent the rig
from sliding forward or rearward. Now take other pieces of Styrofoam, cut to
size and glue inside to the box sides (3 per side) to hold the Styrofoam
board supporting the rig in place. You can add bubble wrap, crumbled paper,
peanuts, foam to fill the openings, front, back, sides, top and bottom. I
also try to place the rig inside a plastic bag to reduce any chances of
scratching.

Doug/VA5DX

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of W1GO
(Joe)
Sent: February-18-17 7:19 PM
To: James Setzler
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Shipping Box

James

I had to send my KPA500 (including transformer) back to Elecraft from NY.
My KPA500 was a kit so, like you, I had to figure out the best packaging.
The KPA500 is much heavier than the K3s, so if you package as has been
recommended (i.e. 2 inches peanuts or bubble pack on all sides and no
movement), you should be fine. And, be sure to get the correct amount of
insurance. By the way, the packaging sent back from Elecraft had absolutely
no peanuts or bubble wrap; it wasn't needed. The two big foam end pieces
held the KPA500 rock solid in the box; There's no way I'm throwing that box
and foam pieces away.

Good luck,

Joe
W1GO

---
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https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Charles Johnson-2

Re: K3 Shipping Box

17" x 17" x 9”

73, Charles, K4ZRJ

> On Feb 19, 2017, at 7:28 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> Would someone share the dimensions of assembled K3/s box as it comes from factory? Am guessing it comes with surround Styrofoam?
> Mike AC5P
>
> On Sunday, February 19, 2017 2:40 PM, Doug Renwick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> I make my own shipping boxes. I describe my procedure below which in reality
> is much easier and faster than it reads. I have employed this to ship by
> post office quite a few radios and power supplies (i.e. Collins and Drake
> gear) and have not had any damage. I have found the Styrofoam used here to
> be very 'forgiving'.
>
> You need to 'float' the item in a single shipping box. Select a box that is
> at least 2" wider on each side, top and bottom and 3-4" wider front and
> back. Get some solid Styrofoam insulation, preferably 2" thick; 1" thick
> will work. Make a template of the rig's front or back for size. Measure the
> inside of the box's front and back for height and width. With this
> measurement cut two pieces of the Styrofoam board using utility knife.
> Center the template from above on the Styrofoam board, mark and cut out the
> opening. Slide the two Styrofoam boards onto the rig, say 1", one front and
> one back. You may have to partially notch the board to accept the rigs feet.
> It should be a firm fit. Place the rig into the box. It should be a firm fit
> and the two Styrofoam board supports will 'float' the rig in the box.
>
> The Styrofoam board support boards and rig need to be secured in place. Once
> the rig is floating in the box, it will become obvious where additional
> blocking needs to take place. Take other pieces of Styrofoam, cut to size to
> go between the rigs front (2) and back (2), glued to the box, and resting on
> the outside edges of the rig away from any knobs. This will prevent the rig
> from sliding forward or rearward. Now take other pieces of Styrofoam, cut to
> size and glue inside to the box sides (3 per side) to hold the Styrofoam
> board supporting the rig in place. You can add bubble wrap, crumbled paper,
> peanuts, foam to fill the openings, front, back, sides, top and bottom. I
> also try to place the rig inside a plastic bag to reduce any chances of
> scratching.
>
> Doug/VA5DX
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of W1GO
> (Joe)
> Sent: February-18-17 7:19 PM
> To: James Setzler
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Shipping Box
>
> James
>
> I had to send my KPA500 (including transformer) back to Elecraft from NY.
> My KPA500 was a kit so, like you, I had to figure out the best packaging.
> The KPA500 is much heavier than the K3s, so if you package as has been
> recommended (i.e. 2 inches peanuts or bubble pack on all sides and no
> movement), you should be fine. And, be sure to get the correct amount of
> insurance. By the way, the packaging sent back from Elecraft had absolutely
> no peanuts or bubble wrap; it wasn't needed. The two big foam end pieces
> held the KPA500 rock solid in the box; There's no way I'm throwing that box
> and foam pieces away.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Joe
> W1GO
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Terry Schieler-2

K3 Shipping Box

In reply to this post by Mike Maloney

Back in 2013, I purchased a custom shipping box from Dave Haller, KA1W, of www.hamradioboxes.com with which to ship an Acom 1000 amplifier that I was selling. It was pricy, but so was the amp. I would not have purchased one for just a half a K3 round trip to Elecraft Service, but if you are doing DXpeditions and moving your gear around regularly, his custom boxes were outstanding.

Update: I did a quick Google search for Ham Radio Boxes and the most recent I can find is from 2014 saying that Dave had taken a "temporary break" from the box building business. Sad, as Dave was excellent to work with.

See my (and other) eHam review: http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/9938?page=2

73 Terry WØFM

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