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KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

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Richard-2

KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

Hello,
I will purchase a new KX3 from Elecraft Sales in a week or two.
If the factory testing upon final assembly is more comprehensive than
what is in the kit assembly manual, it might persuade me to buy the
Factory Assembled version. Is any extra factory testing performed?
The only order page option I have not firmed up is whether to buy the
factory tested version or the kit. I have the skill & tools to build the
kit and I have read the assembly manual. However, I am sure that the
Elecraft technicians would do a better job of assembly than I could. My
main concerns with assembling the KX3 myself, are properly cleaning (and
testing) the RF Ground locations and damage to the ribbon connector when
bending it. Of course ESD is always a concern, but I have an ESD mat,
wrist strap, etc.
The extra cost of the factory build is not an issue. In fact I would
look at the extra expense as an insurance policy that I would have a
working radio in top condition. (Shipping damage could change that.)
My biggest kit fear is that something wouldn’t work after I built it;
and it was my fault. If a factory assembled kit did not pass Elecraft's
final testing, they would immediately resolve it. Still, it appears that
significant kit assembly problems are extremely rare.
I suppose I would get some satisfaction from assembling the KX3 kit, but
not quite as much as if I was melting solder. Would kit builders please
share any insights?
All recommendations are welcome; including buy both and see for myself.
Thanks & 73,
Richard, AI4SH
PS. My intended use of the KX3 is for cw qrp base station operation. I
have a K1 that I will retire from the desk and use as my portable station.
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Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

Administrator

Hi Richard,

While we do test and align the PCB boards identically on the kit and
factory assembled KX3s, we do further testing on the assembled units to
insure that we built them perfectly.

Assembled KX3s are given an preliminary TX and RX test after assembly,
followed by a multi-hour burn in rack test. There under computer control
we stress test the KX3 by transmitting key down on each band while
checking temperature, current and power out and also check tuning of the
ATU on each band. This occurs in a repetitive fashion - cycling through
the bands - for a minimum of 8 hours. After passing burn-in, the
assembled KX3 goes to final test on a technicians lab bench, where we
test all RX and TX parameters on all bands, including RX sensitivity, TX
power, Current drain in TX, TX IMD etc. We also do tests on the SSB
audio, CW keying, receive audio and a number of other parameters. Each
added option is also tested in the KX3.

In general we see few failures in burn-in or final test, due to our
extensive testing of the PC boards before assembly (and before packaging
them into kits).

73,

Eric
---
www.elecraft.com

On 1/4/2013 12:01 PM, Richard wrote:
> Hello,
> I will purchase a new KX3 from Elecraft Sales in a week or two.
> If the factory testing upon final assembly is more comprehensive than
> what is in the kit assembly manual, it might persuade me to buy the
> Factory Assembled version. Is any extra factory testing performed?

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Raymond Sills

Re: KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO,
worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in
checking the rig.

73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets)

On Jan 4, 2013, at 6:14 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote:

> Hi Richard,
>
> While we do test and align the PCB boards identically on the kit and
> factory assembled KX3s, we do further testing on the assembled units
> to insure that we built them perfectly.
>
> Assembled KX3s are given an preliminary TX and RX test after
> assembly, followed by a multi-hour burn in rack test. There under
> computer control we stress test the KX3 by transmitting key down on
> each band while checking temperature, current and power out and also
> check tuning of the ATU on each band. This occurs in a repetitive
> fashion - cycling through the bands - for a minimum of 8 hours.
> After passing burn-in, the assembled KX3 goes to final test on a
> technicians lab bench, where we test all RX and TX parameters on all
> bands, including RX sensitivity, TX power, Current drain in TX, TX
> IMD etc. We also do tests on the SSB audio, CW keying, receive audio
> and a number of other parameters. Each added option is also tested
> in the KX3.
>
> In general we see few failures in burn-in or final test, due to our
> extensive testing of the PC boards before assembly (and before
> packaging them into kits).
>
> 73,
>
> Eric
> ---
> www.elecraft.com

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N0AZZ

Re: KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Thanks Eric

That makes me feel a lot better, I ordered a new loaded KX3 yesterday 8>).
But can say I have been well pleased with all my "F" equipment purchased so
far except for one small glitch on my new KAT500.

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ,
Elecraft
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 5:14 PM
To: Richard
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

Hi Richard,

While we do test and align the PCB boards identically on the kit and factory
assembled KX3s, we do further testing on the assembled units to insure that
we built them perfectly.

Assembled KX3s are given an preliminary TX and RX test after assembly,
followed by a multi-hour burn in rack test. There under computer control we
stress test the KX3 by transmitting key down on each band while checking
temperature, current and power out and also check tuning of the ATU on each
band. This occurs in a repetitive fashion - cycling through the bands - for
a minimum of 8 hours. After passing burn-in, the assembled KX3 goes to final
test on a technicians lab bench, where we test all RX and TX parameters on
all bands, including RX sensitivity, TX power, Current drain in TX, TX IMD
etc. We also do tests on the SSB audio, CW keying, receive audio and a
number of other parameters. Each added option is also tested in the KX3.

In general we see few failures in burn-in or final test, due to our
extensive testing of the PC boards before assembly (and before packaging
them into kits).

73,

Eric
---
www.elecraft.com

On 1/4/2013 12:01 PM, Richard wrote:
> Hello,
> I will purchase a new KX3 from Elecraft Sales in a week or two.
> If the factory testing upon final assembly is more comprehensive than
> what is in the kit assembly manual, it might persuade me to buy the
> Factory Assembled version. Is any extra factory testing performed?

______________________________________________________________
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Chris Schrecengost

Re: KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

In reply to this post by Raymond Sills

It absolutely does. It makes me wish I had gone with a built rather than a
kit.

Chris
AB3QV

On Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 6:43 PM, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:

> That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth
> the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking the
> rig.
>
> 73 de Ray
> K2ULR
> KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets)
>
>
>
> On Jan 4, 2013, at 6:14 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote:
>
> Hi Richard,
>>
>> While we do test and align the PCB boards identically on the kit and
>> factory assembled KX3s, we do further testing on the assembled units to
>> insure that we built them perfectly.
>>
>> Assembled KX3s are given an preliminary TX and RX test after assembly,
>> followed by a multi-hour burn in rack test. There under computer control we
>> stress test the KX3 by transmitting key down on each band while checking
>> temperature, current and power out and also check tuning of the ATU on each
>> band. This occurs in a repetitive fashion - cycling through the bands - for
>> a minimum of 8 hours. After passing burn-in, the assembled KX3 goes to
>> final test on a technicians lab bench, where we test all RX and TX
>> parameters on all bands, including RX sensitivity, TX power, Current drain
>> in TX, TX IMD etc. We also do tests on the SSB audio, CW keying, receive
>> audio and a number of other parameters. Each added option is also tested in
>> the KX3.
>>
>> In general we see few failures in burn-in or final test, due to our
>> extensive testing of the PC boards before assembly (and before packaging
>> them into kits).
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Eric
>> ---
>> www.elecraft.com
>>
>
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Thomas Horsten

Re: KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

In reply to this post by Raymond Sills

But you lose the feeling of "wow I built this and look how awesomely it
works in spite of it" :)

73, Thomas M0TRN - KX3 #654, kit

On 4 January 2013 23:43, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:

> That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth
> the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking the
> rig.
>
> 73 de Ray
> K2ULR
> KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets)
>
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Gary Gregory-2

Re: KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

Thomas,

Your so right. The look on my face when I finished and powered it up would
have been priceless I reckon.

I am still grinning.....
Gary

On 5 January 2013 14:55, Thomas Horsten <[hidden email]> wrote:

> But you lose the feeling of "wow I built this and look how awesomely it
> works in spite of it" :)
>
> 73, Thomas M0TRN - KX3 #654, kit
>
> On 4 January 2013 23:43, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth
> > the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking
> the
> > rig.
> >
> > 73 de Ray
> > K2ULR
> > KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets)
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

N0AZZ

Re: KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

I would think the real "Build" experience would be the K2 for the ultimate
"I built that" 8>)

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Gary Gregory
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 2:41 AM
To: Thomas Horsten
Cc: Elecraft email list
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

Thomas,

Your so right. The look on my face when I finished and powered it up would
have been priceless I reckon.

I am still grinning.....
Gary

On 5 January 2013 14:55, Thomas Horsten <[hidden email]> wrote:

> But you lose the feeling of "wow I built this and look how awesomely
> it works in spite of it" :)
>
> 73, Thomas M0TRN - KX3 #654, kit
>
> On 4 January 2013 23:43, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO,
> > worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in
> > checking
> the
> > rig.
> >
> > 73 de Ray
> > K2ULR
> > KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets)
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

--
*Gary - VK1ZZ
Motorhome Portable
The Shack*
*Elecraft K3
P3 Panadapter
KPA500FT
KAT500FT**
KX3-K
*
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Gary Gregory-2

Re: KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

Fred,

Showoff...:-)

Gary

On 5 January 2013 21:55, Fred Smith <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I would think the real "Build" experience would be the K2 for the ultimate
> "I built that" 8>)
>
> Fred/N0AZZ
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Gary Gregory
> Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 2:41 AM
> To: Thomas Horsten
> Cc: Elecraft email list
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
>
> Thomas,
>
> Your so right. The look on my face when I finished and powered it up would
> have been priceless I reckon.
>
> I am still grinning.....
> Gary
>
> On 5 January 2013 14:55, Thomas Horsten <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > But you lose the feeling of "wow I built this and look how awesomely
> > it works in spite of it" :)
> >
> > 73, Thomas M0TRN - KX3 #654, kit
> >
> > On 4 January 2013 23:43, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > > That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO,
> > > worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in
> > > checking
> > the
> > > rig.
> > >
> > > 73 de Ray
> > > K2ULR
> > > KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets)
> > >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> >
>
>
>
> --
> *Gary - VK1ZZ
> Motorhome Portable
> The Shack*
> *Elecraft K3
> P3 Panadapter
> KPA500FT
> KAT500FT**
> KX3-K
> *
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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>
>

N0AZZ

Re: KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

One in every crowd huh!

fred

From: Gary Gregory [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 5:52 AM
To: Fred Smith
Cc: Thomas Horsten; Elecraft email list
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

Fred,

Showoff...:-)

Gary

On 5 January 2013 21:55, Fred Smith <[hidden email]> wrote:

I would think the real "Build" experience would be the K2 for the ultimate
"I built that" 8>)

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Gary Gregory
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 2:41 AM
To: Thomas Horsten
Cc: Elecraft email list
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

Thomas,

Your so right. The look on my face when I finished and powered it up would
have been priceless I reckon.

I am still grinning.....
Gary

On 5 January 2013 14:55, Thomas Horsten <[hidden email]> wrote:

--
*Gary - VK1ZZ
Motorhome Portable
The Shack*
*Elecraft K3
P3 Panadapter
KPA500FT
KAT500FT**
KX3-K
*
______________________________________________________________
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--
Gary - VK1ZZ
Motorhome Portable
The Shack
Elecraft K3
P3 Panadapter
KPA500FT
KAT500FT
KX3-K

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