Elecraft

Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

Classic

List

Threaded

18 messages Options

Darwin, Keith

Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

Just call me Mr. Waffle.

I ordered a K3 at the end of Sept 07. Yea, I want one but paying for it
is not quite so easy to swallow. No biggie, I have months to think
about it. With the shipment of my K3 approaching, I made a few changes.
Added 100 watt PA, CW filter and finally switched to factory built. I'm
still not completely sure I want to go through with it, but I have time
...

Yesterday I got my Katiegram. My time is up. I have to decide whether
to stay or go. Total price is about $2200. I knew it would be that
much but somehow seeing it in an invoice makes it very real. I suppose
I could drop back to the K3/10 kit but that's not what I ultimately
would want. I could go K3/100 kit but truth is I just don't have the
time right now to put it together. When I look at that $2200 bill, I
wonder if I should just make the time.

I feel like a kid who has climbed the high-dive and is standing with his
toes hanging over the edge of the board, nervous and unsure, wondering
what he's gotten himself into.

Mr. Waffle, signing out for now ..

- Keith N1AS -
- K2 5411.ssb.100 -
- K3 (in the on-deck circle as we speak) -
_______________________________________________
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

Joseph M. Durnal

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

How much do you think it would go for on eBay?

On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:22 AM, Darwin, Keith
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> Just call me Mr. Waffle.
>
> I ordered a K3 at the end of Sept 07. Yea, I want one but paying for it
> is not quite so easy to swallow. No biggie, I have months to think
> about it. With the shipment of my K3 approaching, I made a few changes.
> Added 100 watt PA, CW filter and finally switched to factory built. I'm
> still not completely sure I want to go through with it, but I have time
> ...
>
> Yesterday I got my Katiegram. My time is up. I have to decide whether
> to stay or go. Total price is about $2200. I knew it would be that
> much but somehow seeing it in an invoice makes it very real. I suppose
> I could drop back to the K3/10 kit but that's not what I ultimately
> would want. I could go K3/100 kit but truth is I just don't have the
> time right now to put it together. When I look at that $2200 bill, I
> wonder if I should just make the time.
>
> I feel like a kid who has climbed the high-dive and is standing with his
> toes hanging over the edge of the board, nervous and unsure, wondering
> what he's gotten himself into.
>
> Mr. Waffle, signing out for now ..
>
> - Keith N1AS -
> - K2 5411.ssb.100 -
> - K3 (in the on-deck circle as we speak) -
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>

_______________________________________________
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

Don Brown-4

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

Hi

Stay with the kit. It saves $240 and only requires a few hours of turning a
screwdriver, plugging in circuit boards and messing about with the menus for
the calibration. Really easy stuff, really good manual and you will feel
better about knowing a little about the works inside in case you want to add
an option or two later.

Thanks

Don Brown
KD5NDB

K3 S/N 0575

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:22 AM
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

Bob-270

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

In reply to this post by Joseph M. Durnal

Why even go to E-bay?

I'll bet there are those on the list who pay a premium and take
indirect delivery
for a new unit and skip the waiting in line.

73,
Bob
K2TK

Joseph M. Durnal wrote:

>How much do you think it would go for on eBay?
>
>On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:22 AM, Darwin, Keith
><[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
>>Just call me Mr. Waffle.
>>
>>

_______________________________________________
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

W6RU

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

I bet he has already received private email with offers to buy the radio. I
would have sent him one but I just bought a 2 week old K3 from a friend of
mine that will be delivered today.
Terry W6RU

In a message dated 3/27/2008 8:54:01 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
[hidden email] writes:
Why even go to E-bay?

I'll bet there are those on the list who pay a premium and take
indirect delivery
for a new unit and skip the waiting in line.

73,
Bob
K2TK

Joseph M. Durnal wrote:

>How much do you think it would go for on eBay?
>
>On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:22 AM, Darwin, Keith
><[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
>>Just call me Mr. Waffle.
>>
>>

_______________________________________________
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

**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL
Home.
(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030000000001)
_______________________________________________
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

John-483

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

In reply to this post by Don Brown-4

Rethink the kit. I got mine in kit form, #501, and it isn't right
yet. It's headed back to Aptos today for repair. So, I guess this is
kind of a Johngram.

The boards are tested and calibrated before shipping, however, I'm
guessing that all the boards you get in a kit are not assembled and
tested as a unit, and then taken apart and sent to you to put back
together. It seems I have a data buss problem that affects the KAT3
and NB board. We have been troubleshooting it for three weeks now,
they've even sent me a new KAT3 board, no joy. I had a problem with
the synth board too, an un soldered component. It must have been
making physical contact when tested, but was intermittent after
install, causing high noise level in receive. I was lucky and found it.

The K3 is not a rig that you will be able to post a problem to the
list regarding a HW problem and expect someone to come up with an
idea for repair, like the K2, K1, etc. Even if it is possible you
would have to be skilled in SMT to do the repair.

There is something to be said about buying an assembled/tested unit,
think about it.

I'm not knocking the product, or the service, but the K3 is a whole
new ball game.

John
k7up
2 K2's, K1, K3?

At 09:39 AM 27/03/08, you wrote:

>Hi
>
>Stay with the kit. It saves $240 and only requires a few hours of
>turning a screwdriver, plugging in circuit boards and messing about
>with the menus for the calibration. Really easy stuff, really good
>manual and you will feel better about knowing a little about the
>works inside in case you want to add an option or two later.
>
>Thanks
>
>Don Brown
>KD5NDB
>
>K3 S/N 0575
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------
>From: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>
>Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:22 AM
>To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
>Subject: [Elecraft] Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no
>
>>Just call me Mr. Waffle.
>>
>>I ordered a K3 at the end of Sept 07. Yea, I want one but paying for it
>>is not quite so easy to swallow. No biggie, I have months to think
>>about it. With the shipment of my K3 approaching, I made a few changes.
>>Added 100 watt PA, CW filter and finally switched to factory built. I'm
>>still not completely sure I want to go through with it, but I have time
>>...
>>
>>Yesterday I got my Katiegram. My time is up. I have to decide whether
>>to stay or go. Total price is about $2200. I knew it would be that
>>much but somehow seeing it in an invoice makes it very real. I suppose
>>I could drop back to the K3/10 kit but that's not what I ultimately
>>would want. I could go K3/100 kit but truth is I just don't have the
>>time right now to put it together. When I look at that $2200 bill, I
>>wonder if I should just make the time.
>>
>>I feel like a kid who has climbed the high-dive and is standing with his
>>toes hanging over the edge of the board, nervous and unsure, wondering
>>what he's gotten himself into.
>>
>>Mr. Waffle, signing out for now ..
>>
>>- Keith N1AS -
>>- K2 5411.ssb.100 -
>>- K3 (in the on-deck circle as we speak) -
>>_______________________________________________
>>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
>_______________________________________________
>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

Bill Steffey NY9H

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

At 10:22 AM 3/27/2008, Darwin, Keith wrote:
>Just call me Mr. Waffle.
>
> I feel like a kid who has climbed the high-dive and is standing with his
>toes hanging over the edge of the board, nervous and unsure

JUMP IN ....THE WATERS FINE.. & the radio is great also.....

bill

_______________________________________________
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

S Sacco

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

Keith -

If you're uncomfortable with the purchase, don't go through with it;
you'll end up resenting the radio on your desktop every time there's
another expense that you would had the money for, if only you hadn't
purchased the K3.

These radios will be available for a long time, although the prices
HAVE gone up.

Used ones will come on the market, and they won't always command a premium.

Hope this helps.

73,
Steve NN4X

On 3/27/08, Darwin, Keith <[hidden email]> wrote:

Darwin, Keith

RE: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

Wow, I'm getting many replies. I can see there is some confusion caused
by my original post.

My post was really just me thinking out loud and voicing a bit of
hesitation. I'm not really giving serious consideration to not taking
delivery of the rig I ordered last fall LOL!

True, $2200 is a large speed bump and causes one to pause, but if you
slow down and take it easy, you can drive right over the top of a speed
bump. Thump-thump ... and on we go!

Worst case, I can always resell the K3, probably for no loss.

Regarding buyer's remorse, I recently purchased lens for my camera (135L
for those wondering). Thirty seconds after buying it a wave of "oh
heavens, what have I done" washed over me. The lens arrived and all
regrets vanished. It is fabulous and does everything I needed it to do.
I'm expecting the K3 to be the same.

My apologies to those of you who were assuming you'd be bumped up the
priority list by my cancellation. :-)

73 all!

- Keith N1AS -
- K2 5411.ssb.100 -
- K3 waiting for me -

_______________________________________________
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

P.B. Christensen

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

In reply to this post by John-483

> Rethink the kit. I got mine in kit form, #501, and it isn't right yet.

OTOH, when I received my kit, I was dreading the assembly process. I have
built many kits and home-brew transceivers through the years, so the
enjoyment of step-by-step assembly was lost many years ago. I enjoy the
design and modification exercises, but not the assembly.

However, I am now very glad I purchased the K3 kit. The assembly allowed me
to become better acquainted with the transceiver. I have developed a whole
new level of respect for Eric, Wayne and everyone else responsible for the
design and product launch. The turning point for me was after about an hour
of assembly time. At that point, I was getting used to finding all the
small hardware, even without measurements, and the work-flow really
accelerated.

Getting to where the Elecraft group is today was no trivial undertaking and
something I could probably spend a lifetime attempting and never get very
far.

BTW, I have a redux modification of the rear panel SO-239 connectors. I was
heavily abused in private e-mail by folks who criticized my photography
skills and I hope to do a better job with manual focus when I show the
results of the next phase of changes. I ultimately decided to use two
sections of RG-316 coax between the SO-239 panel connectors and the KAT3
board. I replaced the 0.5" #4 aluminum spacer used to hold the KAT3 firmly
in place (also functions to form the return RF path) with a Nylon spacer to
force all return RF onto the RG-316 cabling. Also, if there's any
improvement in ANT1 to ANT2 port isolation, I'll pass along the results.

Paul, W9AC

_______________________________________________
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

Gary D Krause

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

Gee Keith, I was really worried for you because, I thought you were in over
your head. Since it was a little tongue in cheek as you said, I will just
have to charge you for my advice. It comes to around $2200. I'll get the
bill in the mail right away. JUST KIDDING!!! :-)

Gary, N7HTS

On Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:27:18 -0700
"Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Wow, I'm getting many replies. I can see there is some confusion caused
> by my original post.
>
> My post was really just me thinking out loud and voicing a bit of
> hesitation. I'm not really giving serious consideration to not taking
> delivery of the rig I ordered last fall LOL!
>
> True, $2200 is a large speed bump and causes one to pause, but if you
> slow down and take it easy, you can drive right over the top of a speed
> bump. Thump-thump ... and on we go!
>
> Worst case, I can always resell the K3, probably for no loss.
>
> Regarding buyer's remorse, I recently purchased lens for my camera (135L
> for those wondering). Thirty seconds after buying it a wave of "oh
> heavens, what have I done" washed over me. The lens arrived and all
> regrets vanished. It is fabulous and does everything I needed it to do.
> I'm expecting the K3 to be the same.
>
> My apologies to those of you who were assuming you'd be bumped up the
> priority list by my cancellation. :-)
>
> 73 all!
>
> - Keith N1AS -
> - K2 5411.ssb.100 -
> - K3 waiting for me -
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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

Darwin, Keith

RE: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

Ah, there we go, THAT's the sort of reply I'm expecting!!

Only $2200? I'll get a check out to you right away ... :-)

- Keith -

-----Original Message-----
Gee Keith, I was really worried for you because, I thought you were in
over your head. Since it was a little tongue in cheek as you said, I
will just have to charge you for my advice. It comes to around $2200.
I'll get the bill in the mail right away. JUST KIDDING!!! :-)

Gary, N7HTS
_______________________________________________
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

John-483

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no (kit or not)

In reply to this post by P.B. Christensen

At 12:36 PM 27/03/08, you wrote:
>>Rethink the kit. I got mine in kit form, #501, and it isn't right yet.

>OTOH, when I received my kit, I was dreading the assembly
>process. I have built many kits and home-brew transceivers through
>the years, so the enjoyment of step-by-step assembly was lost many
>years ago. I enjoy the design and modification exercises, but not
>the assembly.
HI Paul,

I was looking forward to the kit experience, no reservations at all.
Having built 2 k2's and a K1 and enjoying every minute of it, I was
ready for the K3. I already had the anti static gear and tools, so
there was no extra expense involved.

>However, I am now very glad I purchased the K3 kit. The assembly
>allowed me to become better acquainted with the transceiver. I
>have developed a whole new level of respect for Eric, Wayne and
>everyone else responsible for the design and product launch. The
>turning point for me was after about an hour of assembly time. At
>that point, I was getting used to finding all the small hardware,
>even without measurements, and the work-flow really accelerated.
>Getting to where the Elecraft group is today was no trivial
>undertaking and something I could probably spend a lifetime
>attempting and never get very far.

I enjoyed the assembly too. But here is the point I was making.
Nothing is perfect 100% of the time. I happened to get the one K3
that had some problems. It's not like the K1 or 2, with
voltage/resistance charts and full blown schematics. So unless you
have the service manual and some higher end test equipment, well,
back to the factory it goes. That's not a problem either, if you
don't mind $50 for shipping and insurance, plus the task of packaging
and shipping. My point was that if you get an assembled K3, factory
tested and ready to go, your chances of having a problem are about
zero. A kit K3 could have a problem when shipped or a problem could
be induced by the builder. Seeing I have #501, and I've not heard of
any other K3 kit problems, I'd say the odds of having a kit problem
are about 1 in 500.

>BTW, I have a redux modification of the rear panel SO-239
>connectors. I was heavily abused in private e-mail by folks who
>criticized my photography skills and I hope to do a better job with
>manual focus when I show the results of the next phase of
>changes. I ultimately decided to use two sections of RG-316 coax
>between the SO-239 panel connectors and the KAT3 board. I replaced
>the 0.5" #4 aluminum spacer used to hold the KAT3 firmly in place
>(also functions to form the return RF path) with a Nylon spacer to
>force all return RF onto the RG-316 cabling. Also, if there's any
>improvement in ANT1 to ANT2 port isolation, I'll pass along the results.

At least you could switch between ANT1 and 2, I couldn't....all I'd
get is a diagnostic msg saying NO ATU. That's frustrating when you
have tried two ATU's in the rig.

John
k7up

>Paul, W9AC
>
>
>

_______________________________________________
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

Matt Patterson-9

Re: Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

In reply to this post by Bob-270

Just put it on QTH.com...

On Thu, 2008-03-27 at 11:52 -0400, Bob wrote:

> Why even go to E-bay?
>
> I'll bet there are those on the list who pay a premium and take
> indirect delivery
> for a new unit and skip the waiting in line.
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K2TK
>
> Joseph M. Durnal wrote:
>
> >How much do you think it would go for on eBay?
> >
> >On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:22 AM, Darwin, Keith
> ><[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> >
> >>Just call me Mr. Waffle.
> >>
> >>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>

Ian Stirling, G4ICV, AB2GR

Re: kit versus built

In reply to this post by John-483

On Thursday 27 March 2008 03:23:10 pm John wrote:

> My point was that if you get an assembled K3, factory
> tested and ready to go, your chances of having a problem are about
> zero.

This, and others reports of SMD components not being soldered
suggests that the boards are not fully tested.
I've never heard of Lego components being substandard so that
the robot can't be built.

Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962
--
_______________________________________________
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

N5GE

Re: Re: kit versus built

On Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:18:18 -0400, you wrote:

>On Thursday 27 March 2008 03:23:10 pm John wrote:
>
>> My point was that if you get an assembled K3, factory
>> tested and ready to go, your chances of having a problem are about
>> zero.
>
> This, and others reports of SMD components not being soldered
>suggests that the boards are not fully tested.
> I've never heard of Lego components being substandard so that
>the robot can't be built.
>
>Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962

I once worked as a production manager for a company that manufactured and sold
electronic camera control equipment for the printing industry. This was in the
early 70's before everything was solid state. We had a "burn in room" where
after going through quality control, all of the equipment was turned on and left
running for 24 hours while setting on spring mounted shelves that were shaken
violently enough that the units had to be secured to the shelves. We did this
to simulate the vibration of shipping via truck and aircraft. We then checked
each unit for adjustment changes, etc. If they failed on the vibrator they were
repaired and sent back to the vibrator for another run.

We never had a unit come back due to bad soldering or loose nuts and bolts
because the vibration burn in would find these troubles for us before we
shipped.

It's possible that tested K3 units are suffering from vibration during shipping
which is revealing those anomalies that won't show up until after the units and
kits are subjected to shipping vibration. You might be surprised how much
vibration a cargo aircraft has during takeoff, landing and flight. Then there
are the cross country trucks and local delivery trucks that have a lot more
vibration in their cargo areas than an aircraft.

Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq

"They that can give up essential liberty
to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety."

--Benjamin Franklin 1775

Support the entire Constitution, not
just the parts you like.

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

_______________________________________________
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

Amateur Radio Operator N5GE

Charly

RE: Re: kit versus built

When I flew to Nepal both times taking squeeze keys.... the Vibroplex and the Bencher both arrived

as a bag of parts. The Nye was just fine both trips.... Vibration is huge on plane. 73Charles [hidden email] > From: [hidden email]> To: [hidden email]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: kit versus built> Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:26:23 -0500> > On Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:18:18 -0400, you wrote:> > >On Thursday 27 March 2008 03:23:10 pm John wrote:> >> >> My point was that if you get an assembled K3, factory > >> tested and ready to go, your chances of having a problem are about > >> zero.> >> > This, and others reports of SMD components not being soldered> >suggests that the boards are not fully tested.> > I've never heard of Lego components being substandard so that> >the robot can't be built.> >> >Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962> > I once worked as a production manager for a company that manufactured and sold> electronic camera control equipment for the printing industry. This was in the> early 70's before everything was solid state. We had a "burn in room" where> after going through quality control, all of the equipment was turned on and left> running for 24 hours while setting on spring mounted shelves that were shaken> violently enough that the units had to be secured to the shelves. We did this> to simulate the vibration of shipping via truck and aircraft. We then checked> each unit for adjustment changes, etc. If they failed on the vibrator they were> repaired and sent back to the vibrator for another run.> > We never had a unit come back due to bad soldering or loose nuts and bolts> because the vibration burn in would find these troubles for us before we> shipped.> > It's possible that tested K3 units are suffering from vibration during shipping> which is revealing those anomalies that won't show up until after the units and> kits are subjected to shipping vibration. You might be surprised how much> vibration a cargo aircraft has during takeoff, landing and flight. Then there> are the cross country trucks and local delivery trucks that have a lot more> vibration in their cargo areas than an aircraft.> > Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq> > "They that can give up essential liberty> to obtain a little temporary safety > deserve neither liberty nor safety."> > --Benjamin Franklin 1775> > > Support the entire Constitution, not > just the parts you like.> > http://www.n5ge.com> http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE> > _______________________________________________> 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_______________________________________________
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

Bill W4ZV

Re: kit versus built

In reply to this post by Ian Stirling, G4ICV, AB2GR

Ian Stirling, G4ICV, AB2GR wrote

On Thursday 27 March 2008 03:23:10 pm John wrote:

> My point was that if you get an assembled K3, factory
> tested and ready to go, your chances of having a problem are about
> zero.

This, and others reports of SMD components not being soldered
suggests that the boards are not fully tested.

Nice undocumented shot Ian. When making comments like that please provide specific details. The only report I've seen of an unsoldered component was K7UP's report of an an axial resistor lead which appeared to be some sort of rework on the synthesizer board. It was not an SMD component.

http://www.nabble.com/Re%3A-K3-problems-td15994108.html#a15994108

In looking at the photo below carefully, it appears the leg may have once been tack-soldered but came loose later...probably in shipment or handling. I seriously doubt the person who soldered that component left it in the state seen in the photo below.

http://00497f5.netsolhost.com/radio/k3synth1.JPG

Please document your comment above...otherwise I'll treat it as hearsay from someone who may have actually never seen real K3 boards.

73, Bill W4ZV