Kit or factory assembled K3?

[Richard W Hemingway]

One more question: Kit or factory assembled K3?

Thanks for your help. I am practically 86 but I think that I could handle the kit.

Dick, N5XRD
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[Dave Hachadorian-2]

I think it is well worth the extra $200 to purchase at least a
basic factory-assembled K3-10.

If you are interested in saving a few bucks and getting to know
the innards of the rig, then you can add all the extra stuff
yourself.

The main advantage of getting the assembled rig is the final
factory acceptance test, verifying that all of the circuitry and
features of the main board are operational.  This eliminates the
possibility that the radio is not Dead On Assembly, as happened
to me, through no fault of my own.  Elecraft cannot test every
circuit on that main board when they do the testing at the board
level.

The radio is a great value, even at the factory-assembled price.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, Arizona







-----Original Message-----
From: Richard W Hemingway
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 12:22 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3?

One more question: Kit or factory assembled K3?

Thanks for your help. I am practically 86 but I think that I
could handle the kit.

Dick, N5XRD
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[Bill Clarke]

I built the K3 and bought the P3. To do it again, I would have bought
the K3 built also.

It isn't putting it together - took about eight hours and nothing was
difficult. However, the P3 was up and running in 30 minutes. And, of
course, there is the factor of "factory tested."

I plan on the 500 Wat amp and tuner soon and will buy them built.

Just have to find a justification for the new amp. I have a single 3-500
and a PalStar tuner that do a fine job on 75 meters. I rarely touch
them, as most of the frequencies I use are quite close to one another.
But, it would give me an excuse to design and built a new radio desk. I
enjoy woodworking.

Bill W2BLC


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[Matt Moller]

Good afternoon all. Today I decided to dust of my W2 and put it back in
service but had something odd happen after updating the firmware (from
0.94 to 1.00) and was wondering if anyone else had seen this. The
firmware load went fine and afterward everything was working great
except for adjustment of the SWR alarm trip point. Sending the [ and ]
commands with the W2 Utility always resulted in a response of [00; or
]00; regardless of how many times they were sent. This happened whether
or not the alarm function was enabled or a sensor was connected to the
W2. I also tried powering it off then back on, restarting the W2
utility, etc. with no changes. All other commands worked as expected. My
computer (Windows 7) doesn't have a real serial port so I'm using the
KUSB cable with FTDI chipset which has never given me any trouble.

I noticed that firmware v0.94 did not have this capability and I had
never used the alarm function before anyhow. Maybe that had something to
do with it? I finally thought that maybe a plug had to be in the 'REM'
jack on the back of the unit for the alarm function to respond so I
tried that. The first reponse was again [00; but after that it came back
with [50; indicating it was set for 5.0 and it started working as it
should. I was then able to vary the trip point up and down (from 1.2 to
5.0) and get the response I expected. After that I tried removing the
cable and it kept working, power cycling the unit (including turning off
the power supply it was connected to) with and without the cable and it
kept working. It seems to be fine now, so I'm not sure what I did or
didn't do. I built the W2 from the "kit" if that matters, but it has
always worked great excluding this. Thanks for your input.

Matt / KG6KSL

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[Dave Hachadorian-2]

The main board in my kit had a component that was improperly
soldered.  It was explained to me at the time that the defect was
not detectable in board-level testing.  Maybe that testing has
improved over time.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, Arizona



-----Original Message-----
From: Ron D'Eau Claire
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 3:13 PM
To: 'Dave Hachadorian' ; 'Elecraft Reflector'
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3?

I believe the individual boards in the kits undergo the same
production
testing as the factory-assembled units. Eric has weighed in on
that point in
the past.

73, Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dave
Hachadorian
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 12:36 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3?

I think it is well worth the extra $200 to purchase at least a
basic
factory-assembled K3-10.

If you are interested in saving a few bucks and getting to know
the innards
of the rig, then you can add all the extra stuff yourself.

The main advantage of getting the assembled rig is the final
factory
acceptance test, verifying that all of the circuitry and features
of the
main board are operational.  This eliminates the possibility that
the radio
is not Dead On Assembly, as happened to me, through no fault of
my own.
Elecraft cannot test every circuit on that main board when they
do the
testing at the board level.

The radio is a great value, even at the factory-assembled price.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, Arizona

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[k6dgw]

Hi Dick,

I've built all my Elecraft radios and accessories [K2, KX1, K3, P3,
KPA500, KAT500, and a W1].  I was 63 when I built the K2, it took a lot
of concentration and no building if tired or had a glass of wine or a
beer with dinner.  I banned the vacuum from the room for the duration.

I built my KX1 when I was 64.  Smaller project, tighter quarters,
equally hard.  I built my K3 [S/N 642] when I was 65.  It's all
mechanical, but quite a bit of the work required good fine motor
coordination.  It went OK.

I'm 72 now, about to score another birthday.  I *might* consider
building a K2, it's all thru-hole parts.  I wouldn't build a KX1.  I
built my KPA500 a year or so ago, like the K3, it's basically
mechanical, there are wires and cables to connect.  Again, fine motor
coordination and reasonably good vision required.  The toroid power xfmr
is fairly heavy.  KAT500 went together fairly quickly.

If you're 85, you might consider the extra cost of the factory assembled
unit, especially if you don't have good vision, a way of measuring
screws, and generally good dexterity with small parts.

Just my experiences, if I live to 86, given the progress of my old
injuries, I doubt I'd build a K3.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2013 Cal QSO Party 5-6 Oct 2013
- www.cqp.org

On 5/26/2013 12:22 PM, Richard W Hemingway wrote:
> One more question: Kit or factory assembled K3?
>
> Thanks for your help. I am practically 86 but I think that I could handle the kit.
>
> Dick, N5XRD


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[N0AZZ]

The factory assembled radios are given a 8 hr. burn in after all
calibrations are done then are gone through and all settings are checked
again as well as all final checks. Well worth the minimum charge for all
they do and everything that is checked at least 3 times. 1 when board is
completed. 2 when radio is built.3 after the final 8 hr. burn in. then
shipped to you.

Then there is the best part all of the people at Elecraft who help all of us
every day.


73,
Fred/N0AZZ
K3 Ser #'s 6730/5299--KX3 # 2573--K2/100--KAT100
P3/SVGA--KPA500--KAT500--W2



-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:14 PM
To: 'Dave Hachadorian'; 'Elecraft Reflector'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3?

I believe the individual boards in the kits undergo the same production
testing as the factory-assembled units. Eric has weighed in on that point in
the past.

73, Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dave Hachadorian
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 12:36 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3?

I think it is well worth the extra $200 to purchase at least a basic
factory-assembled K3-10.

If you are interested in saving a few bucks and getting to know the innards
of the rig, then you can add all the extra stuff yourself.

The main advantage of getting the assembled rig is the final factory
acceptance test, verifying that all of the circuitry and features of the
main board are operational.  This eliminates the possibility that the radio
is not Dead On Assembly, as happened to me, through no fault of my own.
Elecraft cannot test every circuit on that main board when they do the
testing at the board level.

The radio is a great value, even at the factory-assembled price.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, Arizona


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[w7aqk]

Dick,

My first inclination would be to say "do the kit".  As others have said,
it's not terribly difficult--more assembly than anything, and you just put
it together piece by piece.  Perhaps the most laborious part of the process
is doing a careful inventory of the parts, and arranging them logically so
you put the right screw in the right hole!  As one guy once said to me about
assembling the K3, "if you can pump gas, you can put this together!"  An
exaggeration, and he was joking of course, but he was primarily being
complimentary to the very excellent engineering that went into this rig.

However, you add the admonition about your age, which should give me, or
anyone else, some hesitancy.  The fact you are even contemplating the kit
suggest to me that your age is not a terribly limiting factor.  I know lots
of folks in that age range who could do this kit nicely, and hopefully you
fit that category.  The main thing would be decent eyesight.  You have to be
reasonably careful to make sure you align pins into connectors, etc.  So,
with due respect to your years, and knowing my eyesight isn't as good as it
once was, I would at least give you that caution.

There is no soldering involved, and all the parts fit nicely together--some
take a little coaxing, but they do fit neatly.  I compare this project,
somewhat, to putting a computer together from the various boards and large
components.  It's probably a little more complex than that, primarily due to
the close fitting of components, but with care and patience, it works.

I would urge you to go through the assembly manual, which is available
online, and see if anything jumps out at you as being potentially
problematic.  Also, you could always get a 2nd pair of eyes to follow along
as you do it, which would greatly reduce the chance for any problems.

It's rewarding to do stuff like this yourself, but then again, it doesn't
make a lot of sense to be "penny wise and pound foolish."  If you have been
doing any "constructing" lately, I'd guess it would be no problem.
Otherwise, see what you think based on the manual.

Dave W7AQK

 

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[george fritkin]

I have two K3s.  One was a kit the other factory built.  I really did not get much out of building the kit.  It is simple, all mechanical, and some stages require  caution.
 
FYI I am a 74 year old retired EE with lots of bread boarding and kit experience.  Also I have a KX3 which I bought factory build as well my KAT500
 
George, W6GF

________________________________
 From: Dyarnes <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 9:59 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3?
 

Dick,

My first inclination would be to say "do the kit".  As others have said,
it's not terribly difficult--more assembly than anything, and you just put
it together piece by piece.  Perhaps the most laborious part of the process
is doing a careful inventory of the parts, and arranging them logically so
you put the right screw in the right hole!  As one guy once said to me about
assembling the K3, "if you can pump gas, you can put this together!"  An
exaggeration, and he was joking of course, but he was primarily being
complimentary to the very excellent engineering that went into this rig.

However, you add the admonition about your age, which should give me, or
anyone else, some hesitancy.  The fact you are even contemplating the kit
suggest to me that your age is not a terribly limiting factor.  I know lots
of folks in that age range who could do this kit nicely, and hopefully you
fit that category.  The main thing would be decent eyesight.  You have to be
reasonably careful to make sure you align pins into connectors, etc.  So,
with due respect to your years, and knowing my eyesight isn't as good as it
once was, I would at least give you that caution.

There is no soldering involved, and all the parts fit nicely together--some
take a little coaxing, but they do fit neatly.  I compare this project,
somewhat, to putting a computer together from the various boards and large
components.  It's probably a little more complex than that, primarily due to
the close fitting of components, but with care and patience, it works.

I would urge you to go through the assembly manual, which is available
online, and see if anything jumps out at you as being potentially
problematic.  Also, you could always get a 2nd pair of eyes to follow along
as you do it, which would greatly reduce the chance for any problems.

It's rewarding to do stuff like this yourself, but then again, it doesn't
make a lot of sense to be "penny wise and pound foolish."  If you have been
doing any "constructing" lately, I'd guess it would be no problem.
Otherwise, see what you think based on the manual.

Dave W7AQK



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[Bill Blomgren]

I've built LOTS of electronics over the years... but frankly I'm not sure I
have enough time to build a K3.. (which is what I'm currently looking
at..) - or a KX3.

My problem: deciding which options will be useful.  I've never "done" hf...
I've been a broadcaster (with 20kw into 4" heliax with an antenna "way up
thereeeeee.." or a pile of verticals that I never have to touch because the
tuning was done correctly N years ago....  I had the Tech for 2 months, and
with my background splurged on taking both the general and extra.. and
somehow managed to pass both.  (Thanks to the DurHamFest and their VE's!)

I'm not sure what will be needed at this point.  Right now, I don't 'do'
code. Never learned it.  I will eventually pick it up, but not right at
first... Computer? but of course... That's the sort of stuff I do for a
living, so morse from keyboard? No issue.  Reading what comes back?  The
computer can handle that.

Pactor?  Shoot.. I'm a tcp/ip junkie... it's not IP, but it is a packet from
point A to someplace else.. Can do.

Other that that.. I'm really not sure what options will be required in a 100
watt/living in an apartment with resulting ugly antenna issue world will
need.  Obviously the antenna tuner, but what else is everyone finding
useful. (I can skip the 2 meter add on for the time being... probably can
find a 6 meter antenna I can fudge into functionality.. SOMETHING for 20 to
6 meters perhaps...or 20 through 10... Again, not sure what will be needed.

Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with every possible
bell and whistle.. but.... is it all something a newb will use?

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[w0mu]

The good thing is you can add stuff later, if you need it.

I would start out with a CW filter/RTTY Filter, 100 watts and the tuner.
    If you plan to xmit FM or AM you will need the appropriate filter.  
The Xvter board is nice if you use receiving antennas.  The sub Rcv is
great if you like to tune multiple bands at the same time.  If you want
general coverage then you will need that module.

The kits are fairly simplistic to build.  The boards are built and
tested.  It is a matter of building the case around the parts.  I
enjoyed building both of mine and my amp.  They really don't take too
long to build.  If you don't have the time then have Elecraft build it,
the additional cost is reasonable.

If you are into QRP then look at the KX3.

Mike W0MU

On 5/27/2013 3:51 PM, Bill Blomgren wrote:

>
> I've built LOTS of electronics over the years... but frankly I'm not
> sure I have enough time to build a K3.. (which is what I'm currently
> looking at..) - or a KX3.
>
> My problem: deciding which options will be useful.  I've never "done"
> hf... I've been a broadcaster (with 20kw into 4" heliax with an
> antenna "way up thereeeeee.." or a pile of verticals that I never have
> to touch because the tuning was done correctly N years ago....  I had
> the Tech for 2 months, and with my background splurged on taking both
> the general and extra.. and somehow managed to pass both.  (Thanks to
> the DurHamFest and their VE's!)
>
> I'm not sure what will be needed at this point.  Right now, I don't
> 'do' code. Never learned it.  I will eventually pick it up, but not
> right at first... Computer? but of course... That's the sort of stuff
> I do for a living, so morse from keyboard? No issue.  Reading what
> comes back?  The computer can handle that.
>
> Pactor?  Shoot.. I'm a tcp/ip junkie... it's not IP, but it is a
> packet from point A to someplace else.. Can do.
>
> Other that that.. I'm really not sure what options will be required in
> a 100 watt/living in an apartment with resulting ugly antenna issue
> world will need.  Obviously the antenna tuner, but what else is
> everyone finding useful. (I can skip the 2 meter add on for the time
> being... probably can find a 6 meter antenna I can fudge into
> functionality.. SOMETHING for 20 to 6 meters perhaps...or 20 through
> 10... Again, not sure what will be needed.
>
> Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with every
> possible bell and whistle.. but.... is it all something a newb will use?
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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[Brendon Whateley]

That has not been my experience at all.  They come back with "how do you operate or intend to operate" and then go from there.  Since so many of them use the equipment, I found them to be a great resource when ordering.  It all comes down to knowing what you want to do...

- Brendon
KK6AYI

On May 27, 2013, at 2:51 PM, Bill Blomgren wrote:

> Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with every possible bell and whistle.. but.... is it all something a newb will use?

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[Robert Biamonte]

Hello,
I built the K3, the Panadapter and the 500w amp with no trouble at  
all. I liked the ancient Heathkits and this was much easier. Each kit  
consists of plugging things together or inserting boards into  
connectors and the like. The instructions are straight forward and  
the Tech Support people are tops.  As I was building, I even ordered  
other goodies, like filters and a Headset/Mike combo.
I thought it was a lot of fun to build a radio station again.
73 Rob WB2OMW

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[Josh Fiden]

Considering you're initially running SSB with compromised antennas, I
would definitely look at K3-100 and not run QRP. You don't need any
filter to start besides the stock 2.7 or 8-pole 2.8kHz, the DSP will do
the rest until you know what you want to do and where you want improved
performance. As W0MU correctly noted, you can always add whatever you
want. This is a great feature of the K3! You will want an antenna tuner,
either the internal KAT3, or if you want the option of running more
power later, you might consider putting the cost of the KAT3 into a
KAT500 which accomplishes the same thing but accommodates up to 1KW.
Alternately, if you anticipate wanting to load up a wet noodle (possible
in an apartment), some external tuners will give you more flexibility.
Last, my favorite bargain headset Yamaha CM100 and you're in business!

Welcome to HF!

73,
Josh W6XU


On 5/27/2013 3:12 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:

> The good thing is you can add stuff later, if you need it.
>
> I would start out with a CW filter/RTTY Filter, 100 watts and the
> tuner.    If you plan to xmit FM or AM you will need the appropriate
> filter.  The Xvter board is nice if you use receiving antennas.  The
> sub Rcv is great if you like to tune multiple bands at the same time.  
> If you want general coverage then you will need that module.
>
> The kits are fairly simplistic to build.  The boards are built and
> tested.  It is a matter of building the case around the parts.  I
> enjoyed building both of mine and my amp.  They really don't take too
> long to build.  If you don't have the time then have Elecraft build
> it, the additional cost is reasonable.
>
> If you are into QRP then look at the KX3.
>
> Mike W0MU
>
> On 5/27/2013 3:51 PM, Bill Blomgren wrote:
>>
>> I've built LOTS of electronics over the years... but frankly I'm not
>> sure I have enough time to build a K3.. (which is what I'm currently
>> looking at..) - or a KX3.
>>
>> My problem: deciding which options will be useful.  I've never "done"
>> hf... I've been a broadcaster (with 20kw into 4" heliax with an
>> antenna "way up thereeeeee.." or a pile of verticals that I never
>> have to touch because the tuning was done correctly N years ago....  
>> I had the Tech for 2 months, and with my background splurged on
>> taking both the general and extra.. and somehow managed to pass
>> both.  (Thanks to the DurHamFest and their VE's!)
>>
>> I'm not sure what will be needed at this point.  Right now, I don't
>> 'do' code. Never learned it.  I will eventually pick it up, but not
>> right at first... Computer? but of course... That's the sort of stuff
>> I do for a living, so morse from keyboard? No issue.  Reading what
>> comes back?  The computer can handle that.
>>
>> Pactor?  Shoot.. I'm a tcp/ip junkie... it's not IP, but it is a
>> packet from point A to someplace else.. Can do.
>>
>> Other that that.. I'm really not sure what options will be required
>> in a 100 watt/living in an apartment with resulting ugly antenna
>> issue world will need.  Obviously the antenna tuner, but what else is
>> everyone finding useful. (I can skip the 2 meter add on for the time
>> being... probably can find a 6 meter antenna I can fudge into
>> functionality.. SOMETHING for 20 to 6 meters perhaps...or 20 through
>> 10... Again, not sure what will be needed.
>>
>> Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with every
>> possible bell and whistle.. but.... is it all something a newb will use?
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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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>
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[n7ws]

I've designed and built a lot of gear in my 55 years of ham radio (see http://sadxa.org/n7ws.html for a couple of the simpler projects).  I also "built" my K3/100, which isn't much of a challenge, but frankly if I were you and time was limited, I would just buy one assembled.

For options, maybe the 2.8 KHz filter upgrade (I'm not sure I would do that again either), the ATU (I use resonant antennas or a linear "antenna tuner") so I didn't include one.  If you are going to do RTTY you might want the 400Hz filter and it will come in handy if you ever use CW.  Of course the 100W option, otherwise, you're done.

Wes  N7WS

--- On Mon, 5/27/13, Bill Blomgren <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> I've built LOTS of electronics over the years... but frankly
> I'm not sure I have enough time to build a K3.. (which is
> what I'm currently looking at..) - or a KX3.
>
> My problem: deciding which options will be useful. 
> I've never "done" hf... I've been a broadcaster (with 20kw
> into 4" heliax with an antenna "way up thereeeeee.." or a
> pile of verticals that I never have to touch because the
> tuning was done correctly N years ago....  I had the
> Tech for 2 months, and with my background splurged on taking
> both the general and extra.. and somehow managed to pass
> both.  (Thanks to the DurHamFest and their VE's!)
>
> I'm not sure what will be needed at this point.  Right
> now, I don't 'do' code. Never learned it.  I will
> eventually pick it up, but not right at first... Computer?
> but of course... That's the sort of stuff I do for a living,
> so morse from keyboard? No issue.  Reading what comes
> back?  The computer can handle that.
>
> Pactor?  Shoot.. I'm a tcp/ip junkie... it's not IP,
> but it is a packet from point A to someplace else.. Can do.
>
> Other that that.. I'm really not sure what options will be
> required in a 100 watt/living in an apartment with resulting
> ugly antenna issue world will need.  Obviously the
> antenna tuner, but what else is everyone finding useful. (I
> can skip the 2 meter add on for the time being... probably
> can find a 6 meter antenna I can fudge into functionality..
> SOMETHING for 20 to 6 meters perhaps...or 20 through 10...
> Again, not sure what will be needed.
>
> Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with
> every possible bell and whistle.. but.... is it all
> something a newb will use?

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[Bill Blomgren]

That's the sort of thing I was thinking.. I *really* don't anticipate going
higher than 100 watts.. and will try the tripod antennas they have available
in all probability, and look into building a motorized magnetic loop in all
likelihood.  (I can put nylon straps around the wooden beam holding up the
second floor here.. and move the 2 meter somewhere.. perhaps to the front of
the apartment, hanging from the light outside..<G>

I was looking at ground loops - the only problem there would be RF levels if
a cat or goose decided to get nosey.  (I don't want to injure the critters,
and don't want nosey kids playing with the antenna, naturally.  A tripod
antenna can find its way into the storage room easily... a Mag Loop?  Get it
up to the 6 or 7 foot level, and hope no one yanks on it.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Josh Fiden" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 6:30 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3? and what options?

> Considering you're initially running SSB with compromised antennas, I
> would definitely look at K3-100 and not run QRP. You don't need any filter
> to start besides the stock 2.7 or 8-pole 2.8kHz, the DSP will do the rest
> until you know what you want to do and where you want improved
> performance. As W0MU correctly noted, you can always add whatever you
> want. This is a great feature of the K3! You will want an antenna tuner,
> either the internal KAT3, or if you want the option of running more power
> later, you might consider putting the cost of the KAT3 into a KAT500 which
> accomplishes the same thing but accommodates up to 1KW. Alternately, if
> you anticipate wanting to load up a wet noodle (possible in an apartment),
> some external tuners will give you more flexibility. Last, my favorite
> bargain headset Yamaha CM100 and you're in business!
>
> Welcome to HF!
>
> 73,
> Josh W6XU
>
>
> On 5/27/2013 3:12 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:
>> The good thing is you can add stuff later, if you need it.
>>
>> I would start out with a CW filter/RTTY Filter, 100 watts and the tuner.
>> If you plan to xmit FM or AM you will need the appropriate filter.  The
>> Xvter board is nice if you use receiving antennas.  The sub Rcv is great
>> if you like to tune multiple bands at the same time.  If you want general
>> coverage then you will need that module.
>>
>> The kits are fairly simplistic to build.  The boards are built and
>> tested.  It is a matter of building the case around the parts.  I enjoyed
>> building both of mine and my amp.  They really don't take too long to
>> build.  If you don't have the time then have Elecraft build it, the
>> additional cost is reasonable.
>>
>> If you are into QRP then look at the KX3.
>>
>> Mike W0MU
>>
>> On 5/27/2013 3:51 PM, Bill Blomgren wrote:
>>>
>>> I've built LOTS of electronics over the years... but frankly I'm not
>>> sure I have enough time to build a K3.. (which is what I'm currently
>>> looking at..) - or a KX3.
>>>
>>> My problem: deciding which options will be useful.  I've never "done"
>>> hf... I've been a broadcaster (with 20kw into 4" heliax with an antenna
>>> "way up thereeeeee.." or a pile of verticals that I never have to touch
>>> because the tuning was done correctly N years ago....  I had the Tech
>>> for 2 months, and with my background splurged on taking both the general
>>> and extra.. and somehow managed to pass both.  (Thanks to the DurHamFest
>>> and their VE's!)
>>>
>>> I'm not sure what will be needed at this point.  Right now, I don't 'do'
>>> code. Never learned it.  I will eventually pick it up, but not right at
>>> first... Computer? but of course... That's the sort of stuff I do for a
>>> living, so morse from keyboard? No issue.  Reading what comes back?  The
>>> computer can handle that.
>>>
>>> Pactor?  Shoot.. I'm a tcp/ip junkie... it's not IP, but it is a packet
>>> from point A to someplace else.. Can do.
>>>
>>> Other that that.. I'm really not sure what options will be required in a
>>> 100 watt/living in an apartment with resulting ugly antenna issue world
>>> will need.  Obviously the antenna tuner, but what else is everyone
>>> finding useful. (I can skip the 2 meter add on for the time being...
>>> probably can find a 6 meter antenna I can fudge into functionality..
>>> SOMETHING for 20 to 6 meters perhaps...or 20 through 10... Again, not
>>> sure what will be needed.
>>>
>>> Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with every
>>> possible bell and whistle.. but.... is it all something a newb will use?
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 

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[Don Wilhelm-4]

Bill,

OK, you don't have time to assemble the kit (it only takes 6 to 8 hours
unless you have a lot of options) - so go with the K3/100.
With your antenna limitations, you should add the KXAT3.

All of the other options will depend on your chosen operating.  As a new
General (Congratulations BTW), I would suggest you delay all other
options until you can determine what kind of operation you will be doing
on HF.
There are 2 exceptions to that advice:
1) If you even think you might later want to add the 2nd receiver *and*
operate using diversity mode, get the 8 pole 2.8 kHz filter.
2) If you also desire to listen to SW Broadcast, add the KBPF3, and you
may want either the 6 kHz or 13 kHz filter to receive AM.

I would limit the options to those choices until you have a handle on
what your HF operations will be and once you have a little experience,
you can easily add other options as needed (or desired).

If you get into CW or Data Mode contesting (or DXing) where you are
operating with many other stations close to your frequency, you are
likely to want additional roofing filters to minimize AGC 'pumping'
which result from very strong stations close to your frequency.  If you
venture into CW, you may want either the 250 or the 400 Hz filters - the
400 Hz filter is also great for data modes, but if you use a wide (SSB
width) waterfall when running data modes, that narrow filter will not be
in use.

If you are not serious about working DX in pileup situations or heavy
contesting, the DSP filtering in the K3 will serve admirably.
Even if you are serious about trying some of that kind of operating, I
suggest you try the K3 with just the 2.7 or 2.8 kHz filter until you get
your station on the air and enjoy your contacts.  If you find you need
more roofing filters, the extra filters can be easily added.

Get the K3, then get the HF experience, and then you will know what you
want to add to your K3.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 5/27/2013 6:43 PM, Bill Blomgren wrote:

> That's the sort of thing I was thinking.. I *really* don't anticipate
> going higher than 100 watts.. and will try the tripod antennas they
> have available in all probability, and look into building a motorized
> magnetic loop in all likelihood.  (I can put nylon straps around the
> wooden beam holding up the second floor here.. and move the 2 meter
> somewhere.. perhaps to the front of the apartment, hanging from the
> light outside..<G>
>
> I was looking at ground loops - the only problem there would be RF
> levels if a cat or goose decided to get nosey.  (I don't want to
> injure the critters, and don't want nosey kids playing with the
> antenna, naturally.  A tripod antenna can find its way into the
> storage room easily... a Mag Loop?  Get it up to the 6 or 7 foot
> level, and hope no one yanks on it.
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Josh Fiden" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 6:30 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3? and what options?
>
>
>> Considering you're initially running SSB with compromised antennas, I
>> would definitely look at K3-100 and not run QRP. You don't need any
>> filter to start besides the stock 2.7 or 8-pole 2.8kHz, the DSP will
>> do the rest until you know what you want to do and where you want
>> improved performance. As W0MU correctly noted, you can always add
>> whatever you want. This is a great feature of the K3! You will want
>> an antenna tuner, either the internal KAT3, or if you want the option
>> of running more power later, you might consider putting the cost of
>> the KAT3 into a KAT500 which accomplishes the same thing but
>> accommodates up to 1KW. Alternately, if you anticipate wanting to
>> load up a wet noodle (possible in an apartment), some external tuners
>> will give you more flexibility. Last, my favorite bargain headset
>> Yamaha CM100 and you're in business!
>>
>> Welcome to HF!
>>
>> 73,
>> Josh W6XU
>>

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[Peter Hedberg]

For a Nano second I thought about a self-build but when I considered time
verses cost it was a no brainer for me.  My new K3 and P3 will be delivered
in a couple of days and  a couple of hours after that I will have it on the
air.  I wasn't at all concerned about my ability to assemble the parts and
pieces but  I really like instant gratification so for me to pay the little
extra to have the factory do the assembly and testing made sense for me.   I
pretty much knew what I wanted in the way of accessories but I wasn't real
clear on the filter choices.  Their customer service guru Harold knew the
questions to ask and he walked me through what would be best for my type of
operating.   In the end he even saved me some dollars over my original
choices.

Congratulations Bill on passing the general and extra in one sitting and
welcome to our world.  It's a fantastic place!  

73 - Pete - K7WTG



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Blomgren [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 2:52 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3? and what options?


I've built LOTS of electronics over the years... but frankly I'm not sure I
have enough time to build a K3.. (which is what I'm currently looking
at..) - or a KX3.

My problem: deciding which options will be useful.  I've never "done" hf...
I've been a broadcaster (with 20kw into 4" heliax with an antenna "way up
thereeeeee.." or a pile of verticals that I never have to touch because the
tuning was done correctly N years ago....  I had the Tech for 2 months, and
with my background splurged on taking both the general and extra.. and
somehow managed to pass both.  (Thanks to the DurHamFest and their VE's!)

I'm not sure what will be needed at this point.  Right now, I don't 'do'
code. Never learned it.  I will eventually pick it up, but not right at
first... Computer? but of course... That's the sort of stuff I do for a
living, so morse from keyboard? No issue.  Reading what comes back?  The
computer can handle that.

Pactor?  Shoot.. I'm a tcp/ip junkie... it's not IP, but it is a packet from
point A to someplace else.. Can do.

Other that that.. I'm really not sure what options will be required in a 100
watt/living in an apartment with resulting ugly antenna issue world will
need.  Obviously the antenna tuner, but what else is everyone finding
useful. (I can skip the 2 meter add on for the time being... probably can
find a 6 meter antenna I can fudge into functionality.. SOMETHING for 20 to
6 meters perhaps...or 20 through 10... Again, not sure what will be needed.

Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with every possible
bell and whistle.. but.... is it all something a newb will use?

______________________________________________________________
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[M0AFJ]

Hi Bill and congratulations.

Just a point before you get frustrated, computers reading CW, I wouldn't rely on it!, OK if both sides are using machine morse but if one is using the traditional way.....


Best regards, Tim Hague, M0AFJ
Skype m0afj.Tim
Sent on my iPad


On 28 May 2013, at 03:56, "Peter Hedberg" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> For a Nano second I thought about a self-build but when I considered time
> verses cost it was a no brainer for me.  My new K3 and P3 will be delivered
> in a couple of days and  a couple of hours after that I will have it on the
> air.  I wasn't at all concerned about my ability to assemble the parts and
> pieces but  I really like instant gratification so for me to pay the little
> extra to have the factory do the assembly and testing made sense for me.   I
> pretty much knew what I wanted in the way of accessories but I wasn't real
> clear on the filter choices.  Their customer service guru Harold knew the
> questions to ask and he walked me through what would be best for my type of
> operating.   In the end he even saved me some dollars over my original
> choices.
>
> Congratulations Bill on passing the general and extra in one sitting and
> welcome to our world.  It's a fantastic place!  
>
> 73 - Pete - K7WTG
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill Blomgren [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 2:52 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3? and what options?
>
>
> I've built LOTS of electronics over the years... but frankly I'm not sure I
> have enough time to build a K3.. (which is what I'm currently looking
> at..) - or a KX3.
>
> My problem: deciding which options will be useful.  I've never "done" hf...
> I've been a broadcaster (with 20kw into 4" heliax with an antenna "way up
> thereeeeee.." or a pile of verticals that I never have to touch because the
> tuning was done correctly N years ago....  I had the Tech for 2 months, and
> with my background splurged on taking both the general and extra.. and
> somehow managed to pass both.  (Thanks to the DurHamFest and their VE's!)
>
> I'm not sure what will be needed at this point.  Right now, I don't 'do'
> code. Never learned it.  I will eventually pick it up, but not right at
> first... Computer? but of course... That's the sort of stuff I do for a
> living, so morse from keyboard? No issue.  Reading what comes back?  The
> computer can handle that.
>
> Pactor?  Shoot.. I'm a tcp/ip junkie... it's not IP, but it is a packet from
> point A to someplace else.. Can do.
>
> Other that that.. I'm really not sure what options will be required in a 100
> watt/living in an apartment with resulting ugly antenna issue world will
> need.  Obviously the antenna tuner, but what else is everyone finding
> useful. (I can skip the 2 meter add on for the time being... probably can
> find a 6 meter antenna I can fudge into functionality.. SOMETHING for 20 to
> 6 meters perhaps...or 20 through 10... Again, not sure what will be needed.
>
> Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with every possible
> bell and whistle.. but.... is it all something a newb will use?
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

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[Edward R Cole]

Just to add to Ron's comment (and merely conjecture on my part):

I would guess the pc boards in the K3 kit are tested in a standard
"jig" which connects the various boards and subassemblies so that it
may be fully tested as it would be connected in a fully factory assembled unit.

I worked for an electronic manufacturer many years ago and that is
how all the boards were tested in engineering.  In our case the test
jig had little spring-loaded pointed contacts to the underside of the
pcb to make contacts for testing.  A board was set in the jig and
pressed down with a cam hinged mini arm, board run thru operational
tests, then released.

I was an engineering technician so mainly aided in NAVY acceptance
pre-testing plus doing testing of engineering prototypes.  We
actually found all the 'bugs", made up fixes, and documented them to
feedback to the design engineers who then incorporated these into a
re-design.  A couple loops thru this process resulted in good
operational designs.  It was an ideal job for a "ham" who is used to tinkering.

Later in one project, production required our "expertise in fixing"
to debug production units.  Apparently, the engineers ignored some of
our input (smile).  Since the production line was union labor I could
not physically do anything to help their QA techs.  We could only
stand beside them and talk them thru different procedures and
fixes.  After awhile the QA tech picked our "tricks" well enough that
my shift was very boring.

In today's electronic production lines auto-matic testing is very
common.  The unit under test is installed and a computer controlled
test station does all the tests producing a test report. Failed
boards go back for either repair or the junk bin.

Now I have no ideas how the Elecraft production line actually works
(that would be very interesting to hear about).

Regarding SMD construction, factory processes are very much superior
to hand installation (and faster).  For the most part is does not
make sense to make SMD board kits for assembly by hams.  The K3 "kit"
is the practical way to go in today's electronic technology.  Much
higher reliability results.  You will find the few outfits, that sell
SMD kit boards, preassemble much of the more critical components
leaving only basic chip resistors, caps, transformers and transistors
to install.  I am one of the dying breed of SMD skilled repair
techs.  Almost all new electronic repair is relegated to board
exchange troubleshooting.  On my last job I was outsourced because
there was little need of my expertise anymore.

73, Ed - KL7UW

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