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k3s radio kit

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stengrevics

Re: k3s radio kit

I’ll chime in. I had never built anything previously. So, successfully building the K3S gave me a great sense of accomplishment.

The assembly manual for the K3S is excellent. Follow it carefully.

I made 3 goofs during construction. No big problems, easily diagnosed by tech support.

I believe I made the mistakes by working too late into the night when I should have gone to bed.

Moral of the story: Follow the manual religiously, don’t be in a hurry.

WA1EAZ

> On Aug 5, 2016, at 5:36 PM, Ralph Parker <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> >Pay very close attention to the screw lengths and sort them out carefully...
> >later you may need the 3/16" and the 1/4" is tooo long :)
>
> Amen to that, brother!
> After 50+ years of building radios, I built my K3 very carefully.
> However, on completion, the output was very intermittent. Tapping on the cabinet would trigger the problem. I tried everything, including on line and on-the-phone discussions with the Elcraft service dept.
> Finally, I boxed it up and sent it to the doctor.
> They diagnosed the problem right out of the box, with no tools.
> I had placed two lockwashers on the wrong end of the screws holding the driver transistors to the bottom of the case, so they made only intermittent contact. Bingo! Was my face red!
>
> The moral of the story: be careful, and check EVERYTHING during assembly.
>
> VE7XF
>
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Charlie T, K3ICH

Re: k3s radio kit

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

I would suggest a JIS screwdriver set. I found they fit better than
standard Phillips. They are more like a Fearson drive than Phillips.

73, Charlie k3ICH

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don
Wilhelm
Sent: Friday, August 05, 2016 10:52 AM
To: Wayne Michael <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] k3s radio kit

Read the assembly instructions and follow them exactly as written.
Get a new #1 Phillips screwdriver to use.
If you are not accustomed to judging screw lengths accurately, use a ruler
to measure them.
In other words, just follow the instructions.
If you have problems understanding the instructions, ask here on the
reflector and you will receive assistance.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/5/2016 10:05 AM, Wayne Michael wrote:
> Any advise for a putting a K3S together?
> I just ordered it.
>
>

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kstover

Re: k3s radio kit

In reply to this post by gm3sek

Ditto, and here's another vote for hemostats.

The first tool I acquired before building my K2 was a collection of
curved nose and straight 8" hemostats, smooth and serrated. I married
into a family full of doctors so the price was right and being stainless
steel won't ever rust. Second thing was three brand new high quality
magnetized #0, 1, and 2 Phillips screw drivers. They haven't been used
on anything other than Elecraft "stuff".

On 8/5/2016 2:49 PM, Ian White wrote:

>> NOTHING in the process requires hammers or force...
>>
> That's a very good point to remember: EVERYTHING FITS CORRECTLY. If
> something doesn't seem to fit quite right, you only need to line it up
> better... then sure enough, it fits after all.
>
> There were many other good points earlier, especially about buying a
> *new* Phillips #1 screwdriver. You probably needed one anyway.
> (Europeans: that really does mean Phillips, not Pozidriv!)
>
> The self-locking 6in forceps (aka hemostats) are excellent for
> positioning washers and nuts in hard-to-reach places. They are also are
> the ideal tool for jiggling TMP plugs into place.
>
> One other word of comfort: all of those connectors become much easier to
> insert and remove after the first time.
>
>
> 73 from Ian GM3SEK
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
>> Clay Autery
>> Sent: 05 August 2016 20:08
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] k3s radio kit
>>
>> Yes...
>>
>> 1) While awaiting its delivery, download all the latest PDF documents
>> for assembly and operation (sometimes combined) for each component in
>> your setup.
>> 2) Read ALL of them.
>> 3) Re-read the K3s assembly manual.
>> 4) Make SURE you have all the required tools and materials on hand.
>> 5) Upon arrival, DO THE INVENTORY FIRST... down to every little piece
>> of hardware.
>> 6) Segregate hardware using labeled ZipLoc baggies for each assembly
> step.
>> (If there is any missing parts/hardware, do a SINGLE shortage request
> to
>> Elecraft)
>> 7) Make sure you have an assembly area which will be large enough and
>> undisturbed/low traffic.
>> 8) Go slowly... ENJOY the process... And fit things together as
> closely
>> and squarely as possible.
>>
>> NOTHING in the process requires hammers or force...
>>
>> If you have a question, feel free to email the list or me directly.
>>
>> Congratulations on becoming the owner of the world's best radio! :-)
>>
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ______________________
>> Clay Autery, KY5G
>> MONTAC Enterprises
>> (318) 518-1389
>>
>> On 8/5/2016 9:05 AM, Wayne Michael wrote:
>>> Any advise for a putting a K3S together?
>>> I just ordered it.
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>> 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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--
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
ARRL
FISTS #11993
SKCC #215
NAQCC #3441

---
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Don Wilhelm

Re: k3s radio kit

Kevin,

While the magnetized screwdrivers may be a bit of a help for the K3/K3S
or KX3 build, I prefer to keep anything magnetized away from my
workbench. I do work with thru-hole components in the Elecraft legacy
gear and have bits of cutoff leads "afloat" on my workbench most of the
time.
Those leads are collected on any magnetic tool and become a PITA to
remove before using the tool.

I have an old Weller soldering gun on the floor next to the workbench
whose only purpose is to provide the AC field in the loop formed by its
tip - that field is used to de-magnetize screwdrivers, pliers and any
other tools used on the workbench.

One does not have to deal with clipped component leads in the assembly
of the K3S or KX3, so your situation may be different than mine. For
me, no magnetic tools.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/5/2016 7:53 PM, Kevin wrote:

> Ditto, and here's another vote for hemostats.
>
> The first tool I acquired before building my K2 was a collection of
> curved nose and straight 8" hemostats, smooth and serrated. I married
> into a family full of doctors so the price was right and being
> stainless steel won't ever rust. Second thing was three brand new high
> quality magnetized #0, 1, and 2 Phillips screw drivers. They haven't
> been used on anything other than Elecraft "stuff".
>
>

Edward R Cole

Re: k3s radio kit

In reply to this post by Wayne Michael

Hey folks, stop raiding your wife's kitchen; go to your local store
(Walmart is where I went) and look in the sports dept for tackle
boxes. You're likely to find similar clear plastic organizer boxes
for the home shop. I have several of them to hold and organize small
parts, hardware, electronic components, etal.

Just identify each part, group similar sizes and place them in
separate compartments. Then as you go methodically thru the
installation manual as you build - it will be much easier to find the
proper part to use.

I have separate boxes reserved for specific kits (but then I am a
"professional" kit builder).

BTW I keep all the extra parts so later if building the same kit and
a part is missing I can just reach into my spare parts to replace the
missing part (also nice when that sm part is lost in the carpet).

Be sure to write Ron if a step seems confusing as he depends on your
feedback to improve the manuals. One reaches a limit where self
proof reading is effective <been there>

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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Don Wilhelm

Re: k3s radio kit

Hi all,

I also like Brie and Camembert - yummy cheese!

My assembly practices differ from Ron's, I put all the hardware parts
into a tray (no dividers).
From previous experience from a 10 year woodworking career, I have a
very good idea of the difference between 3/16 inch and 1/4 inch as well
as the difference between 2-56 hardware and 4-40 or 6-32 hardware.
So I can mix them all up and pick out the proper size from the mixture.
Yes, if there is any doubt in my mind about the size, I will measure it,
and I do have an engineer's rule at the workbench exactly for that purpose.

I acknowledge that not everyone has developed that skill, but for those
who have it, the task is greatly simplified.

Those who lack that skill may need to sort the hardware into separate
muffin tins or other containers with marker tags as a reminder of the
size in the compartment.
Actually, I hate those muffin tins or plastic box compartments because I
cannot just reach in with my fingers and pull out a component - pliers
or tweezers are needed to extract a screw or other component from those
containers.

Ron's use of the cheese boxes is a good one because it allows you to
grab the needed screw with your fingers - however, those larger
containers take up more space on the working area.

So -- judge your skill at identifying screw sizes correctly and work
accordingly - neither is right or wrong. Just do what will allow you to
select the right size component when it is needed with the least amount
of extra effort in the process.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/5/2016 9:30 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Ha, Ha!!! Actually I do most of the cooking here and have a fondness for
> Brie and Camembert cheese that comes in little circular wooden containers
> about 4.5 inches in diameter and an inch high. They are my favorite parts
> boxes. If I'm sorting a bunch of small screws by size, etc., I use many of
> them put a slip of paper in with them that shows the size in that container.
>
>
> A bench discipline that I maintain is to NEVER (make that 24 point Gothic)
> set a screw or other small part on the table. It MUST go into one of those
> containers. That saves me from putting a bit of panty hose or sheer stocking
> over the end of my vacuum suction hose and carefully going over the entire
> floor until the missing part is stuck to the hose covering the vacuum
> opening.
>
> A lot of builders have weighed in with their favorite tools to build. Wayne
> has asked me to keep the tool list to what is needed. I use ONLY the tools
> in the list in the manual (even though I may have other favorites) to build
> the test units. We didn't want people to think they had to run out and buy a
> bunch of special tools. If you have something that works better for you, by
> all means use it.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Edward
> R Cole
> Sent: Friday, August 5, 2016 5:46 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] k3s radio kit
>
> Hey folks, stop raiding your wife's kitchen; go to your local store (Walmart
> is where I went) and look in the sports dept for tackle boxes. You're
> likely to find similar clear plastic organizer boxes for the home shop. I
> have several of them to hold and organize small parts, hardware, electronic
> components, etal.
> ...
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
> "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
> [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]
>

Hisashi T Fujinaka

Re: k3s radio kit

In reply to this post by Wayne Michael

My least favorite part is all the errata. Make all the notes in the
manual about where you have to look at the other piece of paper. You'll
see what I mean when you download the manual and the errata.

I'd suggest just-in-time printing and versioned manuals, but I don't run
the company.

On Fri, 5 Aug 2016, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> In addition to Wayne's comments,
>
> 1) Do the parts inventory even though your fingers are itching to start
> assembly. That's something many of us skip over and finding and identifying
> each part before you start helps avoid confusion during assembly. There's no
> "Aaaaargh!" moment as bad as discovering that you used the wrong screw a few
> pages back and now you don't have it when it is needed. Besides, doing that
> in some steps can damage parts.
>
> 2) Be sure to check off each step in the assembly instructions. Check boxes
> are provided. Skipping a step is one of the most common reasons why a
> builder has to "back up" and reassemble a portion of the kit again after
> leaving something out. Checking the boxes helps make a skipped step stand
> out before you go too far.
>
> 3) If a step is not clear, feel free to drop me a note ([hidden email] or
> [hidden email]). I wrote the manual and the primary reason I try to keep an
> eye on this reflector is to pick up any issues people might report
> assembling their kits. Of course, during regular M-F business hours you can
> also contact [hidden email]. I'm not at the factory, so they are the
> people to contact in the unlikely event something is missing.
>
> 4) Have fun building. Have fun operating.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Wayne
> Michael
> Sent: Friday, August 5, 2016 7:05 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] k3s radio kit
>
> Any advise for a putting a K3S together?
> I just ordered it.
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
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> 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]
>

--
Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
BSEE + BSChem + BAEnglish + MSCS + $2.50 = coffee
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Vic Rosenthal

Re: k3s radio kit

In reply to this post by Edward R Cole

I like metal cupcake tins (muffin pans). They are shaped so it's easy to get little parts out, and you can set them on your antistatic mat or connect them to it.
--
Vic 4X6GP

On August 6, 2016 3:45:43 AM GMT+03:00, Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Hey folks, stop raiding your wife's kitchen; go to your local store
>(Walmart is where I went) and look in the sports dept for tackle
>boxes. You're likely to find similar clear plastic organizer boxes
>for the home shop. I have several of them to hold and organize small
>parts, hardware, electronic components, etal.
>
>Just identify each part, group similar sizes and place them in
>separate compartments. Then as you go methodically thru the
>installation manual as you build - it will be much easier to find the
>proper part to use.
>
>I have separate boxes reserved for specific kits (but then I am a
>"professional" kit builder).
>
>BTW I keep all the extra parts so later if building the same kit and
>a part is missing I can just reach into my spare parts to replace the
>missing part (also nice when that sm part is lost in the carpet).
>
>Be sure to write Ron if a step seems confusing as he depends on your
>feedback to improve the manuals. One reaches a limit where self
>proof reading is effective <been there>
>
>73, Ed - KL7UW
>http://www.kl7uw.com
> "Kits made by KL7UW"
>Dubus Mag business:
> [hidden email]

James Walker

Re: k3s radio kit

Has anyone mentioned the styrofoam method? I’ve always saved a good chunk of styrofoam from an appliance purchase to be used to stick parts in. It works super for capacitors, resistors and similarly shaped parts. It’s a bit tedious to put the parts into the foam block one by one, but it makes identifying and selecting them for installation so much easier during kit construction. Also, they don’t fall out easily.

Jimmy Walker
WA4ILO
Macon, GA

On Aug 6, 2016, at 12:51 AM, Vic Rosenthal <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:

I like metal cupcake tins (muffin pans). They are shaped so it's easy to get little parts out, and you can set them on your antistatic mat or connect them to it.

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Don Wilhelm

Re: k3s radio kit

Jimmy,

I do *not* recommend using styrofoam. It can generate a lot of static.
If you have some of the black anti-static foam, that is OK.
With the K3S, there are no leaded parts, so there are no leads to stick
into the block anyway.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/6/2016 9:56 AM, James Walker wrote:
> Has anyone mentioned the styrofoam method? I’ve always saved a good chunk of styrofoam from an appliance purchase to be used to stick parts in. It works super for capacitors, resistors and similarly shaped parts. It’s a bit tedious to put the parts into the foam block one by one, but it makes identifying and selecting them for installation so much easier during kit construction. Also, they don’t fall out easily.
>
>

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Edward R Cole

Re: k3s radio kit

In reply to this post by Wayne Michael

Good point not to put static sensitive items on plastic. I leave
those in their anti-static envelopes until ready to install them on
the ckt board (always anti-static pad in use). My solder iron is
anti-static which is helpful, too.

I have anti static side cutters and long nose plus ground my jewler's
forceps just before picking up a sensitive device. The less handling
of those the better your odds of being successful installing them.

But saying that, I have accidently dropped them on the carpet and
they survived. I have removed sm devices and re-installed them
successfully (though odds get worse if you have to do
that). Normally, if I have a spare, I just toss the removed item
(most are not expensive).

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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Bill Frantz

Re: k3s radio kit

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

I have used egg cartons and ice cube trays as well as muffin
pans and glass bowls. I usually can reach a finger into both the
egg cartons and ice cube trays to slide a small part up the side
without using tweezers.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 8/5/16 at 8:03 PM, [hidden email] (Don Wilhelm) wrote:

>Those who lack that skill may need to sort the hardware into
>separate muffin tins or other containers with marker tags as a
>reminder of the size in the compartment.
>Actually, I hate those muffin tins or plastic box compartments
>because I cannot just reach in with my fingers and pull out a
>component - pliers or tweezers are needed to extract a screw or
>other component from those containers.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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(408)356-8506 | because I can get fruits and | 16345
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com | vegetables without stickers. | Los Gatos,
CA 95032

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