new K3 owner
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Hi. I’ve just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it together properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi.
73, Carl Yaffey K8NU Banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro. recording studio. [hidden email] 614 268 6353, Columbus OH http://www.carl-yaffey.com http://www.grassahol.com ______________________________________________________________ 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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Carl,
Think anti-static. Use a wrist strap as a minimum, but an anti-static mat in addition is highly desirable. The idea is to keep everything within reach at your work area at the same potential. Do *NOT* use a fully conductive work area (like a cookie sheet) - that can be a hazard to your well-being in case there is a short of some kind - sparks and molten metal spewing into the air and onto your body is possible. The anti-static mat and the wrist strap can connect to the ground screw on the plate of an AC receptacle - but make certain the receptacle is properly grounded, you can check with an inexpensive tester that can be found at your DIY or hardware store in the electrical department. Driving a ground stake is totally unnecessary, and can in itself be a hazard if it is not connected to the utility entrance ground stake with a #6 or larger copper wire. As I indicated, the idea is to keep everything at the same potential (even through a high resistance). The wrist strap will have an internal 1 megohm resistor to assure your safety. 2nd, buy yourself a *new* good quality #1 Phillips screwdriver - do not skimp on quality for that item, stripped or partially stripped screwheads can reward you if you ignore this small item. Some will tell you to use a magnetic screwdriver, but I don't like anything magnetic at my workbench - they pick up bits of metallic things and drop them in places where Murphy says they will cause the most damage. Other than that, follow the instructions in the order written - and do an inventory up front. If you do not understand any step, stop and ask, there will be several on this reflector that will try to clarify for you. Have fun with the build, in the end you will have a great transceiver. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/17/2014 4:11 PM, Carl Yaffey wrote: > Hi. I’ve just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it together properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi. > ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Carl Yaffey
Patience and care will reward you with the best, most versatile, most
customizable XCVR currently on the market. Day one: I set up a folding table by the stove, sorted (using a couple of egg cartons for small parts), and read the complete directions. Day two: I spent about six or seven hours doing assembly. Take your time - read the directions twice. Day three: Completed assembly and testing - another five or six hours. Be sure to get the Fred Cady book - it will help you understand the real capabilities of the K3 and show you how to use them. Since then, I have used the K3 five or six hours daily - sometimes more. Complicated and complex? Sure is. Take the time to learn the radio. You will be rewarded with a great experience. Get a pitcher and some ice - you will need it for the Kool Aide. It took me nearly a year to fully appreciate the K3 and become an official Kool Aid drinker. Bill W2BLC K-Line ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Carl Yaffey
Spend the time to check off all parts against the parts
list. Ensures all is there and aquaints you with many similar looking screws (so you don't use the wrong ones). I bought a large Plano plastic parts box (like a fishing tackle box) with many dividers to place the sorted parts. Some items it is best not to remove from packaging until you install them. Also take your time and enjoy the process of building. Rushing usually leads to mistakes. Likewise do not shortcut the instructions. They were written to help you avoid mistakes! Use pencil to check each off as you work (I also check parts shown in diagrams as they are installed). Often the shows up an error before I go too far. K3/10 sn 4340 KX3 sn 475 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] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4
As Don stated prepare yourself for a new level of transceiver performance,
it does take some getting used to 8>) 73, Fred/N0AZZ K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 5210--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100 P3/SVGA--KAT500--W2 Amps Elecraft KPA500 HF/6m--Alpha's 9500 HF--87A HF--Mirage B-5030-G 300+w--(2) B-5016-G's 165w 2m -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 3:52 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new K3 owner Carl, Think anti-static. Use a wrist strap as a minimum, but an anti-static mat in addition is highly desirable. The idea is to keep everything within reach at your work area at the same potential. Do *NOT* use a fully conductive work area (like a cookie sheet) - that can be a hazard to your well-being in case there is a short of some kind - sparks and molten metal spewing into the air and onto your body is possible. The anti-static mat and the wrist strap can connect to the ground screw on the plate of an AC receptacle - but make certain the receptacle is properly grounded, you can check with an inexpensive tester that can be found at your DIY or hardware store in the electrical department. Driving a ground stake is totally unnecessary, and can in itself be a hazard if it is not connected to the utility entrance ground stake with a #6 or larger copper wire. As I indicated, the idea is to keep everything at the same potential (even through a high resistance). The wrist strap will have an internal 1 megohm resistor to assure your safety. 2nd, buy yourself a *new* good quality #1 Phillips screwdriver - do not skimp on quality for that item, stripped or partially stripped screwheads can reward you if you ignore this small item. Some will tell you to use a magnetic screwdriver, but I don't like anything magnetic at my workbench - they pick up bits of metallic things and drop them in places where Murphy says they will cause the most damage. Other than that, follow the instructions in the order written - and do an inventory up front. If you do not understand any step, stop and ask, there will be several on this reflector that will try to clarify for you. Have fun with the build, in the end you will have a great transceiver. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/17/2014 4:11 PM, Carl Yaffey wrote: > Hi. I've just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it together properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi. > ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Carl Yaffey
Be sure you have good tools!. Buy a new, high quality #1 Phillips Screw Driver and use it. Round up all the Reed and Prince cheap screwdrivers that you bought at the bargain store and preferably throw them away, if not keep them with the punches, that is all they are good for. Buy a static mat, read the instructions and use it. Read the construction manual from front to back. If you don't understand them, read them again and again until you do. If you still don't understand them, get help until you do. Before you do anything read the appropriate part again so you really know what to do. Follow the instructions in the order the manual prescribes and be sure you understand each step. When you need to plug in a part, make sure that you have the right plug and socket then use as much force as required to seat the plug fully. When assembling something, if it will not go, loosen some screws so you can move it a little then be sure to
tighten them before you go on. There is no magic formula, just be careful and forget the hi-hi until you are sending Morse. It is easy, but every step is important and must be done correctly. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart ________________________________ From: Carl Yaffey <[hidden email]> To: [hidden email] Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 3:11 PM Subject: [Elecraft] new K3 owner Hi. I’ve just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it together properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi. 73, Carl Yaffey K8NU Banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro. recording studio. [hidden email] 614 268 6353, Columbus OH http://www.carl-yaffey.com http://www.grassahol.com ______________________________________________________________ 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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More advice:
Be sure you're using the correct hardware (especially screws) by measuring them as suggested in the assembly manual. We get a significant number of kits returned with chassis or other short circuits due to long & wrong screws being used. 73, matt W6NIA On Sat, 18 Jan 2014 08:06:23 -0800 (PST), you wrote: >Be sure you have good tools!. Buy a new, high quality #1 Phillips Screw Driver and use it. Round up all the Reed and Prince cheap screwdrivers that you bought at the bargain store and preferably throw them away, if not keep them with the punches, that is all they are good for. Buy a static mat, read the instructions and use it. Read the construction manual from front to back. If you don't understand them, read them again and again until you do. If you still don't understand them, get help until you do. Before you do anything read the appropriate part again so you really know what to do. Follow the instructions in the order the manual prescribes and be sure you understand each step. When you need to plug in a part, make sure that you have the right plug and socket then use as much force as required to seat the plug fully. When assembling something, if it will not go, loosen some screws so you can move it a little then be sure to > tighten them before you go on. There is no magic formula, just be careful and forget the hi-hi until you are sending Morse. It is easy, but every step is important and must be done correctly. > >Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman >K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart Matt Zilmer, W6NIA www.elecraft.com 831-763-4211 x129 Skype: matt.zilmer ______________________________________________________________ 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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Having relatively recently built a K3, P3, KPA500, KX3, and KXPA100 I've
found my little Petzl LED headlamp to be one of handiest things aside from good tools and a big static mat. It puts light exactly where I'm looking and makes it easy to check pin alignment and the like without having to move, rotate, or otherwise disturb the assembly I'm working on. 73, Tighe -- Tighe Kuykendall NK4I | www.NK4I.com | Follow Me on Twitter: @NK4I ARRL Life Member, NAQCC #6467 ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Cookie
ditto on the high quality screwdrivers...
And, replace them every now and then because even high-quality will become worn over the years. You want the flutes to have nice clean sharp edges -- any rounding at all (which is common on poor quality new screwdrivers) will result in stripped screw heads more often. Also, you can take a file (I use a saw sharpening file, triangular) and clean up those old screwdrivers. 73 phil K7PEH On Jan 18, 2014, at 8:06 AM, WILLIS COOKE <[hidden email]> wrote: > Be sure you have good tools!. Buy a new, high quality #1 Phillips Screw Driver and use it. Round up all the Reed and Prince cheap screwdrivers that you bought at the bargain store and preferably throw them away, if not keep them with the punches, that is all they are good for. Buy a static mat, read the instructions and use it. Read the construction manual from front to back. If you don't understand them, read them again and again until you do. If you still don't understand them, get help until you do. Before you do anything read the appropriate part again so you really know what to do. Follow the instructions in the order the manual prescribes and be sure you understand each step. When you need to plug in a part, make sure that you have the right plug and socket then use as much force as required to seat the plug fully. When assembling something, if it will not go, loosen some screws so you can move it a little then be sure to > tighten them before you go on. There is no magic formula, just be careful and forget the hi-hi until you are sending Morse. It is easy, but every step is important and must be done correctly. > > Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman > K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart > > > ________________________________ > From: Carl Yaffey <[hidden email]> > To: [hidden email] > Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 3:11 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] new K3 owner > > > Hi. I’ve just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it together properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi. > 73, > Carl Yaffey K8NU > Banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro. > recording studio. > [hidden email] > 614 268 6353, Columbus OH > http://www.carl-yaffey.com > http://www.grassahol.com > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 |
Re: new K3 owner --- addendum on kits...
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In reply to this post by Tighe Kuykendall
Also, while we are on the kit-building theme I have a problem with small parts such as small capacitors. I know this is not a problem with the SMT kits like the K3 or KX3 and so on but I remember when I did the 80/30 option for my KX1 there were several capacitors and none of my methods would work to read the printing on these things. I have several good magnifying glasses, a magnifying lamp, and so on. I could not read them at all. I had to grab my Fluke DVM and use that to measure the capacitance to determine which was which.
If anyone has a better solution to this problem -- let me know. Eye sight only gets worse, it rarely gets better. Electronic parts only get smaller, they rarely get larger. 73 phil K7PEH On Jan 18, 2014, at 9:23 AM, Tighe Kuykendall <[hidden email]> wrote: > Having relatively recently built a K3, P3, KPA500, KX3, and KXPA100 I've found my little Petzl LED headlamp to be one of handiest things aside from good tools and a big static mat. It puts light exactly where I'm looking and makes it easy to check pin alignment and the like without having to move, rotate, or otherwise disturb the assembly I'm working on. > > 73, Tighe > > > -- > Tighe Kuykendall > NK4I | www.NK4I.com | Follow Me on Twitter: @NK4I > ARRL Life Member, NAQCC #6467 > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 |
Re: new K3 owner --- addendum on kits...
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Phil,
Yes, those capacitors are getting more and more difficult to read. My solution is a small lighted handheld magnifier. I think it was designed for reading - look in your local drugstore. As I recall, I found it at Walmart. Just plain magnification is not enough - the lighting helps immensely 73, Don W3FPR On 1/18/2014 1:07 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: > Also, while we are on the kit-building theme I have a problem with small parts such as small capacitors. I know this is not a problem with the SMT kits like the K3 or KX3 and so on but I remember when I did the 80/30 option for my KX1 there were several capacitors and none of my methods would work to read the printing on these things. I have several good magnifying glasses, a magnifying lamp, and so on. I could not read them at all. I had to grab my Fluke DVM and use that to measure the capacitance to determine which was which. > ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3
If you're REALLY serious about using the right tools, and do any service
work on Japanese radios, you might want to buy a set of JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screwdrivers. The cross drive is different from the Phillips or Frearson (Reed & Prince). Compatible screw heads are usually identifiable by a single depressed dot or an "X" to one side of the cross slot. This is a screw standard throughout the Asia market and Japanese imports. The driver has a 57° point with a flat tip. 73, Charlie k3ICH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Hystad" <[hidden email]> To: "WILLIS COOKE" <[hidden email]> Cc: <[hidden email]> Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2014 1:02 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new K3 owner ditto on the high quality screwdrivers... And, replace them every now and then because even high-quality will become worn over the years. You want the flutes to have nice clean sharp edges -- any rounding at all (which is common on poor quality new screwdrivers) will result in stripped screw heads more often. Also, you can take a file (I use a saw sharpening file, triangular) and clean up those old screwdrivers. 73 phil K7PEH On Jan 18, 2014, at 8:06 AM, WILLIS COOKE <[hidden email]> wrote: > Be sure you have good tools!. Buy a new, high quality #1 Phillips Screw > Driver and use it. Round up all the Reed and Prince cheap screwdrivers > that you bought at the bargain store and preferably throw them away, if > not keep them with the punches, that is all they are good for. Buy a > static mat, read the instructions and use it. Read the construction > manual from front to back. If you don't understand them, read them again > and again until you do. If you still don't understand them, get help > until you do. Before you do anything read the appropriate part again so > you really know what to do. Follow the instructions in the order the > manual prescribes and be sure you understand each step. When you need to > plug in a part, make sure that you have the right plug and socket then use > as much force as required to seat the plug fully. When assembling > something, if it will not go, loosen some screws so you can move it a > little then be sure to > tighten them before you go on. There is no magic formula, just be careful > and forget the hi-hi until you are sending Morse. It is easy, but every > step is important and must be done correctly. > > Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman > K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart > > > ________________________________ > From: Carl Yaffey <[hidden email]> > To: [hidden email] > Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 3:11 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] new K3 owner > > > Hi. I’ve just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it together > properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi. > 73, > Carl Yaffey K8NU > Banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro. > recording studio. > [hidden email] > 614 268 6353, Columbus OH > http://www.carl-yaffey.com > http://www.grassahol.com > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Carl Yaffey
Hi Carl.
I am a new K3 owner too. Finished my K3 a month ago (SN7819). Assembling the kit is fun. As stated before: Take your time. I used all anti-static and good tools. Used a wrist strap and anti-static mat. The mat and my wrist strap were grounded to the house safety earth. All boards and components are very well indicated and the manuals are clear. Except the Operating manual. This feels a bit minimal. But don't worry. The support from Elecraft is quite okay. QRP-project in Germany, Elecraft's representative in Europe did very well. I also experienced fast response from Elecraft USA too. No problem to make it a proper job. Read, read and re-read the manuals. And when you finally can run the rig, be prepared to have a long and pleasant learning curve. 73, Peter PA2V Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2014 01:07:58 -0900 From: Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new K3 owner Message-ID: <[hidden email]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Spend the time to check off all parts against the parts list. Ensures all is there and aquaints you with many similar looking screws (so you don't use the wrong ones). I bought a large Plano plastic parts box (like a fishing tackle box) with many dividers to place the sorted parts. Some items it is best not to remove from packaging until you install them. Also take your time and enjoy the process of building. Rushing usually leads to mistakes. Likewise do not shortcut the instructions. They were written to help you avoid mistakes! Use pencil to check each off as you work (I also check parts shown in diagrams as they are installed). Often the shows up an error before I go too far. K3/10 sn 4340 KX3 sn 475 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: [hidden email] ------------------------------ Message: 6 Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2014 04:43:18 -0600 From: "Fred Smith" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]>, <[hidden email]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new K3 owner Message-ID: <001701cf143a$19e9dfd0$4dbd9f70$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" As Don stated prepare yourself for a new level of transceiver performance, it does take some getting used to 8>) 73, Fred/N0AZZ K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 5210--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100 P3/SVGA--KAT500--W2 Amps Elecraft KPA500 HF/6m--Alpha's 9500 HF--87A HF--Mirage B-5030-G 300+w--(2) B-5016-G's 165w 2m -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 3:52 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new K3 owner Carl, Think anti-static. Use a wrist strap as a minimum, but an anti-static mat in addition is highly desirable. The idea is to keep everything within reach at your work area at the same potential. Do *NOT* use a fully conductive work area (like a cookie sheet) - that can be a hazard to your well-being in case there is a short of some kind - sparks and molten metal spewing into the air and onto your body is possible. The anti-static mat and the wrist strap can connect to the ground screw on the plate of an AC receptacle - but make certain the receptacle is properly grounded, you can check with an inexpensive tester that can be found at your DIY or hardware store in the electrical department. Driving a ground stake is totally unnecessary, and can in itself be a hazard if it is not connected to the utility entrance ground stake with a #6 or larger copper wire. As I indicated, the idea is to keep everything at the same potential (even through a high resistance). The wrist strap will have an internal 1 megohm resistor to assure your safety. 2nd, buy yourself a *new* good quality #1 Phillips screwdriver - do not skimp on quality for that item, stripped or partially stripped screwheads can reward you if you ignore this small item. Some will tell you to use a magnetic screwdriver, but I don't like anything magnetic at my workbench - they pick up bits of metallic things and drop them in places where Murphy says they will cause the most damage. Other than that, follow the instructions in the order written - and do an inventory up front. If you do not understand any step, stop and ask, there will be several on this reflector that will try to clarify for you. Have fun with the build, in the end you will have a great transceiver. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/17/2014 4:11 PM, Carl Yaffey wrote: > Hi. I've just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it together properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi. > ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Edward R Cole
Everything Ed said; Check.
I used 18 egg, egg cartons to hold parts and cut card stock in strips, labelled them according to small part & then taped them in the individual egg holders with those parts in the egg "socket". Didn't knock over like cups would have and kept everything separate till the end. No spare parts when I was done. Gary KA1J & P.S.; Good choice, the K3! > Spend the time to check off all parts against the parts > list. Ensures all is there and aquaints you with many similar > looking screws (so you don't use the wrong ones). I bought a large > Plano plastic parts box (like a fishing tackle box) with many > dividers to place the sorted parts. Some items it is best not to > remove from packaging until you install them. > > Also take your time and enjoy the process of building. Rushing > usually leads to mistakes. Likewise do not shortcut the > instructions. They were written to help you avoid mistakes! Use > pencil to check each off as you work (I also check parts shown in > diagrams as they are installed). Often the shows up an error before > I go too far. > > K3/10 sn 4340 > KX3 sn 475 > > 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] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: > http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Charlie T, K3ICH
Absolutely true. Same for Japanese motorcycles which I repair, JIS is
the only screwdriver to use on those screws. & As Charlie said, they are ID'd by the dot on the head. Gary KA1J > If you're REALLY serious about using the right tools, and do any > service > work on Japanese radios, you might want to buy a set of JIS > (Japanese > Industrial Standard) screwdrivers. The cross drive is different > from the > Phillips or Frearson (Reed & Prince). Compatible screw heads are > usually > identifiable by a single depressed dot or an "X" to one side of the > cross > slot. This is a screw standard throughout the Asia market and > Japanese > imports. The driver has a 57° point with a flat tip. > > 73, Charlie k3ICH > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Phil Hystad" <[hidden email]> > To: "WILLIS COOKE" <[hidden email]> > Cc: <[hidden email]> > Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2014 1:02 PM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new K3 owner > > > ditto on the high quality screwdrivers... > > And, replace them every now and then because even high-quality will > become > worn over the years. You want the flutes to have nice clean sharp > edges -- > any rounding at all (which is common on poor quality new > screwdrivers) will > result in stripped screw heads more often. > > Also, you can take a file (I use a saw sharpening file, triangular) > and > clean up those old screwdrivers. > > 73 phil K7PEH > > > On Jan 18, 2014, at 8:06 AM, WILLIS COOKE <[hidden email]> > wrote: > > > Be sure you have good tools!. Buy a new, high quality #1 Phillips > Screw > > Driver and use it. Round up all the Reed and Prince cheap > screwdrivers > > that you bought at the bargain store and preferably throw them > away, if > > not keep them with the punches, that is all they are good for. > Buy a > > static mat, read the instructions and use it. Read the > construction > > manual from front to back. If you don't understand them, read > them again > > and again until you do. If you still don't understand them, get > help > > until you do. Before you do anything read the appropriate part > again so > > you really know what to do. Follow the instructions in the order > the > > manual prescribes and be sure you understand each step. When you > need to > > plug in a part, make sure that you have the right plug and socket > then use > > as much force as required to seat the plug fully. When assembling > > something, if it will not go, loosen some screws so you can move > it a > > little then be sure to > > tighten them before you go on. There is no magic formula, just be > careful > > and forget the hi-hi until you are sending Morse. It is easy, but > every > > step is important and must be done correctly. > > > > Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman > > K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart > > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Carl Yaffey <[hidden email]> > > To: [hidden email] > > Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 3:11 PM > > Subject: [Elecraft] new K3 owner > > > > > > Hi. I´ve just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it > together > > properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi. > > 73, > > Carl Yaffey K8NU > > Banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro. > > recording studio. > > [hidden email] > > 614 268 6353, Columbus OH > > http://www.carl-yaffey.com > > http://www.grassahol.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > > 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 > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: new K3 owner
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My perception is that the JIS drivers are the best fit for Elecraft
screws. I've never gotten a response from Elecraft about their choice of drivers. 73, doug On 18-Jan-14 16:03, Gary Smith wrote: > Absolutely true. Same for Japanese motorcycles which I repair, JIS is > the only screwdriver to use on those screws. & As Charlie said, they > are ID'd by the dot on the head. > > Gary > KA1J > >> If you're REALLY serious about using the right tools, and do any >> service >> work on Japanese radios, you might want to buy a set of JIS >> (Japanese >> Industrial Standard) screwdrivers. The cross drive is different >> from the >> Phillips or Frearson (Reed & Prince). Compatible screw heads are >> usually >> identifiable by a single depressed dot or an "X" to one side of the >> cross >> slot. This is a screw standard throughout the Asia market and >> Japanese >> imports. The driver has a 57° point with a flat tip. >> >> 73, Charlie k3ICH >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Phil Hystad" <[hidden email]> >> To: "WILLIS COOKE" <[hidden email]> >> Cc: <[hidden email]> >> Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2014 1:02 PM >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new K3 owner >> >> >> ditto on the high quality screwdrivers... >> >> And, replace them every now and then because even high-quality will >> become >> worn over the years. You want the flutes to have nice clean sharp >> edges -- >> any rounding at all (which is common on poor quality new >> screwdrivers) will >> result in stripped screw heads more often. >> >> Also, you can take a file (I use a saw sharpening file, triangular) >> and >> clean up those old screwdrivers. >> >> 73 phil K7PEH >> >> >> On Jan 18, 2014, at 8:06 AM, WILLIS COOKE <[hidden email]> >> wrote: >> >>> Be sure you have good tools!. Buy a new, high quality #1 Phillips >> Screw >>> Driver and use it. Round up all the Reed and Prince cheap >> screwdrivers >>> that you bought at the bargain store and preferably throw them >> away, if >>> not keep them with the punches, that is all they are good for. >> Buy a >>> static mat, read the instructions and use it. Read the >> construction >>> manual from front to back. If you don't understand them, read >> them again >>> and again until you do. If you still don't understand them, get >> help >>> until you do. Before you do anything read the appropriate part >> again so >>> you really know what to do. Follow the instructions in the order >> the >>> manual prescribes and be sure you understand each step. When you >> need to >>> plug in a part, make sure that you have the right plug and socket >> then use >>> as much force as required to seat the plug fully. When assembling >>> something, if it will not go, loosen some screws so you can move >> it a >>> little then be sure to >>> tighten them before you go on. There is no magic formula, just be >> careful >>> and forget the hi-hi until you are sending Morse. It is easy, but >> every >>> step is important and must be done correctly. >>> >>> Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman >>> K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart >>> >>> >>> ________________________________ >>> From: Carl Yaffey <[hidden email]> >>> To: [hidden email] >>> Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 3:11 PM >>> Subject: [Elecraft] new K3 owner >>> >>> >>> Hi. I´ve just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it >> together >>> properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi. >>> 73, >>> Carl Yaffey K8NU >>> Banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro. >>> recording studio. >>> [hidden email] >>> 614 268 6353, Columbus OH >>> http://www.carl-yaffey.com >>> http://www.grassahol.com >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> 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 >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > > > > --- > This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. > http://www.avast.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 |
Re: new K3 owner --- addendum on kits...
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In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4
Thanks Don -- I will go searching for one of those tomorrow.
73, phil, K7PEH On Jan 18, 2014, at 10:27 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote: > Phil, > > Yes, those capacitors are getting more and more difficult to read. My solution is a small lighted handheld magnifier. I think it was designed for reading - look in your local drugstore. As I recall, I found it at Walmart. > > Just plain magnification is not enough - the lighting helps immensely > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 1/18/2014 1:07 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: >> Also, while we are on the kit-building theme I have a problem with small parts such as small capacitors. I know this is not a problem with the SMT kits like the K3 or KX3 and so on but I remember when I did the 80/30 option for my KX1 there were several capacitors and none of my methods would work to read the printing on these things. I have several good magnifying glasses, a magnifying lamp, and so on. I could not read them at all. I had to grab my Fluke DVM and use that to measure the capacitance to determine which was which. >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 |
Re: new K3 owner --- addendum on kits...
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In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3
Phil and Don, Lighting is key to seeing detail, small objects. In high light the pupil constricts and depth of vision improves. These concepts well known to camera buffs. Want sharp image get higher light levels, better f-stops, shorter exposure time. I used to have a macro-lens for a 35mm film camera (both sold long ago in favor of digital camera). I have both a fluorescent fixture over my work surface and an illuminated round magnifier lamp. Some day I will get one the jeweler's head magnifier's. I have noticed my normal short-sighted ness going longer of late. But so far do not wear glasses for the near work. I do wear glasses for driving. Somewhere I acquired a small round magnifier lens which I can also use. But good light is necessary for doing surface mount assembly. Ed - KL7UW ------------------- On Jan 18, 2014, at 10:27 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote: > Phil, > > Yes, those capacitors are getting more and more difficult to read. My solution is a small lighted handheld magnifier. I think it was designed for reading - look in your local drugstore. As I recall, I found it at Walmart. > > Just plain magnification is not enough - the lighting helps immensely > > 73, > Don W3FPR 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] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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