[Elecraft] K3 - Build impressions

[Stewart Rolfe]

Just finished putting K3 000145 together and as an Elecraft 'virgin' 
wanted to pass on some thoughts.

The kit quality quite simply is superb. It all went together so smoothly 
and there was no pushing, bending, flexing necessary in order to get 
things to fit; screw holes just lined up exactly first time. The few 
'gotchas' were always predicted and well documented and illustrated. 
Occasionally some hardware seemed to be missing but was discovered 
lurking (logically) in envelopes in other modules so remember to check 
before emailing Aptos.

Almost the only tool I used was the larger of the 2 cross-head 
screwdrivers normally found in those little watchmaker kits; did every 
screw in the kit and fitted exactly each screw head and no temptation to 
over tighten. The fine tweezers came in handy later on for locating 
screws in the tighter spots before screwing down.

When the kit arrived it took my breath away because of the number of 
modules and bags etc - I'd ordered the atu and 100w module in addition 
as well as a couple of filters. They soon disappear though as everything 
goes together, and it took 2 sessions of 3-4 hours each to get to the 
initial (qrp) testing/alignment stage. I do have a bone to pick with 
them though under trade descriptions as I did actually use my soldering 
iron to solder the terminals for the DC connector so it wasn't a 
completely 'no solder' experience.......!

I just know the build quality is going to be a portent of the 
performance quality.....

73,

Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF