[Elecraft] K3 - Build impressions

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Tnx for the feedback, Stewart! The K3 isn't a trivial assembly process, even
though all the boards are pre-assembled and tested. Wayne is an absolute
task master requiring that the assembly procedure be as clear and easy to
follow as possible. 

You wrote, "I did actually use my soldering 
iron to solder the terminals for the DC connector so it wasn't a 
completely 'no solder' experience.......!

You must be talking about the d-c power cable kit that Elecraft includes
WITH your K3 kit for those who don't have a suitable cable equipped with
Anderson PowerPole connectors on hand. The K3 itself does not require any
soldering to assemble. 

There was some discussion about that at the time it was decided to include
the external power cable kit with each K3, but it was felt that many
builders might not have a suitable cable on hand and no one wanted to have
you say "I don't have the right cable!!" when it was time to apply power to
you K3!  

Ron AC7AC


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Stewart Rolfe
Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007 2:38 AM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Build impressions


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 _______________________________________________
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