[Elecraft] K3: am I missing something re: DMM

[Dave Martin]

I have four DMMs and four or five VOMs.  If you need digital
readability or high input resistance a DMM is good.  I won't bother
with one to make resistance checks and the like when my K3 comes.  I'd
have to go look for one of my DMMs.  A couple of the VOMs are within
reach.  Of course I may be biased, I was the one guy who was
troubleshooting a circuit with a VOM and a screwdriver while my
counterparts were using an oscilloscope, VTVM (DMM), and several other
fancy boxes.  I had usually found the trouble with my unit before they
got all their stuff set up and calibrated.

Dave  W5DHM

On Nov 21, 2007 2:04 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL <dougzzz at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all, especially those who have assembled a K3 already (Eric, Wayne,
> and the Elecraft FTers invited to answer as well):
>
> Okay...so here I am in the K3 queue, getting ready.  I have picked up
> an ESD mat and wrist strap, some new Phillips (those I have were
> pretty beat up), and now I'm bothering several of the usuals on the
> reflector for advice (again) about a DMM.
>
> Having this week off, I was catching up with some old
> acquaintances....including the guy who taught me the morse code back
> in 1965 (we were class-mates).
>
> I asked him about "specs" for a DMM for the K3 and he asked, "well,
> what do you need to measure on the K3?"  Pretty logical question ...
> like a DUH moment for me.
>
> So I just finished scanning the assembly manual (and the KPA manual).
> I found just 6 times where a "measurement" is called for using a
> multimeter (all found in the assembly manual, none in the KPA manual).
>  And all six are just resistance checks (2 on page 32, 1 on page 41, 3
> on page 42).  So tell me why I should spend more than $10 for a DMM to
> do this?  Will my 30 year old RS VOM "do the job?"
>
> Lots of thoughtful folks have been advising me on this and I am sure
> that they have insight that I do not, suggesting more "upscale"
> (barely) models costing $40 to $70.  My "morse tutor" from 42 years
> ago (who is an EE + Masters, etc.) before I got back to him about
> "what" is being measured, recommended a Fluke and even gave me a model
> number (costing $136).  Is any of this necessary?  I have been advised
> about the usefulness of the "bar graph," but would this be helpful for
> the K3?
>
> I also scanned the manuals for the word MEASURE (and hence also
> MEASUREMENT) and found no additional hits.
>
> So....being a classic ham and O.F cheapskate, what do I really need to
> get the job done?  If we are only talking resistance measurements (not
> adjustments), what is really needed?
>
> OR....is there something hidden in the manuals that my SCAN missed?
>
> Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> de Doug KR2Q
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