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

[AJSOENKE at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/21/2007 11:05:45 A.M.  Pacific Standard Time, 
dougzzz at gmail.com writes:
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.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
Well Doug, if everything goes well, you won't really need a DMM. You can  use 
the VOM to confirm that your wriststrap is working OK (500K Ohm min) and you  
shouldn't need a meter unless you run into a problem. I can't recall if you 
have  built a K2 previously, but they use a RF probe in some of the alignment 
on a K2.  The RF probe will convert RF to a DC voltage so you can trace RF to 
some degree.  The VOM may not be the best choice for the RF Probe, because a 
lot of  measurements of that type are in the mV range. 
 
FWIW - I was just reading the ads in the morning news and it looks like  
Sears, among many other stores, are having the usual after Thanksgiving Sales. A  
couple items caught my attention. Sears says that on Friday between 5am and 
noon  they are selling a variety of things at half regular price. After noon 
they'll  go up about 20% or so. One that looked good to me was a DMM that will be 
on sale  at $9.99. Even at $20 it's a bargain. Also saw a shop vac portable 2 
gal  unit like I use in my classroom, that'll be $14.99, also a great deal. I 
use it  in class to vacuum the dust out of donated computers - good and 
strong!  Also, they are selling Roomba vacs, the kind that run the floor without 
help.  They're Reg price $149 and going for $99. 
 
Sorry I went a little off topic, but I would sure like to get inside one of  
those vacs and see what makes them tick. Great classroom project.
 
Maybe if you want to build the K3 and hold off on the DMM unless you need  
one. RS has them in the low$$ range as well.
 
73 Al WA6VNN



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