FW: [Elecraft] K3 #764 experience and critique

[Thomas Norff]

Shure...

based on my emails with elecraft i thought i am the only one with this
'features'... ;o)
To be honest these issues are not really a big problem for me.
Overall this is a unbelievable piece of hardware !

73 de Thomas, DM7TN

-----Original Message-----
From: Windy Dankoff [mailto:km5q at mac.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:19 AM
To: Thomas Norff
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 #764 experience and critique

Thanks very much, Thomas! Will you please post your reply to the group? I
think it will help confirm the need to make some improvements.

73 de Windy KM5Q

On Apr 28, 2008, at 11:36 PM, Thomas Norff wrote:

> Hi Windy,
>
> maybe i can share my experiences building my K3 #78.
>
> point 3:  i had the same issue and solved it by replacing the inside- 
> tooth lock washer with the second nut. That means i first installed 
> the nut to the encoder and the second one as mentioned in the manual. 
> This way the encoder is fixed to the front panel. Like it is done with 
> the VFO B endcoder. The encoder shaft will be 'shorter' and you have 
> to take care while mounting the knob cause you are missing the second 
> nut as an arrester. Check the encoder pins !
>
> point 4: same here... if you swing the K3 you can hear the large 
> washer...ignored that... maybe another small washer can prevent that ?
>
> point 9:  i had the chance to check mine with a quite accurate 
> measurement equipment. At 14.200 MHz i am 7Hz off !!
> The alignment method is working... i used a local AM broadcast 
> station.
>
> The only issue with my K3 is a not working LED (CUT-LO-LED). The next 
> time i disassemble it for including the second receiver i will fix 
> this.
>
> 73 de Thomas, DM7TN
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KM5Q
> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 8:17 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 #764 experience and critique
>
> First, I'm delighted with the whole K3 experience. It's a brilliant 
> product, worth the wait.
>
> I have a few issues and suggestions:
>
> 1. Several times I found myself doing a complex assembly step in my 
> hands while reading the instructions. An important point would show up 
> late in the paragraph, and I wished I had read it all first (but I 
> couldn't resist). If important points were emphasized in BOLD print, I 
> would have  been more likely to read them first.
>
> 2. The final multi-plugging of the front panel was the only challenge 
> I experienced. I knew it would be tricky, after reading about it in 
> the reflector. Because I knew this, I took extra time and did it with 
> confidence. Had I NOT known it was tricky, I would have felt clumsy 
> and frustrated. I suggest noting in the instructions that this IS a 
> tricky step and if the builder is getting tired, take a break first, 
> and take it SLOW.
>
> 3. VFO A encoder uses an inside-tooth lock washer on each side of its 
> mount.
> This caused mine to come out slightly off-90° when tightened (using a 
> box-end wrench). I noticed it only when I mounted the knob with the 
> felt washer and it rubbed on one side. I spaced it out slightly 
> further with cardboard. It's OK, but this could have been avoided 
> somehow.
>
> 4. Headphone jack on front panel isn't tight enough. Instructions are 
> to tighten the ring-nut only finger-tight. I have pretty strong 
> fingers, but that doesn't do the trick. If I use a hex-nut, will it 
> squeeze the panel too much?
>
> 5. K3 is advertised as a no-solder kit, so it should not require 
> soldering (or a $100 crimp tool) to make the Powerpole connection.
> That should be done at the factory.
>
> I soldered mine, using high temp. quickly, so it wouldn't wick much 
> solder up the cable. A builder who does not have good soldering skills 
> is likely to have trouble.
>
> 6. KUSB adapter instructions make no mention of Mac application.  
> They should
> mention that the Prolific.com site has driver download for Mac OSX as 
> well as other PCs, and that it is necessary.
>
> 7. When I turn down the compression, the power goes down with it. It 
> should be equalized.
>
> 8. When I tune out of a ham band to listen elsewhere, then hit band 
> switch, band switch will not return to the nearby ham band, but to the 
> out- of-band frequency. Others reported this a few days ago. I expect 
> that will get fixed in firmware.
>
> 9. I did frequency calibration by zero-beat method with WWV. I tuned 
> the wrong way and didn't know it would take many turns. I didn't write 
> down the original setting, so I got "lost". I waited until I had a 
> steadier WWV signal, then went in the other direction and got it 
> perfect. I suggest that the instructions say that it may take many 
> turns of the knob, and that you should write down the original setting 
> first.
>
> In conclusion, the only issue I'm left with is the loose headphone 
> jack. Not too bad!
>
> I have a Kenwood MC-43S fist mike with the 8-pin connector standard. I 
> plugged it in and it works fine. My first QSO was with another K3 at 
> the super-station in Visalia  :-) I also checked into the Sunday 
> Elecraft SSB Net. I've gotten all excellent audio reports.
>
> I just retired my Ten Tec Triton IV. I feel like Rip Van Winkle, 
> awaking from the 1970's.
> Windy KM5Q_______________________________________________