[Elecraft] K3 kit

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Hello
I should be getting my K3/10 kit in a couple of months and woud like to know
what I will need in the way of test equipment to get it aligned and tuned
up? A digital volt meter is about the extent of my test equipment. Besides
that I'm a numb brained old man that has to ask the xyl what my name is
every morning! It really is almost that bad, should I even be considering
building a K3? 

Thanks Scott N5SM 

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Absolutely Scott, you can build a K3 kit. Your DMM is the only measurement
gear required. Add to that a 50 ohm 5W (min) dummy load and you're ready to
go in that department. Just follow the step-by-step procedures, and check
off each step as you go. That way you do not need to remember were you left
off ;)

Below is a complete list of the things needed and recommended.

If you don't have a dummy load, the Elecraft DL1 will work perfectly and it
provides the ability to measure your output power (using your DMM for a
readout), but an external RF power meter is *not* required. 

A signal generator is noted as "optional". That's used for calibrating your
S-meter, if an exact calibration is important to you. The Elecraft XG1 (40
meter) or XG2 (80/40/20 meter) calibrated signal generator is perfect for
that. It's also fun to use in measuring the sensitivity (Signal-to-Noise
plus Noise ratio) of the receiver in your K3. 

If you need any of those items, you can order them now and use them to keep
yourself busy while waiting. They do require some soldering, so you will
need an soldering iron, but all the parts have leads. You'll see below that
you'll need a suitable power supply with a cable fitted with Anderson an
PowerPole connector. Recognizing that many Hams do not have such a cable
lying around unused, Elecraft includes with the K3 kit a suitable power
cable kit gratis. Attaching the PowerPole connector to the cable does
require a soldering iron unless you have suitable crimping tools and know
how to use them. 

Here's the list for the K3:

1.	 #0 and #1 size Phillips screwdrivers. To avoid damaging screws and
nuts, do not use a power screwdriver. Use the screwdriver that best fits the
screw in each step.
 
2.	Soft cloth or other surface to lay cabinet panels on to avoid
scratching. A clean static-dissipating mat is ideal.
 
3.	Pliers or suitable wrenches for tightening 1/4", 3/16" and 1/2"
nuts. The 1/2" size is used to tighten nuts on the front panel controls. If
available, a deep socket or nut driver is recommended. Pliers or an ordinary
wrench can be used, but requires care to avoid damaging the front panel
paint.
 
4.	Long nose pliers.
 
5.	Diagonal cutters.
 
6.	Small rule capable of measuring lengths up to 1" (2.5 cm) with an
accuracy of at least 1/16" inch 
(1.6 mm).

7.	Digital Multimeter (DMM) for resistance checks.

8.	RF 50-ohm, 5 W (minimum) dummy load with low VSWR from 160 meters
through 6 meters.
 
9.	Power supply 13.8 VDC nominal (11-15 V) with a cable and Anderson
PowerPoleR connector. A power cable kit is provided with your K3 if you do
not have a suitable cable with the required Anderson PowerPole connector.
The power supply must be capable of providing at least 3 Amperes for a K3/10
and 20 Amperes for a K3/100. (See Specifications in your Owner's manual for
more information on power supply recommendations).
 
The following tools are strongly recommended:

1.	ESD wrist strap.
2.	Static dissipating work mat.
 
Optional Equipment:

1.	RF Power Meter with accurate readout from 1 mW to 5 watts, minimum.
2.	Signal generator with calibrated 50 uV output at 20 or 40 meters. 

In addition, two Allen wrenches, 5/64" (2mm) and .050", are supplied with
your kit. 

Ron AC7AC