[Elecraft] KRX3 , Mod Comments & K3 Screws

[John Sims]

Fellow Elecrafters--

Ha!  I finally did it -- I sent a message (replacement screws) to the 
entire list rather than to the owner of the K3 I'm working on.  So, now 
the world knows my comments on screws.

Many thanks to Ron, PE8E, for letting me know about "FLTSCRKT" -- I'll 
pick that up in my next order.  There are just two or three that I'd 
like to replace right now.

After submitting a slightly critical comment about the screws, I'd like 
to compensate by mentioning my success with several K3 mods and the 
KRX3.  A local friend has a K3 but lacks the eyesight for close work, so 
I'm his Elecraft tech.  It keeps my skills up, plus it puts a K3 on the 
desk beside my K2 for a few days.  Thus far I've installed the following 
K3 mods:

1. Amp pull-up resistors:  easily installed and K3-to-amplifier 
communications are fine.

2. LINE OUT and speaker amplifier mods:  much easier than expected.  The 
original RFC 47 was easily removed intact, the holes were cleared, and 
the new RFC 47 fits nicely on the bottom of the board with its leads 
placed in the old RFC 47 holes. For the LINE OUT mod, removing the KIO3 
board is much easier the second time around, it's just a matter of 
following instructions.

3. Front panel circuit mod:  very easy Pin 7-to-through-hole mod.

4. R91 mod:  it wasn't necessary for K3 S/N 718; the existing resistor 
reads 22 ohms.

5. KRX3 assembly and installation.

Mods 2, 3, and 4 were done while the K3 was apart for the KRX3 work.  
The KRX3 construction and installation were successful.  My only 
comments for Elecraft and builders are 1) the necessity of a small Allen 
wrench for removing the VFO B encoder (p. 18 -- I had the proper wrench 
left over from my K2 construction) and 2) another reminder to check the 
KRX3 PCB nubs before completely installing it inside the bottom shield 
-- I had to file a few nubs for a proper fit.

Many thanks to N6XG for his helpful e-mails during the KRX3 work.

K3 assembly/disassembly:  thus far the rig doesn't show any wear and 
tear, just a few less-than-fresh screw heads.  The process definitely 
gets easier with practice.

Now I see there's another KIO3 mod coming up -- the K3 might remain on 
my desk a little while longer until I can complete that work.

Finally, don't forget Elecraft offers not one but two great 100w rigs -- 
I remain one of the die-hard K2 fans; mine keeps plugging along very 
well for contesting and DXing.  See you on-the-air with it during RTTY 
Roundup and again from KH6-land next year.

73,

John, N7ON K2 #5023