[Elecraft] Katiegram - Stay or go, yes or no

[Paul Christensen]

> Rethink the kit. I got mine in kit form, #501, and it isn't right yet.

OTOH, when I received my kit, I was dreading the assembly process.  I have 
built many kits and home-brew transceivers through the years, so the 
enjoyment of step-by-step assembly was lost many years ago.  I enjoy the 
design and modification exercises, but not the assembly.

However, I am now very glad I purchased the K3 kit.  The assembly allowed me 
to become better acquainted with the transceiver.   I have developed a whole 
new level of respect for Eric, Wayne and everyone else responsible for the 
design and product launch.  The turning point for me was after about an hour 
of assembly time.  At that point, I was getting used to finding all the 
small hardware, even without measurements, and the work-flow really 
accelerated.

Getting to where the Elecraft group is today was no trivial undertaking and 
something I could probably spend a lifetime attempting and never get very 
far.

BTW, I have a redux modification of the rear panel SO-239 connectors.  I was 
heavily abused in private e-mail by folks who criticized my photography 
skills and I hope to do a better job with manual focus when I show the 
results of the next phase of changes.  I ultimately decided to use two 
sections of RG-316 coax between the SO-239 panel connectors and the KAT3 
board.  I replaced the 0.5" #4 aluminum spacer used to hold the KAT3 firmly 
in place (also functions to form the return RF path) with a Nylon spacer to 
force all return RF onto the RG-316 cabling.   Also, if there's any 
improvement in ANT1 to ANT2 port isolation, I'll pass along the results.

Paul, W9AC