[Elecraft] K3 #850 is alive

[Jay Bromley]

Well K3 #850 is alive and well.  Only two problems, KBPF3 filter PCB had L18 
snapped off and one lead was cut.  So I unsoldered the remaining lead, 
rewound it, resoldered it to the board, and installed the board at the same 
time as the KPA3.  The other problem was a small scratch on the bottom back 
cover, which I am sure they will replace.  I am not worried about that at 
all.

All the stuff I was worried about like Anderson Power Pole plugs, rattling 
headphone washers, turned out to be no big deal.  Yes I had to redo some 
steps if I wasn't looking ahead.  As I was assembling the front panel I 
notice their was some room that would cause the headphone washer to rattle, 
however if you gently push in on the front panel while tightening up the 
headphone nut with my fingers it took up all the slack.  This pressure keeps 
the headphone nut from backing out.

It took me a day to build the rig, a day to finish up the loose ends and do 
the cals, install the PA, redo the BPF toriod.  I took my time and enjoyed 
the experience over the weekend while attending to call outs from work.

I sent one email to Elecraft tech support today about the KBPF3's toriod, 
not really expecting a reply until Monday.  WoW right in the middle of all 
this software upgrade stuff, I got an email from Wayne.  Thanks Wayne for 
taking the time to answer my questions on how to get L18 going again.

First contact as a QRP rig was KA8CPO on 40m CW, second contact was with 
G3LNP on 40m SSB running 100 watts into my inverted Delta loop.
The K3 is a very good experience so far!

Order it on 11/27/07
Estimated delivery mid February
Got Katigram on 04/25/08
Received it on 05/0208

I almost want to sell it and order up another one.  Building and messing 
with this little rig a ton of fun!  Maybe later, time to get on the air with 
this one!  :-)

73 de jay/w5jay..