[Elecraft] K3 Assembly Tools

[Phil Hystad]

Don and Chuck,

Thanks for the explanations.  I will probably get the XG2 kit just because it is yet another kit to build but I doubt that I will get such a meter.  Well, maybe I will if I can find a cheap working on somewhere.  No rush though.  I just realized though that I doubt that I have anything that can measure under 5 watts with any degree of accuracy.

phil


On Dec 12, 2009, at 4:04 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Phil,
> 
> Those optional tools are for those who are not satisfied with the default settings - in the case of the 50 uV signal generator,  it will allow you to set your S-meter at the S-9 point.  My K3 was 'right on' with the default settings, but since I have an XG2, I checked it anyway.
> 
> The 1 mW, 5 W power meter is for calibrating the wattmeter - if you do not have the KXV3 option, the 1 mW output is not available.  Again, the default settings will be very close.
> 
> So, the question becomes - What degree of accuracy in power output and S-meter reading do you wish to achieve?  The default settings will be very close, but with the added instruments, one can achieve a higher degree of confidence in those parameters.
> Warning - power measurement instruments normally available to hams can vary a lot (up to 20% of full scale), so unless you have something comparable to the Elecraft DL2, Elecraft W2 or a calibrated LP-100 from TelePost, the K3 default setting for the wattmeter are likely to be as good as or better than your ability to read power output.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> Phil Hystad wrote:
>> Don,
>> 
>> Thanks for the pointer to the XG2 -- yes, that is what I was trying to think of.  About them being optional, I did see that but I was curious as to what what gains by the "precise adjustments".  If the default settings give you a fully working K3, what is being done by those who are making precise adjustments?
>> 
>> phil
>> 
>> 
>> On Dec 11, 2009, at 10:29 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> 
>>  
>>> Phil,
>>> 
>>> Note that those are optional - not required, but they are useful if one wants to do the precise adjustments - the default settings will give you a fully working K3.
>>> 
>>> The Elecraft XG2 has a 50 uV output level, look at the Mini Kits.
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>> 
>>> Phil Hystad wrote:
>>>    
>>>> The K3 Assembly guide says that you would need a accurate power meter measuring 1 mW to 5 W.  Also, a signal generator calibrated 50 microVolts output at 20 or 40 meters.  I have a signal generator that goes up to 5 MHz but I am pretty certain that the voltage adjust does not go down to 50 microVolts (it is pretty cheap).
>>>> 
>>>> So, where does one get these things.
>>>> 
>>>> I thought I remember someone telling me that there was a signal generator kit for generating the test signals needed for K3 assembly but I just can grab enough of that memory to do anything with it.
>>>> 
>>>> Also, these tools are marked optional.  Why are they optional and if they are useful for a particular purpose why would it not be a required tool to achieve the best of whatever they are being used for.
>>>> 
>>>>      
>>