[Elecraft] K3 #1170

[Brad Johnson]

I ordered K3 #1170 in the Winter of 2007, hoping it would arrive in  
time for Field Day 2008 but it didn't quite make it. Because of other  
obligations and a waning interest in amateur radio in general, the K3  
sat unassembled for almost a year with the parts inventoried and  
organized in plastic tackle boxes.

After some prodding from other club members and rumors of bets being  
taken out against me having it assembled for Field Day 2009, I  
dedicated myself to assembling it a few weeks ago.

I want to compliment Elecraft on yet another wonderful product. I've  
built a K1 and XV144 transverter in the past and consider those among  
my most prized possessions. Assembly was straight forward and the K3  
has been practically flawless in the three weeks I've been playing  
with it.

K3 #1170 will be in service this weekend at the Razorback Radio Club's  
WU5PIG Field Day effort. We have an eclectic collection a radios to  
play with, including a Yaesu FT950, Yaseu FT857, Swan 350, and a Drake  
TR6 but will probably only enter as a 2A as it is just too hot here  
keep more than two stations manned for any length of time. With the  
predicted heat index values of 105 or more, I believe the ops will be  
frequently retreating to an air conditioned room or the pool next to  
the operating positions.

The heat concerns me. Late this afternoon the front panel temp of the  
K3 indicated 46 C.  Based on the initial reaction among the operators,  
I think the K3 is going to be very popular tomorrow and will see a lot  
of use. The K3  is likely to be under quite a bit of stress tomorrow.  
We'll see how it handles it.

Hope everyone has fun and stays hydrated this weekend. And I hope the  
wonderful band opening on 10 and 6 meters this afternoon repeats  
itself. If it does we might have the best Field Day we've had in a  
while.

73,
Brad
AA5CH