[Elecraft] K3/100 kit

[Don Wilhelm]

Rick,

The only tools required are listed in the K3 Assembly Manual on page 6.  
Download the manual from the Elecraft website.  Nothing exotic is 
required although anti-static work mat and an ESD wrist strap are 
strongly recommended.

You likely have most of the tools already, but if your screwdrivers are 
worn, I highly recommend that you purchase a new good #1 Phillips for 
building the K3.  There is nothing more frustrating than having a 
screwdriver cam out of a Phillips screwhead and not only damaging the 
screwhead, but possibly aslso skating to some other point and damaging 
the paint on a panel.  Screwdrivers come in all levels of quality, get a 
good one, this is not a good place to be frugal.

Since your tools may also be 50 years old, if you have an old analog 
multimeter or VTVM, resist the temptation to use it with solid state 
gear.  Usable DMMs are available for a very low price from places like 
Harbor Freight Tools and will do an adequate job.

As for a power supply, I am partial to linear supplies and have a Astron 
RS-35A sitting under my operating desk.  It powers the K3/100 as well as 
several other radios and accessories.  I have an Astron switcher at the 
workbench that I use regularly and have not experienced any problems 
with it nor have I noticed any strange signals created by that 
particular switcher.  The K3 /100 requires 20 Amps at a nominal 13.8 
volts, but you will likely want to power several accessories down the 
road, so a power supply rated at 25 amps or more would be a good 
purchase IMHO.  Look at the ARRL Product Reviews for details on several 
power supplies and then make your choice.

73,
Don W3FPR

Rick Comins wrote:
> I'm just getting back onto Ham radio after 50 years. Boy have things changed. I am seriously thinking of getting a  K3/100. I just put up a Hy-Gain AV-640 Antenna and need something to drive it. If I get the K3/100 Kit, what is needed to put the kit together i.e.:  is test equipment required?, etc. I have read most of your ads/descriptions/reviews/etc. and nowhere have I seen anything about what is needed to actually put the the kit together and do final adjustments/tuning. Also do you recommend a particular type of Power Supply or are the all about the same?
> Thanks in advance,
> Rick KF7CNJ 
>   
>