[Elecraft] Adding options later for the K3

[Lew Phelps K6LMP]

I bought a "bare" K3 kit in late December, and assembled it in seven hours on New Year's Day. I've had the back off since then to install the transverter/RXANT interface, which took about an hour in total, including reassembly. I'll have the back off again in a day or two to install the internal 2 meter transverter that is FINALLY being shipped this week. (WOO HOO!) Ordered in early January. Lisa in Sales is working weekends to beaver through the backlog on this component. Blessings upon her. 

A couple of suggestions on assembly.
1. You do NOT need the signal generator. It provides small, maybe even minute, improvement in calibration.  You don't need a frequency generator, because you can zero beat with WWV to calibrate the frequency readout. 
2. Get a muffin tin from your kitchen and sort all the small screws and other parts into it. I think that will speed things up compared with just dumping all parts into a single bowl.
3. anti-static wrist strap and pad:  essential unless you like to play Russian Roulette.
4. RadioShack sells a great little "electronics bit driver set" that has all sort of smaller-sized straight, Phillips, Torx, hex and square bits. the handle is big enough to allow you to generate enough torque to tighten screws down thoroughly.  Catalog #16-071.  At $16, a very useful and valuable tool.  Best screwdriver I've ever seen for this sort of work. 
5. Read the assembly manual all the way through before you pick up your screwdriver.
6. Read it again.
7. As you go through the assembly process, read each instruction twice before  you do it. 

I wasted almost an hour in my assembly by not reading the manual with enough care. Hence, suggestions 5-7. There are several steps in assembly where you think you've "got it," but 'way down at the bottom of the page is a key piece of information that makes you think differently about the step you're about to take. 

You'll be amazed at the precision with which this kit is constructed. Every part and screw hole lines up exactly. Instructions are very clear. Best kit I have ever built, even though I love the smell of rosin in the morning, and did miss being able to do some soldering for this kit.

I can't speak to the issue of sequential assembly, because I'm at the start of that road, not the finish line. THe one time I'e gone into the rig, it was not difficult. There are some components that you have to de-install in order to install other components, but instructions are very clear. 

Don't be in too big a rush to get the 100 watt amplifier.  QRP can be fun (as I am learning for the first time). Working JA, Europe, New Zealand, on 12 watts SSB is a real kick.

I would hold off buying any additional filters unless you mostly work CW, in which case one of the narrow CW filters would be desirable, or if you intend to work FM on 10 and 6 meters, in which case you MUST install the 13K filter. You can always add filters later, as funds free up, and it's an easy job. 

Lew K6LMP


On Mar 23, 2010, at 7:23 PM, Michael Germino wrote:

> I am looking to get a K3 kit.  Just the basic 10watt kit, the ATU and maybe a Filter.
> 
> I would assume that the hardest part, would be the original build.  Is it?  As time and cash becomes available, I will add to it.  Is it all easy to add later, or is there some option, because of complexity, that I should install at the beginning?
> 
> It will be replacing a Kenwood TS-570, so don't need to start with a lot of options to see a big difference.  I'm planing on using a Heil Goldline microphone, that I was using with the TS-570.
> 
> I just joined the list here, yesterday.
> 
> Mike
> AD6AA
> 
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