[Elecraft] first K3 QSO

[Dave Packard]

I received the kit for K3 #5642 last July.  I'm rather slow, but 
careful, and I did not work my first QSO until a few days ago (Dec. 5).  
The radio is only built to the 10w stage.  I still need to install the 
100w amp, subreceiver, and 2m transverter.  I'm impressed with the 
quality of the kit and the excellence of the assembly manual.  I made 
only one mistake, so far.  I mounted the left-side chassis panel upside 
down.  A reader on this list kindly pointed out my error.  As expected, 
the receiver is amazing.  I am a CW operator and this receiver's 
behavior in a radio-crunching pileup is impressive.  I'm deeply into the 
operating manual and Fred Cady's book.  There is a lot of new stuff to 
learn.  I've been using my old IC-765 for many years, so I'm not 
comfortable with radio menus.  Yet, so far, the K3 menu system seems 
very reasonable and understandable.  Whew!  I'm also pleased with the 
physical presentation of this radio.  The more I use it, the more I feel 
at home with the switches and buttons.  Also, there's something 
attractive about it's outstanding performance being packaged in a small, 
light, modest box.  It's simply cool, unlike some massive, brooding, 
complex mountains of switches and displays that are on the market.  I'm 
looking forward to a long, happy run with this radio.

73, Dave K1YHR.