[Elecraft] SMT and the K3 - Nerves

[Jack Berry]

Lee,

After doing the mod you are contemplating I formulated a new rule for the WE5ST 
shack - never touch another SMD. Once I had the mod in place, it wasn't that big 
a difference - not worth the risk to me. My P3 worked fine before the mod and 
for the kind of operating I do it was more that good enough.

I replaced the SMD with a leaded resistor supplied. I made it and the rig is 
working fine - huge surprise to me. It's the ugliest soldering job I ever did 
and I'm really happy I did not damage the board. I had a small iron, magnifier, 
etc. But I plan to leave that to the pros if the need ever arises.

I see fine, used a good magnifier/light combo, have pretty steady hands and have 
done a lot of soldering. For me, the risk is too high. I would prefer to pull 
the board and send it back for modification. 

That said - I suspect the replacement may have been already made since  you sent 
the rig back before. 





________________________________
From: Lee Buller <k0wa at swbell.net>
To: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thu, April 19, 2012 9:20:03 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] SMT and the K3 - Nerves


I have SN 443 - an early model of the K3.  It has been back to Aptos for 
updates.  Now then, I just got at P3 and included in that is a kit that that 
changes a resistor on the K3 to give 10 db more to the P3.  It is SMT, but they 
also include a small resistor if you don't want to use the SMT resistor.  Now I 
have visors and I have magnifying glass on an arm....but LOOKING at this 
procedure and the K3....it gives megreat pause.  This is a whole new game for me 

from the K2.  I have huge hands and this just makes me nervous.

Somebody.....make me un-nervous about clipping off an SMT resistor and replacing 

it with either another SMT (Like that is going to happen - NOT) or the little 
resistor.

Lee - K0WA
Nervous in Kansas


In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you don't 
have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you can't find any 

Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense.  Is Common 
Sense divine?

Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. 
-  John W. (Kansas)

Never interfere with anything that isn't bothering you.
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