[Elecraft] Elecraft Construction Questions

[Terry Domae]

This is a question for those experienced building Elecraft kits  ...
I'm waiting for my first Elecraft kit, a kx3, and I was thinking I should
be prepared when it arrives.

I looked around the Elecraft website, and didn't see any specific assembly
practices.
I read a few of the assembly manuals (for kits like the k2 and k3) and some
soldering techniques.

1. is pre-applied thread-lock (i.e., vibratite) recommended or not? How
about thermal compound?

   Are there clearly identified fasteners that require minimal resistive
connections, thermal connections, etc.

2. are there recommended torque settings for fasteners?

   I typically use torque limiting drivers that are set as follows for
metal fasteners:

   2-56 threads = 2 in-lbs
   4-40 threads = 3 to 5 in-lbs
   6-32 threads = 6 to 10 in-lbs
   8-32 threads = 15 to 20 in-lbs
   10-32 threads = 25 to 30 in-lbs

   ok? not ok?

3. any recommendations for exposed contacts?

   Are cleaners like Deoxit & Deoxit Shield recommended to prevent
intermittent contact failures?
   Or, are all the contacts cleaned, and we just need to take care not to
touch the pads and pins so as not to contaminate them.

4. how about any cleaning solvents required?

   IPA? others?

5. I'm assuming a good ESD bench or service mat with wrist strap is
required.

6. I'm also assuming some reasonable test equipment is also required -
   Maybe power supply, dmm, dummy load, wattmeter.
   how about an RF Sweep generator? O'Scope? SpecA? laptop, serial/usb
cables?

7. Tools -  Drivers (phillips, slotted, hex, torqx, nut, ...), pliers
(various), tweezers,
   small wrenches, heat gun (for shrink sleeve)? soldering station - ?,
compressed air?

Anything else?

Finally, I apologize if any (or all) these topics have been discussed
before.

Regards - Terry

ps: anyone know what power connector is used on the KX3?