[Elecraft] Benefits of Buying a Factory Assembled KX3

[Richard]

Comments from Eric to the listare shown below.  Enjoy!  73,Richard, AI4SH
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-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
Date: 	Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:14:03 -0800
From: 	Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft <eric at elecraft.com>
Reply-To: 	eric at elecraft.com
To: 	Richard <sloneranger at att.net>
CC: 	elecraft at mailman.qth.net

Hi Richard,
   While we do test and align the PCB boards identically on the kit and 
factory assembled KX3s, we do further testing on the assembled units to 
insure that we built them perfectly.
   Assembled KX3s are given an preliminary TX and RX test after 
assembly, followed by a multi-hour burn in rack test. There under 
computer control we stress test the KX3 by transmitting key down on each 
band while checking temperature, current and power out and also check 
tuning of the ATU on each band. This occurs in a repetitive fashion - 
cycling through the bands - for a minimum of 8 hours. After passing 
burn-in, the assembled KX3 goes to final test on a technicians lab 
bench, where we test all RX and TX parameters on all bands, including RX 
sensitivity, TX power, Current drain in TX, TX IMD etc. We also do tests 
on the SSB audio, CW keying, receive audio and a number of other 
parameters. Each added option is also tested in the KX3.
   In general we see few failures in burn-in or final test, due to our 
extensive testing of the PC boards before assembly (and before packaging 
them into kits).
73,
Eric
--- www.elecraft.com
On 1/4/2013 12:01 PM, Richard wrote:
  > Hello,
 > I will purchase a new KX3 from Elecraft Sales in a week or two. > If 
the factory testing upon final assembly is more comprehensive than > 
what is in the kit assembly manual, it might persuade me to buy the > 
Factory Assembled version. Is any extra factory testing performed?