[Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?

[Ray Sills]

That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version.  IMO,  
worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in  
checking the rig.

73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets)


On Jan 4, 2013, at 6:14 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote:

> 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