[Elecraft] new K3 owner

[Don Wilhelm]

Carl,

Think anti-static.  Use a wrist strap as a minimum, but an anti-static 
mat in addition is highly desirable.
The idea is to keep everything within reach at your work area at the 
same potential.
Do *NOT* use a fully conductive work area (like a cookie sheet) - that 
can be a hazard to your well-being in case there is a short of some kind 
- sparks and molten metal spewing into the air and onto your body is 
possible.  The anti-static mat and the wrist strap can connect to the 
ground screw on the plate of an AC receptacle - but make certain the 
receptacle is properly grounded, you can check with an inexpensive 
tester that can be found at your DIY or hardware store in the electrical 
department.  Driving a ground stake is totally unnecessary, and can in 
itself be a hazard if it is not connected to the utility entrance ground 
stake with a #6 or larger copper wire.  As I indicated, the idea is to 
keep everything at the same potential (even through a high resistance).  
The wrist strap will have an internal 1 megohm resistor to assure your 
safety.

2nd, buy yourself a *new* good quality #1 Phillips screwdriver - do not 
skimp on quality for that item, stripped or partially stripped 
screwheads can reward you if you ignore this small item.  Some will tell 
you to use a magnetic screwdriver, but I don't like anything magnetic at 
my workbench - they pick up bits of metallic things and drop them in 
places where Murphy says they will cause the most damage.

Other than that, follow the instructions in the order written - and do 
an inventory up front.  If you do not understand any step, stop and ask, 
there will be several on this reflector that will try to clarify for you.

Have fun with the build, in the end you will have a great transceiver.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/17/2014 4:11 PM, Carl Yaffey wrote:
> Hi. I’ve just ordered a K3 kit. Any suggestions for putting it together properly? Yes, I know to be very careful - hi hi.
>