[Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom

Sun May 4 11:01:57 EDT 2014

IMHO there is only one "Perfect Way"........Don't buy a kit let Elecraft
build it, burn it in, do setup.

Then I open the box when I get it and in less than 5 min. I'm on the air. Oh
yes I've been studying the manuals both the build one and operating one
(downloaded printed in 3 ring binder with sheet protectors) like every piece
of gear I own.

I did build my K2 and KPA500 that is the reason I like Elecraft the option
to do so, some things I just want them to do they are very reasonable. The
big plus you have more time to operate instead of building.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ
K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 5210--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100
P3/SVGA--KAT500--W2
Amps Elecraft KPA500 HF/6m--Alpha's 9500 HF--87A HF--Mirage B-5030-G
300+w--(2) B-5016-G's 165w 2m

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jerome
Sodus
Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2014 8:55 AM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom

To be on the safe side, wear only cotton clothing; no wool or synthetic
clothes.
Cotton will be least likely to pick-up any charges.
73 Jerry KM3K   KX3 #6088 

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don
Wilhelm
Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2014 8:28 PM
To: John, 9H5G; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom

John,

As for the advice about screwdrivers, yes, get yourself a quality, new
#1 phillips.  I like the ones from Ace Hardware with the blue handles (Pro
Series), and I like the 8 inch length, just because I learned to use that
length many, many years ago - pick whatever length you are comfortable
with,but do buy a quality screwdriver from a reputable supplier - a bargain
bin screwdriver tip is usually not cut with adequate precision.  If you can
see shiny spots on the corners of the tip, it is not adequate for the task,
it will slip and strip your screwheads.  My method of judging a phillips tip
driver is if it does not hold a 3/16 inch phillips head screw when it is
held horizontally, it is time for that screwdriver to be replaced.

I take issue with the suggestion to use magnetic holders and the insert
bits.  I prefer not to have any magnetic tools at my electronics workbench,
they attract stray bits of cutoff component leads and other things stick to
the tools.  YMMV on that one - take your pick.  I use several magnetic
holders to great benefit in the woodworking shop, but never at the
electronics workbench.

As for anti-static, yes take measures - a wrist strap is a minimum, if you
have an anti-static mat at the workbench, work on that surface, especially
when handling unmounted boards.  Do NOT work on a completely conducting
surface such as a bare metal desktop or cookie sheet, or aluminum foil or
whatever - fully conductive surfaces can also create static damage when they
contact that fully conductive surface and are a safety hazard if there are
live power sources anywhere near.  Newspapers misted with a spray of water
in addition to the wrist strap can be more effective than a fully conducting
surface.  If you have no other alternative, cut open one of the black
anti-static bags that the boards are packed in, connect it to a 1 megohm
resistor with a clip lead, and ground the far end of the 1 megohm resistor
to the center screw on an AC receptacle cover plate (your wrist strap can
ground to the same place).

As has been said about the egg cartons, stay away from most plastic
containers for sorting because plastics and foam stuff attracts a static
charge.  If you need to sort the hardware into the various sizes, use metal
tins (Altoids tins?) or paper cups.  If you are adept at spotting a screw
size and length 'by eye', you can just dump all the hardware into a large
box and pick the right ones from there.  Those having long term experience
with woodworking measurements or metalworking will have that ability.
Make such judgements based on what you know about your abilities.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/3/2014 3:51 PM, John, 9H5G wrote:
> Gentlemen,
>
> Thank you for a fantastic list of hints and tips so far!
>
> As Gary, KI4GGX, pointed out I should have mentioned the options that 
> I
have coming. It's a K3/100 with a KRX3 and a handful of filters. Simple but
very effective, I'm sure.
>
>

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