[Elecraft] KX3 (or, K3) 2-meter solid-state amplifier

[Edward R Cole]

Having done a few home metal bending jobs, I leave it to the 
professional metal smiths if I need a nice enclosure.  I use to have 
access to a brake at work (retired five years).  I also used to buy 
some really nice enclosures from a K3 ham in the east who is now sk 
(used in my 2m-8877 and CCI HF amps).

I have resorted to the wood block method but the results were not 
good enough to sell someone.  So either, I use angle stock for 
corners on HB projects or buy commercial enclosures.  Bud is still in 
business for a utilitarian box.  Mouser offers a selection which I 
got an enclosure for my 30w 1296 PA project.  But costs are high when 
you add shipping.

Thus, I chose to use the Hammond box for my production amp.  It costs 
$20.29 from Mouser.  Can't make any that cheap after material costs, 
tooling costs, and labor.

BTW there are more than four holes in the 80w amplifier 
project.  Four to attach heat sink to chassis; eight for coax 
connectors; four to attach pc board; two for 80w RF module; four for 
fan attachment; two to attach LED power indicator.  Most will require 
tapping 4-40 or 6-32 threads into the heat sink.  Hammond box cover 
already has tapped holes for attachment.  Probably a couple hours 
metal work labor in each amp without having to make the enclosure.

73, Ed - KL7UW

Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2015 18:58:44 -0700
From: "Richard W. Solomon" <w1ksz at earthlink.net>
To: "'Elecraft Reflector Reflector'" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 (or, K3) 2-meter solid-state amplifier
Message-ID: <000c01d0f5a3$610227f0$230677d0$@net>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="UTF-8"

Bending sheet metal to make a box ... really ...

If I needed something that looked like the letter "Z" to mount stuff
Then maybe.

But for a project box there are just too many sizes and variations to
Waste my time and money to make a box.

Just one mans opinion.

73, Dick, W1KSZ



73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
     dubususa at gmail.com