[Elecraft] K3 Shipping Box

[Doug Renwick]

I make my own shipping boxes. I describe my procedure below which in reality
is much easier and faster than it reads. I have employed this to ship by
post office quite a few radios and power supplies (i.e. Collins and Drake
gear) and have not had any damage. I have found the Styrofoam used here to
be very 'forgiving'.

You need to 'float' the item in a single shipping box. Select a box that is
at least 2" wider on each side, top and bottom and 3-4" wider front and
back. Get some solid Styrofoam insulation, preferably 2" thick; 1" thick
will work. Make a template of the rig's front or back for size. Measure the
inside of the box's front and back for height and width. With this
measurement cut two pieces of the Styrofoam board using utility knife.
Center the template from above on the Styrofoam board, mark and cut out the
opening. Slide the two Styrofoam boards onto the rig, say 1", one front and
one back. You may have to partially notch the board to accept the rigs feet.
It should be a firm fit. Place the rig into the box. It should be a firm fit
and the two Styrofoam board supports will 'float' the rig in the box.

The Styrofoam board support boards and rig need to be secured in place. Once
the rig is floating in the box, it will become obvious where additional
blocking needs to take place. Take other pieces of Styrofoam, cut to size to
go between the rigs front (2) and back (2), glued to the box, and resting on
the outside edges of the rig away from any knobs. This will prevent the rig
from sliding forward or rearward. Now take other pieces of Styrofoam, cut to
size and glue inside to the box sides (3 per side) to hold the Styrofoam
board supporting the rig in place. You can add bubble wrap, crumbled paper,
peanuts, foam to fill the openings, front, back, sides, top and bottom. I
also try to place the rig inside a plastic bag to reduce any chances of
scratching.

Doug/VA5DX

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of W1GO
(Joe)
Sent: February-18-17 7:19 PM
To: James Setzler
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Shipping Box

James

I had to send my KPA500 (including transformer) back to Elecraft from NY.
My KPA500 was a kit so, like you, I had to figure out the best packaging.
The KPA500 is much heavier than the K3s, so if you package as has been
recommended (i.e. 2 inches peanuts or bubble pack on all sides and no
movement), you should be fine.  And, be sure to get the correct amount of
insurance.  By the way, the packaging sent back from Elecraft had absolutely
no peanuts or bubble wrap; it wasn't needed.  The two big foam end pieces
held the KPA500 rock solid in the box;  There's no way I'm throwing that box
and foam pieces away.

Good luck,

Joe
W1GO


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