K3 Narrative by WS6X

From Zerobeat

After getting into the kit, I felt it would be useful to post my experiences so that others might get an idea of what to expect. I have talked to several folks who are interested in the kit version, but are not sure of their ability to tackle a $2000+ kit! So, this is for those who are considering a K3 kit, but would appreciate more “hands on” testimony.

Also, let me hasten to add, Elecraft is updating, making corrections, etc., on a daily basis. So, please bear in mind that my experience is based on the kit in the present state of development. I am confident that by the time you receive your kit, most of the “issues” I encountered will have been resolved.

OK. To put my following comments into proper perspective, let me give you a very brief bio on me. I don’t consider myself an expert, but I am not a novice! :)

This is my first experience with Elecraft. I hold a BET, have built many kits over the years -- some quite complex. In the nearly 50 years of ham heaven, I have done a lot of homebrewing. I spent 15 years as the national service manager, then tech services manager for a manufacturer of professional audio gear. I have written and supervised the production of more operation and service manuals than I care to remember. Thus, I don't consider myself a newbie.

My kit consisted of the basic K3, an additional 400 Hz filter, the KXV3, the KANT3, and the KPA3. Total assembly time was just under 7 hours. That includes the 2 somewhat time-consuming snafus described below. However, I did NOT take the time to inventory or sort the small hardware. I have vast experience with such hardware, and can readily ID it on sight. Further, shortages were little concern to me, because I already had all such items in my well-stocked junk box. I DID inventory all the specialty hardware, such as the 2D edge connectors.

For the most part, the kit went together like a breeze. That is not to say that this is an easy project. Quite the contrary! Mechanically, the K3 is a very complex, sophisticated piece of engineering. An aspiring K3-builder would do well to have a fair amount of electronics kit experience, should have good dexterity ("good with his hands"), be mechanically inclined ("able to take things apart and put them back together again"), and it wouldn't hurt to be familiar with small machine hardware. Overall, and in spite of its “no-solder” identity, I would have to say, this is probably the most challenging kit I’ve ever built.

The documentation -- instructions, illustrations, etc. -- are very thorough and very well thought out. From a documentation perspective, this is probably the easiest kit I've ever seen. I honestly think I could assemble the K3 by just looking at the photos and reading the surrounding captions.

As others have said, the packaging of this kit is a marvel to behold. You have to see it for yourself! To me, this is where the pride of workmanship really shows! Everything is so well organized and labeled – even down to the little tags, “This sub-assembly was packaged by ‘Tawny’”.

Now for a few observations.

1.) For a PA farm boy like myself, with big hands, and arthritic knuckles to boot, this tiny little box is a challenge. (Since April, I had forgotten just HOW small.) Working with #4 and even some #2 hardware, requires steady nerves, and well-adjusted trifocals, and lots of patience!

2.) Some work areas are REALLY tight. Big hands will need to use a mini needle-nosed pliers, and lots of patience!!

3.) Some chassis parts won't "line up" the first time. You have to figure out how to back off 6 or so screws and retighten in a new sequence that will allow the best compromise. More patience!

4.) Not everything is perfect.

- I found several mistakes in the instructions.

- One critical part was missing. Undaunted, I called Aptos, and was able to "techie-talk" my way into receiving a work-a-round over the phone. 1 hour later, after scrounging a 15 nF cap from my spare parts plutocrat, and doing some careful soldering, I was ready to do the 5 watt power test.

- I had to use a small half-round file. One opening had a burr around the inside lip and an accumulation of black paint, making it impossible to get the connector through.

5.) There are some moments of confusion. Most notably for me was installing light blocking soft foam on the sides of the LCD. Try as I might, I couldn’t make sense out of the description or the photo. My LCD simply didn’t look like the photo. Being the stubborn old f**t I am, I slapped that foam in place where my vast experience with soft foam told me it should go. Fortunately, I don’t seem to see any “light leakage” (?) radiating from my front panel!

6.) Having to install major chassis parts (in order to do a resistance check or a low power test) and then remove them several steps later to install another module, and then finally install them once again, seems out of sync with the hi-efficiency, streamlined character of the project as a whole.

Adding the KPA3 is a good example -- remove bottom covers, remove top cover, remove stiffener bar from top cover, remove KNB3, remove standoffs from RF board. . . You get the picture. Every successive time I removed a screw from a black-painted sheet metal part, additional paint was scraped/scratched away.

7.) It REALLY helps to have the right tools. For me, the fluorescent ring light with the magnifying center was a life-saver. A set of nut drivers is essential. Don’t mess around with a pliers when tightening the 7/16” hex nuts on the front panel; get the proper nut driver! (How do you like a K3 with a scratched FP?)

8.) Did I mention patience? Take your time. Your K3 kit will only get better with age! I strongly recommend you follow all steps, and don’t mess with the sequence. You may think you know better (In 1 or 2 instances I actually DID think I knew better.), but unless you fully understand the ELECTRICAL implications of the MECHANICAL stuff you’re putting together, better DO WHAT THE MANUFACTURER SAYS!

OK. How do I rate the K3 building experience overall? On a scale of 1-10, I'd give it a 9.27. J Remember, it’s not perfect! Also remember, it’s going to be challenging! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! I love challenges!

73, and GL, Jim – WS6X

P.S. All the normal disclaimers are assumed. YMMV! Also, check with some of my friends and associates before taking me too seriously. Most of them will confirm – I’m just a gnat’s hair from falling into the senility pit!!

Check out www.WS6X.us