Actually, K3 S/N 10 has been to bits and back about 20 times, at least, so far and it's in bits again as I check changes and test alternatives that make assembly easier. I've been itching as much as anyone to put it on the air, but that'll wait until my work is done and the folks with orders pending have their rigs in hand.
Tom's assembly time estimate looks good, depending upon the options purchased. The options are integrated into the main build sequence as far as possible so you don't have to go back and open up the rig to add something you bought with the original kit. But even adding options later is pretty simple. Most of them just plug into the main RF board that fills the bottom of the K3 enclosure and, when needed, the nifty Elecraft "2D" fastener system lets you pull a side panel or other cover off easily to get access to part of the rig without pulling the whole thing to bits. As others have noted, the front panel looks the most intimidating but it's really a "pussycat". The front panel, with the LCD display and all the switch matrices pre-installed, mounts to the sheet metal front. then the DSP boards mount on the back of the front panel board and the whole package plugs into the main chassis. Anyone who finds something in the procedure confusing is welcome to gripe to me directly at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or just grumble publicly here. The main reason I watch the reflector is to pick up points where builders have questions about the projects I've been involved with so we can think about how the manual might make it more straightforward. When you ask questions on the reflector I answer them on the reflector where everyone can see them. I've found that no one has a unique question. There's always someone else who is looking for the answer too, but who hasn't asked yet. Several list members like Tom, N0SS, Dave Ferrington, M0XDF, Gary Hvizdak and others have taken the time to read and comment on the preliminary manuals. Tom did a trial build, tearing his K3 to bits then rebuilding it, and Dave has kept a close eye on my work to make sure my "Yank English" is intelligible to folks in the U.K. And, of course, Wayne is managing the overall documentation effort and writes most of the Operating instructions. The "Quickstart" is pure Wayne, based on initial reactions to his K3 Owner's Manual. I'm always grateful for comments and suggestions. Wayne set very high standards with the original K2 assembly manual. He and I have been working for years to keep raising that standard so more people are comfortable building their rigs. After all, the company does promote "Hands on Ham Radio" and they take seriously their promise "We want to make sure everyone succeeds!" Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- At 07:48 09/20/2007, Dave Yarnes wrote: >As an aside, I snagged Vic, K2VCO, last night on his "beta" K3 on 40 >meters. Sure sounded good! I also heard him tell the station he >worked before me that all the beta testers had received assembled >units (so the staff could practice assembly), but that one beta >tester had disassembled and then reassembled his beta K3. Why? >Because he was apparently going to be involved in the manual >preparation! Makes sense. I'm guessing I know who that might be >too, although Vic didn't identify the person. Isn't Ron, AC7AC, the >one who does a lot of that??? Yep.. Ron did it so he could write the manual. I'm not certain he has his K3 COMPLETELY back together yet...heheh! I also took my K3 down to the nuts 'n screw level... well... someone (me) had to Field Test the Assembly Manual...!!! Actually, the 'teardown' took 50 minutes, and the reassembly took about 3 to 3-1/2 hours. BUT, for new 'assemblers' plan on 5-6 hours... taking the rig 'down' gave me a LOT of pre-assembly knowledge that you'll not have the benefit of when you do a "from the ground up" build of your K3 kit. 73, Tom N0SS _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
