Well, I finally did it - bought a K3/100 kit. I have a K2/100 that I bought from Trey (N5KO) some years ago, and which I take on trips sometimes, but I have really, really wanted to get a K3 for a long time. My problem has been that I use a pair of FT-1000s (one D and one non-D) in SO2R and those two radios just keep on going like the energizer bunny. So, having just gotten a well-deserved bonus, I earmarked a portion of it for the K3.
I was going to just leave the boxes unopened in my shack until I got back from Barcelona in mid-February. But, on Sunday morning I decided to open them up. Then, I did a quick inventory. Next thing I knew I was sitting there with an anti-static wristband dumping out the hardware in a white plastic dish. To cut the chase, last night (Monday) I came home from work and finished the kit. And, it worked first time. I think the kit is well conceived. There were only a couple of times I was cussing because I needed to put a 4-40 1/4" screw with lock washer in a place too small to fit my fingers. I felt like a brain surgeon trying to insert the screws with a long-nose pliers and dropping the screw or washer or both numerous times. But, persistence paid off, and it sure is a neat little radio. I have one question (suggestion?) though. After following the directions where you first button it all up without the KPA3, do the LP config and calibration, then pull off the top and bottom covers and install the KPA3, why not just finish the installation of the KPA3, first, then doing the LP and HP stuff, after. Since the KPA3 is not configured by default, you should be able to do the same config and calibration setups with it in place. Then, afterward, configure the KPA3 on and "nor" and do the HP power calibration. It would safe the hassle of first buttoning it all up, then having to remove the top and lower bottom covers, and then having to reinstall them all again, afterward. Not a big thing - maybe an extra 10 or 15 minutes? Over all, though, a very well engineered product and kit. Kudos to Eric and Wayne. Rob K6RB ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
