Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
Thomas, Your so right. The look on my face when I finished and powered it up would have been priceless I reckon. I am still grinning. Gary On 5 January 2013 14:55, Thomas Horsten tho...@horsten.com wrote: But you lose the feeling of wow I built this and look how awesomely it works in spite of it :) 73, Thomas M0TRN - KX3 #654, kit On 4 January 2013 23:43, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking the rig. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets) __ 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 -- *Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack* *Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT** KX3-K * __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
I would think the real Build experience would be the K2 for the ultimate I built that 8) Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary Gregory Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 2:41 AM To: Thomas Horsten Cc: Elecraft email list Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing? Thomas, Your so right. The look on my face when I finished and powered it up would have been priceless I reckon. I am still grinning. Gary On 5 January 2013 14:55, Thomas Horsten tho...@horsten.com wrote: But you lose the feeling of wow I built this and look how awesomely it works in spite of it :) 73, Thomas M0TRN - KX3 #654, kit On 4 January 2013 23:43, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking the rig. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets) __ 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 -- *Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack* *Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT** KX3-K * __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
Fred, Showoff...:-) Gary On 5 January 2013 21:55, Fred Smith m...@mo-net.com wrote: I would think the real Build experience would be the K2 for the ultimate I built that 8) Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary Gregory Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 2:41 AM To: Thomas Horsten Cc: Elecraft email list Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing? Thomas, Your so right. The look on my face when I finished and powered it up would have been priceless I reckon. I am still grinning. Gary On 5 January 2013 14:55, Thomas Horsten tho...@horsten.com wrote: But you lose the feeling of wow I built this and look how awesomely it works in spite of it :) 73, Thomas M0TRN - KX3 #654, kit On 4 January 2013 23:43, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking the rig. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets) __ 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 -- *Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack* *Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT** KX3-K * __ 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 -- *Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack* *Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT** KX3-K * __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
One in every crowd huh! fred From: Gary Gregory [mailto:vk1zzg...@gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 5:52 AM To: Fred Smith Cc: Thomas Horsten; Elecraft email list Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing? Fred, Showoff...:-) Gary On 5 January 2013 21:55, Fred Smith m...@mo-net.com wrote: I would think the real Build experience would be the K2 for the ultimate I built that 8) Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary Gregory Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 2:41 AM To: Thomas Horsten Cc: Elecraft email list Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing? Thomas, Your so right. The look on my face when I finished and powered it up would have been priceless I reckon. I am still grinning. Gary On 5 January 2013 14:55, Thomas Horsten tho...@horsten.com wrote: But you lose the feeling of wow I built this and look how awesomely it works in spite of it :) 73, Thomas M0TRN - KX3 #654, kit On 4 January 2013 23:43, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking the rig. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets) __ 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 -- *Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack* *Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT** KX3-K * __ 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 -- Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT KX3-K __ 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
[Elecraft] KX3 ~ factory testing
I assembled the radio and it has now worked the frequencies for a month, no failures; guess that means it passed QC @ Elecraft as a kit also. Of course it wasn't as much of a task as the K2, some thirteen plus years ago Having fun on SKCC K3Y event as QRP = A-OK Cheers, Jan K1ND __ 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
[Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
Hello, I will purchase a new KX3 from Elecraft Sales in a week or two. If the factory testing upon final assembly is more comprehensive than what is in the kit assembly manual, it might persuade me to buy the Factory Assembled version. Is any extra factory testing performed? The only order page option I have not firmed up is whether to buy the factory tested version or the kit. I have the skill tools to build the kit and I have read the assembly manual. However, I am sure that the Elecraft technicians would do a better job of assembly than I could. My main concerns with assembling the KX3 myself, are properly cleaning (and testing) the RF Ground locations and damage to the ribbon connector when bending it. Of course ESD is always a concern, but I have an ESD mat, wrist strap, etc. The extra cost of the factory build is not an issue. In fact I would look at the extra expense as an insurance policy that I would have a working radio in top condition. (Shipping damage could change that.) My biggest kit fear is that something wouldn’t work after I built it; and it was my fault. If a factory assembled kit did not pass Elecraft's final testing, they would immediately resolve it. Still, it appears that significant kit assembly problems are extremely rare. I suppose I would get some satisfaction from assembling the KX3 kit, but not quite as much as if I was melting solder. Would kit builders please share any insights? All recommendations are welcome; including buy both and see for myself. Thanks 73, Richard, AI4SH PS. My intended use of the KX3 is for cw qrp base station operation. I have a K1 that I will retire from the desk and use as my portable station. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
Hi Richard, While we do test and align the PCB boards identically on the kit and factory assembled KX3s, we do further testing on the assembled units to insure that we built them perfectly. Assembled KX3s are given an preliminary TX and RX test after assembly, followed by a multi-hour burn in rack test. There under computer control we stress test the KX3 by transmitting key down on each band while checking temperature, current and power out and also check tuning of the ATU on each band. This occurs in a repetitive fashion - cycling through the bands - for a minimum of 8 hours. After passing burn-in, the assembled KX3 goes to final test on a technicians lab bench, where we test all RX and TX parameters on all bands, including RX sensitivity, TX power, Current drain in TX, TX IMD etc. We also do tests on the SSB audio, CW keying, receive audio and a number of other parameters. Each added option is also tested in the KX3. In general we see few failures in burn-in or final test, due to our extensive testing of the PC boards before assembly (and before packaging them into kits). 73, Eric --- www.elecraft.com On 1/4/2013 12:01 PM, Richard wrote: Hello, I will purchase a new KX3 from Elecraft Sales in a week or two. If the factory testing upon final assembly is more comprehensive than what is in the kit assembly manual, it might persuade me to buy the Factory Assembled version. Is any extra factory testing performed? __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking the rig. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets) On Jan 4, 2013, at 6:14 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: Hi Richard, While we do test and align the PCB boards identically on the kit and factory assembled KX3s, we do further testing on the assembled units to insure that we built them perfectly. Assembled KX3s are given an preliminary TX and RX test after assembly, followed by a multi-hour burn in rack test. There under computer control we stress test the KX3 by transmitting key down on each band while checking temperature, current and power out and also check tuning of the ATU on each band. This occurs in a repetitive fashion - cycling through the bands - for a minimum of 8 hours. After passing burn-in, the assembled KX3 goes to final test on a technicians lab bench, where we test all RX and TX parameters on all bands, including RX sensitivity, TX power, Current drain in TX, TX IMD etc. We also do tests on the SSB audio, CW keying, receive audio and a number of other parameters. Each added option is also tested in the KX3. In general we see few failures in burn-in or final test, due to our extensive testing of the PC boards before assembly (and before packaging them into kits). 73, Eric --- www.elecraft.com __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
Thanks Eric That makes me feel a lot better, I ordered a new loaded KX3 yesterday 8). But can say I have been well pleased with all my F equipment purchased so far except for one small glitch on my new KAT500. Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 5:14 PM To: Richard Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing? Hi Richard, While we do test and align the PCB boards identically on the kit and factory assembled KX3s, we do further testing on the assembled units to insure that we built them perfectly. Assembled KX3s are given an preliminary TX and RX test after assembly, followed by a multi-hour burn in rack test. There under computer control we stress test the KX3 by transmitting key down on each band while checking temperature, current and power out and also check tuning of the ATU on each band. This occurs in a repetitive fashion - cycling through the bands - for a minimum of 8 hours. After passing burn-in, the assembled KX3 goes to final test on a technicians lab bench, where we test all RX and TX parameters on all bands, including RX sensitivity, TX power, Current drain in TX, TX IMD etc. We also do tests on the SSB audio, CW keying, receive audio and a number of other parameters. Each added option is also tested in the KX3. In general we see few failures in burn-in or final test, due to our extensive testing of the PC boards before assembly (and before packaging them into kits). 73, Eric --- www.elecraft.com On 1/4/2013 12:01 PM, Richard wrote: Hello, I will purchase a new KX3 from Elecraft Sales in a week or two. If the factory testing upon final assembly is more comprehensive than what is in the kit assembly manual, it might persuade me to buy the Factory Assembled version. Is any extra factory testing performed? __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2637/5509 - Release Date: 01/04/13 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
It absolutely does. It makes me wish I had gone with a built rather than a kit. Chris AB3QV On Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 6:43 PM, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking the rig. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets) On Jan 4, 2013, at 6:14 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: Hi Richard, While we do test and align the PCB boards identically on the kit and factory assembled KX3s, we do further testing on the assembled units to insure that we built them perfectly. Assembled KX3s are given an preliminary TX and RX test after assembly, followed by a multi-hour burn in rack test. There under computer control we stress test the KX3 by transmitting key down on each band while checking temperature, current and power out and also check tuning of the ATU on each band. This occurs in a repetitive fashion - cycling through the bands - for a minimum of 8 hours. After passing burn-in, the assembled KX3 goes to final test on a technicians lab bench, where we test all RX and TX parameters on all bands, including RX sensitivity, TX power, Current drain in TX, TX IMD etc. We also do tests on the SSB audio, CW keying, receive audio and a number of other parameters. Each added option is also tested in the KX3. In general we see few failures in burn-in or final test, due to our extensive testing of the PC boards before assembly (and before packaging them into kits). 73, Eric --- www.elecraft.com __**__**__ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecrafthttp://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htmhttp://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth.**net Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Factory Testing identical to Kit Testing?
But you lose the feeling of wow I built this and look how awesomely it works in spite of it :) 73, Thomas M0TRN - KX3 #654, kit On 4 January 2013 23:43, Ray Sills raysil...@verizon.net wrote: That brings a lot of value added to the factor-built version. IMO, worth the price, especially considering the number of hours spent in checking the rig. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 (Kit.. with no regrets) __ 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
