Re: [Elecraft] K3 Bottom Front Panel Issues

2009-12-30 Thread Don Wilhelm
Brett, I believe the answer to most of your fears is to purchase a new screwdriver and yes, make up that BOM list and place an order. Replace what needs replacing and be done with it. While you are replacing, check the grounding points on the panels and you may have some improvement in

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Bottom Front Panel Issues

2009-12-30 Thread Wes Stewart
While some in this forum marvel at the way things go together in this radio, I was not pleased with the standoff situation.  Using screws to attach standoffs in later to be inaccessible locations, and adjusting standoff lengths with stacks of washers is acceptable in a homebrew or prototype

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Bottom Front Panel Issues

2009-12-30 Thread Byron Servies
On Dec 30, 2009, at 2:29 AM, Brett Howard wrote: I've also tried using lock-tite to hold the standoffs onto the screws from the board side snip I have also considered using either a drop of blue loctite or a tiny bit of Phil's grease as a thread locker / vibration protection for the screws

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Bottom Front Panel Issues

2009-12-30 Thread Don Wilhelm
Byron, I would hesitate to put locktite of any kind on the enclosure screws - they would be a bear to remove. Since these are steel screws run into aluminum, the two dissimilar metals can create drag and can actually lock together, so you have an effective 'threadlocker' already. One trick I

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Bottom Front Panel Issues

2009-12-30 Thread K6LE
Brett, You might consider ordering the Stainless fastener kit K3SSKT instead of spending the time to inventory the ones you'll need. You get a complete collection of all the exterior screws and nuts with plenty of extras for later. Oh yeah, get some new, quality screw drivers.. Rick K6LE

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Bottom Front Panel Issues

2009-12-30 Thread Merv Schweigert
Here in the Pacific the SS kit is a must, my screw heads tarnished in a couple months on stock screws. I use a tiny dollop of penetrox or similar on the threads to make sure they come loose next time. Here in the salt everything corrodes. And the proper size driver tip is most important.

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Bottom Front Panel Issues

2009-12-30 Thread Paul Christensen
Oh yeah, get some new, quality screw drivers.. Excellent advice and probably one of the best investments made when assembling or performing work on the K3. At first, I purchased new #0 and #1 Phillips-head drivers from Klein Tools. The K3 assembly manual warns against the use of power

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Bottom Front Panel Issues

2009-12-30 Thread Brett Howard
Well so I've ordered a set of Wiha Driver-Loc drivers. I got the ESD-Safe handle and a set of bits for pretty much everything I use. Ok with that taken care of I ordered replacement split washers, inside tooth washers, black and nickel screws and new standoffs. I also ordered the stainless