I ordered K3 #1170 in the Winter of 2007, hoping it would arrive in time for Field Day 2008 but it didn't quite make it. Because of other obligations and a waning interest in amateur radio in general, the K3 sat unassembled for almost a year with the parts inventoried and organized in plastic tackle boxes.
After some prodding from other club members and rumors of bets being taken out against me having it assembled for Field Day 2009, I dedicated myself to assembling it a few weeks ago. I want to compliment Elecraft on yet another wonderful product. I've built a K1 and XV144 transverter in the past and consider those among my most prized possessions. Assembly was straight forward and the K3 has been practically flawless in the three weeks I've been playing with it. K3 #1170 will be in service this weekend at the Razorback Radio Club's WU5PIG Field Day effort. We have an eclectic collection a radios to play with, including a Yaesu FT950, Yaseu FT857, Swan 350, and a Drake TR6 but will probably only enter as a 2A as it is just too hot here keep more than two stations manned for any length of time. With the predicted heat index values of 105 or more, I believe the ops will be frequently retreating to an air conditioned room or the pool next to the operating positions. The heat concerns me. Late this afternoon the front panel temp of the K3 indicated 46 C. Based on the initial reaction among the operators, I think the K3 is going to be very popular tomorrow and will see a lot of use. The K3 is likely to be under quite a bit of stress tomorrow. We'll see how it handles it. Hope everyone has fun and stays hydrated this weekend. And I hope the wonderful band opening on 10 and 6 meters this afternoon repeats itself. If it does we might have the best Field Day we've had in a while. 73, Brad AA5CH ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
