Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Gary Smith]

Build, VS buy... If you have the 
temperment to build, it is a wonderful way 
to get to know how your radio is assembled 
and it will give you an idea how to work 
on it if in the future, the need should 
arise.

I built my K3, I did buy the factory built 
K3s but only because I built the K3 
earlier. Had I not done the earlier build 
I would certainly bought the K3s Kit.

It reminds me of an Erector set, if you 
remember those, its a great way to make 
something grand out of parts.

73,

Gary
A1J


> I´m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
> cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
> savings?
> 
> Bill
> 
> W3PNM
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Bill]

Phil, My sentiments as well.  The K2, KX1, and other basic through hole
building is what matters to me.  The joy of trouble shooting is gone for me.
I work on PC repairs, Wi-Fi and network issues... that is more than plenty.
I enjoy having my stuff built.  I still build PC's for customers but even
that is a disappearing art and unless you do it regularly, it becomes a bit
of a task.  

Bill
K9YEQ

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Phil
Wheeler
Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 5:06 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

Having built the K2 and all accessories, I ordered my K3/P3/KPA500/KAT500
assembled -- mainly due to the size and weight of some (particularly with
the KPA500). The K2 was all the building experience (from 1999-2003 as
accessories were developed) I really needed -- along with other, smaller
kits.

I did assemble the KX3 and PX3. And in the case of the KX3 I rather
regretted that choice: One small mechanical part, a standoff, was not usable
and I had to wait five days for a replacement. Of course, in the long run it
hardly matters.  But I do find the "melt solder" kits more fun to build and
get working, and miss the days when so many thru-hole part kits were
available. The K2 is the last really challenging one, IMO.

73, Phil W7OX

On 9/6/16 2:16 PM, Mike Markowski wrote:
> Erector Set without the cut fingers.  :-)
>
> 73,
> Mike ab3ap
>
> On 09/06/2016 03:24 PM, Terry Schieler wrote:
>> Earl, K4KAY wrote " No soldering, just a lot of small screws, nuts, 
>> washers and lock washers. My age is 78."
>>
>> I am 69 and with apologies to all the members of this site who don't 
>> have enough years behind them to get this, I will simply state "think 
>> Erector Set".

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Phil Wheeler]

Having built the K2 and all accessories, I ordered 
my K3/P3/KPA500/KAT500 assembled -- mainly due to 
the size and weight of some (particularly with the 
KPA500). The K2 was all the building experience 
(from 1999-2003 as accessories were developed) I 
really needed -- along with other, smaller kits.


I did assemble the KX3 and PX3. And in the case of 
the KX3 I rather regretted that choice: One small 
mechanical part, a standoff, was not usable and I 
had to wait five days for a replacement. Of 
course, in the long run it hardly matters.  But I 
do find the "melt solder" kits more fun to build 
and get working, and miss the days when so many 
thru-hole part kits were available. The K2 is the 
last really challenging one, IMO.


73, Phil W7OX

On 9/6/16 2:16 PM, Mike Markowski wrote:

Erector Set without the cut fingers.  :-)

73,
Mike ab3ap

On 09/06/2016 03:24 PM, Terry Schieler wrote:
Earl, K4KAY wrote " No soldering, just a lot of 
small screws, nuts,

washers and lock washers. My age is 78."

I am 69 and with apologies to all the members 
of this site who don't
have enough years behind them to get this, I 
will simply state "think

Erector Set".


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Mike Markowski]

Erector Set without the cut fingers.  :-)

73,
Mike ab3ap

On 09/06/2016 03:24 PM, Terry Schieler wrote:

Earl, K4KAY wrote " No soldering, just a lot of small screws, nuts,
washers and lock washers. My age is 78."

I am 69 and with apologies to all the members of this site who don't
have enough years behind them to get this, I will simply state "think
Erector Set".

Terry, WØFM

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Terry Schieler]

Earl, K4KAY wrote " No soldering, just a lot of small screws, nuts, washers and 
lock washers. My age is 78."   

I am 69 and with apologies to all the members of this site who don't have 
enough years behind them to get this, I will simply state "think Erector Set".  

Terry, WØFM


-Original Message-
From: Charles R.Tropp [mailto:charlestr...@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2016 8:58 AM
To: efortner; 'Bill DeVore'; 'Elecraft@mailman.qth.net'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

It certainly is not a question of saving $200.00 because the feeling of 
accomplishment you will receive when the lights go on is priceless! 73, Charles 
N2SO Treasurer, Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc. http://QCWA.org 

On Tuesday, September 6, 2016 9:05 AM, efortner <efort...@ctc.net> wrote:
 

 Hi Bill,

At the Shelby Hamfest, 2015 I ordered the entire K-Line, Amp, KAT500, K3s and 
Elecraft P3 along with the filters they suggested. I received the shipment in 
late September. Took inventory of all parts as they recommended. I started with 
the receiver and finished with KPA500 amplifier. It was not difficult and took 
about three weeks in spare time. It worked when finished but had one minor 
issue after I started using it. It turned out the reference oscillator was 
defective and would drift after the K3s warmed up and would stop receiving. A 
little trouble shooting with help from the factory soon had another reference 
oscillator on the way. I have probably worked a 100 new countries since then. 
About the only things you need to buy are a muffin tin to hold the small parts. 
Several new screwdrives for the small screws and a static mat with wrist clip. 
No soldering, just a lot of small screws, nuts, washers and lock washers. My 
age is 78.

Regards, Earl Fortner, K4KAY

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill 
DeVore
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 8:26 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
savings?

Bill

W3PNM
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[w7aqk]

If you ever spent Christmas Eve putting toys together for your kids, you 
probably are qualified to go with the kit!!!  Hi.  It's really just an 
assembly process, and the instructions are pretty straight forward.  More 
than anything, it is a matter of just being careful, reading the 
instructions, and not trying to go too fast.  Inventory the parts carefully 
(that's critical!), and separate them in an organized fashion.  Do that, and 
you have half the battle won.  Some parts may be a close fit, but they do 
fit!  Tool requirements are relatively simple, and no soldering.  In the 
end, you know a lot more about what is inside the case, and where it is.


You need a lot of room, so unless you have a particularly large, uncluttered 
work bench, use the dining room table with a good protective pad on top. 
Order in pizza--no cooking during assembly!


Anyway, saving the $200 is not the wrong thing to do, unless a reasonable 
amount of patience is not one of your virtues.  It doesn't take all that 
long, and it's really not all that difficult, but you do need to proceed 
with reasonable care.  I recommend some nice soft, soothing music in the 
background just to keep yourself relaxed!  Hi.


Dave W7AQK


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[dmoes]

I agree with the others. Building it is a sense of complement, but more 
important. If down the road you decide to add to it or there is trouble and a 
component needs replacing, if you built it you will have a better idea and 
confidence to open the box and work on it. 

  Original Message  
From: John Stengrevics
Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 10:07 AM
To: Charles R.Tropp
Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net; Bill DeVore
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

Agree completely. Never having built something before, I get a sense of 
accomplishment every time I turn my K3S on.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 6, 2016, at 9:57 AM, Charles R.Tropp via Elecraft 
> <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> It certainly is not a question of saving $200.00 because the feeling of 
> accomplishment you will receive when the lights go on is priceless! 73, 
> Charles N2SO
> Treasurer, Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc. http://QCWA.org 
> 
> On Tuesday, September 6, 2016 9:05 AM, efortner <efort...@ctc.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi Bill,
> 
> At the Shelby Hamfest, 2015 I ordered the entire K-Line, Amp, KAT500, K3s and 
> Elecraft P3 along with the filters they suggested. I received the shipment in 
> late September. Took inventory of all parts as they recommended. I started 
> with the receiver and finished with KPA500 amplifier. It was not difficult 
> and took about three weeks in spare time. It worked when finished but had one 
> minor issue after I started using it. It turned out the reference oscillator 
> was defective and would drift after the K3s warmed up and would stop 
> receiving. A little trouble shooting with help from the factory soon had 
> another reference oscillator on the way. I have probably worked a 100 new 
> countries since then. About the only things you need to buy are a muffin tin 
> to hold the small parts. Several new screwdrives for the small screws and a 
> static mat with wrist clip. No soldering, just a lot of small screws, nuts, 
> washers and lock washers. My age is 78.
> 
> Regards, Earl Fortner, K4KAY
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill 
> DeVore
> Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 8:26 PM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy
> 
> I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
> cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
> savings?
> 
> Bill
> 
> W3PNM
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[kg9hfr...@gmail.com]

Let’s not forget the exercise will prepare you for future mods, issues, etc.
Frank KG9H

> On Sep 6, 2016, at 9:07 AM, John Stengrevics <jstengrev...@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Agree completely.  Never having built something before, I get a sense of 
> accomplishment every time I turn my K3S on.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Sep 6, 2016, at 9:57 AM, Charles R.Tropp via Elecraft 
>> <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:
>> 
>> It certainly is not a question of saving $200.00 because the feeling of 
>> accomplishment you will receive when the lights go on is priceless! 73, 
>> Charles N2SO
>> Treasurer, Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc. http://QCWA.org 
>> 
>>   On Tuesday, September 6, 2016 9:05 AM, efortner <efort...@ctc.net> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Hi Bill,
>> 
>> At the Shelby Hamfest, 2015 I ordered the entire K-Line, Amp, KAT500, K3s 
>> and Elecraft P3 along with the filters they suggested. I received the 
>> shipment in late September. Took inventory of all parts as they recommended. 
>> I started with the receiver and finished with KPA500 amplifier. It was not 
>> difficult and took about three weeks in spare time. It worked when finished 
>> but had one minor issue after I started using it. It turned out the 
>> reference oscillator was defective and would drift after the K3s warmed up 
>> and would stop receiving. A little trouble shooting with help from the 
>> factory soon had another reference oscillator on the way. I have probably 
>> worked a 100 new countries since then. About the only things you need to buy 
>> are a muffin tin to hold the small parts. Several new screwdrives for the 
>> small screws and a static mat with wrist clip. No soldering, just a lot of 
>> small screws, nuts, washers and lock washers. My age is 78.
>> 
>> Regards, Earl Fortner, K4KAY
>> 
>> -----Original Message-
>> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill 
>> DeVore
>> Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 8:26 PM
>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy
>> 
>> I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros 
>> and cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the 
>> $200 in savings?
>> 
>> Bill
>> 
>> W3PNM
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[John Stengrevics]

Agree completely.  Never having built something before, I get a sense of 
accomplishment every time I turn my K3S on.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 6, 2016, at 9:57 AM, Charles R.Tropp via Elecraft 
> <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> It certainly is not a question of saving $200.00 because the feeling of 
> accomplishment you will receive when the lights go on is priceless! 73, 
> Charles N2SO
> Treasurer, Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc. http://QCWA.org 
> 
>On Tuesday, September 6, 2016 9:05 AM, efortner <efort...@ctc.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi Bill,
> 
> At the Shelby Hamfest, 2015 I ordered the entire K-Line, Amp, KAT500, K3s and 
> Elecraft P3 along with the filters they suggested. I received the shipment in 
> late September. Took inventory of all parts as they recommended. I started 
> with the receiver and finished with KPA500 amplifier. It was not difficult 
> and took about three weeks in spare time. It worked when finished but had one 
> minor issue after I started using it. It turned out the reference oscillator 
> was defective and would drift after the K3s warmed up and would stop 
> receiving. A little trouble shooting with help from the factory soon had 
> another reference oscillator on the way. I have probably worked a 100 new 
> countries since then. About the only things you need to buy are a muffin tin 
> to hold the small parts. Several new screwdrives for the small screws and a 
> static mat with wrist clip. No soldering, just a lot of small screws, nuts, 
> washers and lock washers. My age is 78.
> 
> Regards, Earl Fortner, K4KAY
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill 
> DeVore
> Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 8:26 PM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy
> 
> I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
> cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
> savings?
> 
> Bill
> 
> W3PNM
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Charles R.Tropp via Elecraft]

It certainly is not a question of saving $200.00 because the feeling of 
accomplishment you will receive when the lights go on is priceless! 73, Charles 
N2SO
Treasurer, Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc. http://QCWA.org 

On Tuesday, September 6, 2016 9:05 AM, efortner <efort...@ctc.net> wrote:
 

 Hi Bill,

At the Shelby Hamfest, 2015 I ordered the entire K-Line, Amp, KAT500, K3s and 
Elecraft P3 along with the filters they suggested. I received the shipment in 
late September. Took inventory of all parts as they recommended. I started with 
the receiver and finished with KPA500 amplifier. It was not difficult and took 
about three weeks in spare time. It worked when finished but had one minor 
issue after I started using it. It turned out the reference oscillator was 
defective and would drift after the K3s warmed up and would stop receiving. A 
little trouble shooting with help from the factory soon had another reference 
oscillator on the way. I have probably worked a 100 new countries since then. 
About the only things you need to buy are a muffin tin to hold the small parts. 
Several new screwdrives for the small screws and a static mat with wrist clip. 
No soldering, just a lot of small screws, nuts, washers and lock washers. My 
age is 78.

Regards, Earl Fortner, K4KAY

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill 
DeVore
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 8:26 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
savings?

Bill

W3PNM
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[efortner]

Hi Bill,

At the Shelby Hamfest, 2015 I ordered the entire K-Line, Amp, KAT500, K3s and 
Elecraft P3 along with the filters they suggested. I received the shipment in 
late September. Took inventory of all parts as they recommended. I started with 
the receiver and finished with KPA500 amplifier. It was not difficult and took 
about three weeks in spare time. It worked when finished but had one minor 
issue after I started using it. It turned out the reference oscillator was 
defective and would drift after the K3s warmed up and would stop receiving. A 
little trouble shooting with help from the factory soon had another reference 
oscillator on the way. I have probably worked a 100 new countries since then. 
About the only things you need to buy are a muffin tin to hold the small parts. 
Several new screwdrives for the small screws and a static mat with wrist clip. 
No soldering, just a lot of small screws, nuts, washers and lock washers. My 
age is 78.

Regards, Earl Fortner, K4KAY

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill 
DeVore
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 8:26 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
savings?

Bill

W3PNM
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Nr4c]

You save $200 

It's easy to build and you have an appreciation of what's inside. 

You will save $200. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Sep 5, 2016, at 8:25 PM, Bill DeVore  wrote:
> 
> I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
> cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
> savings?
> 
> Bill
> 
> W3PNM
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Hello Bill: 

Building is worth it if you enjoy assembling your equipment. 

It is NOT worth it if you simply want to get your rig working immediately. 
Being in a rush is what results in the most issues with building. 

Allow 6 to 8 hours to do the job and only work when you are awake and feeling 
sharp. 

The end result is equivalent in all respects to a factory-built unit. All 
critical alignments are done at the factory in either case. 

73 Ron AC7AC


-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill 
DeVore
Sent: Monday, September 5, 2016 5:26 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
savings?

Bill

W3PNM
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Don Wilhelm]

Bill,

First assess your capabilities - are you capable of operating a 
screwdriver (get a new one) and following written instructions 
properly?  If the answer is 'yes', then you are capable of building a kit.


The major "pro" of building a kit are that you will become familiar with 
the K3S and will know what is involved if you want to add options 
later.  You will likely feel a sense of accomplishment at having 
completed the task.


The "cons" of building a kit is that you will miss the factory final 
checkout, calibration and burn-in.


You can do your own checkout, and the calibration is not complex - you 
can do it with no tools since the boards are pre-calibrated, but a 
signal generator such as the Elecraft XG1, XG2 or XG3 (especially the 
XG3) will allow you to refine the final RX Gain calibration using the K3 
Utility application.  A good dummy load that is rated for at least 50 
watts and is 50 ohms non-reactive at 52 MHz is also needed for the TX 
Gain Calibration.  Even if you order the factory built K3S, I would 
suggest that you have a dummy load of that capability available in case 
you want to do the TX Gain Calibration at some time in the future.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/5/2016 8:25 PM, Bill DeVore wrote:

I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
savings?




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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Ken Arck]

Well it took me a few hours to do... quite simple and well worth 
the savings actually...


Ken



At 05:55 PM 9/5/2016, Jim Brown wrote:

On Mon,9/5/2016 5:25 PM, Bill DeVore wrote:

  Is building worth the $200 in savings?


Absolutely! $200 will get you about 40 double expressos at Starbucks! :)

But seriously, the building experience is simple, takes a bit more 
than a day, and you know how to take it apart to add options, trade 
boards, etc. It's basically a screw-together kit, with the trickiest 
parts being squeezing in the Sub-RX and fitting the front panel 
board into the main board. Unless you happen to be physically 
challenged (really bad eyesight or motor skills), by all means build it.


73, Jim K9YC

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Makers of repeater controllers and accessories.
http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/
Authorized Dealers for Kenwood and Telewave and
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Jim Brown]

On Mon,9/5/2016 5:25 PM, Bill DeVore wrote:

  Is building worth the $200 in savings?


Absolutely! $200 will get you about 40 double expressos at Starbucks! :)

But seriously, the building experience is simple, takes a bit more than 
a day, and you know how to take it apart to add options, trade boards, 
etc. It's basically a screw-together kit, with the trickiest parts being 
squeezing in the Sub-RX and fitting the front panel board into the main 
board. Unless you happen to be physically challenged (really bad 
eyesight or motor skills), by all means build it.


73, Jim K9YC

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[Elecraft] K3S - Build or Buy

[Bill DeVore]

I’m considering the purchase of a K3S and was wondering what are the pros and 
cons of building versus buying a factory radio. Is building worth the $200 in 
savings?

Bill

W3PNM
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