RE: [Elecraft] On a more technical note.....
Another Option module that is easier done up during the initial build - even more so than the KPA3 - is the KXV3 interface module. It's nestled under the KIO3 interface on the back and requires removing the KIO3 and its two pony boards from the back to plug it in, and removing the bottom covers to install and connect a cable, then reinstalling the KIO3 and putting the covers back. Still, it's less than a 30-minute procedure, but definitely a 'no brainer' if done during the original build. While we're talking disassembly, let me point out that Wayne specifically avoided needing thermal pads or complicated hardware stacks anywhere on the K3 bottom cover assembly even though the rear section is the heat sink for the 10-watt low power amplifier (LPA) module. Pulling the bottom covers is simply a matter of removing screws and lifting the covers off. Reinstalling the covers involves setting them in place and putting all the screws back in. The only concession to the needs of the LPA transistors is that the screws that secure the bottom cover to them are slightly longer than the others and have lock washers under their heads. Those screws thread directly into standoffs. No insulators or other hardware is needed. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] On a more technical note.....
I must admit I placed a dab of thermal grease on each of the LPA final transistors. I couldn't help myself. Probably doesn't need it. But I certainly feel better knowing that the thermal transfer will be just a tad more efficient. Doug -- K0DXV K3/100 #77 Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Another Option module that is easier done up during the initial build - even more so than the KPA3 - is the KXV3 interface module. It's nestled under the KIO3 interface on the back and requires removing the KIO3 and its two pony boards from the back to plug it in, and removing the bottom covers to install and connect a cable, then reinstalling the KIO3 and putting the covers back. Still, it's less than a 30-minute procedure, but definitely a 'no brainer' if done during the original build. While we're talking disassembly, let me point out that Wayne specifically avoided needing thermal pads or complicated hardware stacks anywhere on the K3 bottom cover assembly even though the rear section is the heat sink for the 10-watt low power amplifier (LPA) module. Pulling the bottom covers is simply a matter of removing screws and lifting the covers off. Reinstalling the covers involves setting them in place and putting all the screws back in. The only concession to the needs of the LPA transistors is that the screws that secure the bottom cover to them are slightly longer than the others and have lock washers under their heads. Those screws thread directly into standoffs. No insulators or other hardware is needed. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] On a more technical note.....
the new 10 watt lpa Not that I plan on taking the bottom off frequently, It's ALOT BETTER AND EASIER THAN THE K2 ..and as I did it could only think of the k2's lpa procedure, bill #44 While we're talking disassembly, let me point out that Wayne specifically avoided needing thermal pads or complicated hardware stacks anywhere on the K3 bottom cover assembly even though the rear section is the heat sink for the 10-watt low power amplifier (LPA) module. Pulling the bottom covers is simply a matter of removing screws and lifting the covers off. Reinstalling the covers involves setting them in place and putting all the screws back ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] On a more technical note.....
- Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Are there any add ons that would be better ordered with a radio at the time of initial construction? Mike: Order the PA with the rig if you can. It requires the installation of a metal shield that, to retrofit, requires a bit of disassembly. As the Ref C instructions are currently written, allowance is made for you to put that shield in on the first go-around (although you do not install the 100W amp at that time) and that will save you a bunch of work later. #095 is a dream and worth every minute of the wait. 73, Gary, VE1RGB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] On a more technical note.....
Good input. I should have mentioned I have the K-3/100 on order. Gary Bartlett VE1RGB [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Are there any add ons that would be better ordered with a radio at the time of initial construction? Mike: Order the PA with the rig if you can. It requires the installation of a metal shield that, to retrofit, requires a bit of disassembly. As the Ref C instructions are currently written, allowance is made for you to put that shield in on the first go-around (although you do not install the 100W amp at that time) and that will save you a bunch of work later. #095 is a dream and worth every minute of the wait. 73, Gary, VE1RGB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] On a more technical note.....
My K3 has crystal filters, the KPA3 amplifier, the receive bandpass filter, the transverter interface and the antenna tuner. I would say that none of these would require more than an hour to add individually. It takes less time to install several options together than to install each option individually, because you have the covers off. I bought the bandpass filter and some more filters after the initial assembly. Of all these options, I'm glad I installed the ATU and transverter interface during initial assembly. I performed the KPA3 install after the complete assembly of the base K3, and suggested to Elecraft that the KPA3 rear shield could perhaps have been installed during the initial assembly to some advantage. That suggestion worked its way into the next rev of the assembly manual (see page 46 of revision C of the K3 Assembly manual). That actually was probably more rework than any of the other options. But even that rework wasn't a whole lot of work. The 2nd receiver and DVR option aren't yet shipping, so I'll be back in there again when my 2nd receiver arrives. I'm looking forward to this, it's another pleasant little construction project that will take an hour or so. All of the assembly manuals are available on the Elecraft web site, and each of the option installation manuals has complete instructions to deal with the situation where they're be installed during the initial build or later. If you have any detailed what if sorts of questions, visit those manuals, they have nice pictures and you can get a feel for what's really involved. Before you start building, verify that you're building from the most recent manual. Sometimes a K3 ships, and the next manual rev becomes available before the K3 gets to its owner. The old instructions will still work fine, but I found myself going through the new assembly manual and making slight adjustments (mine is S/N 00018, and after I built my unit slight adjustments were made of the nature of adding a split lock washer here and there, so I went back and made those changes). My real message is that it isn't a huge amount of effort in any case. There is a little bit of rework to add later as opposed to adding during the initial build, but not so much as to be tedious. Opening it again after the initial build is sort of like visiting an old friend. I took my time and looked around and enjoyed myself. I'd plan on 5 to 8 hours to build the initial K3, add 15 minutes per option if performed during the initial assembly, and maybe half an hour per option if done all alone after the fact. If I were assembling these day after day, I could cut that time down in half. But for my own unit, where I'm savoring the whole experience, I wouldn't want to rush it. 73 de Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, December 07, 2007 7:25 AM Cc: elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] On a more technical note. Are there any add ons that would be better ordered with a radio at the time of initial construction? I'd hate to have to disassemble the entire radio to install the 2d rx for instance if it is better installed at the start. Are the add on modules more like computer cards where you will put the card in the slot and then activate the feature? Mike/aj9c ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] On a more technical note.....
I think the hardest add-on to do after-the-fact is the transverter interface KXV3. It requires removal of the KIO3 and the side and bottom panels. Based on my guess about how the second RX board fits, I think adding the KXV3 might also require removal of the second RX. I don't have the KDVR3 digital voice recorder option so I don't know how hard that is to install. Otherwise I have all the rest of the options. If I understand the second RX correctly, it will require removal of the top and bottom panels and the stiffener. None of that is hard, and none of it makes it worth waiting for the second RX before building the radio. Craig NZ0R K3/100 #25 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, December 07, 2007 9:25 AM Cc: elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] On a more technical note. Are there any add ons that would be better ordered with a radio at the time of initial construction? I'd hate to have to disassemble the entire radio to install the 2d rx for instance if it is better installed at the start. Are the add on modules more like computer cards where you will put the card in the slot and then activate the feature? Mike/aj9c ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] On a more technical note.....
I don't have the KDVR3 digital voice recorder option so I don't know how hard that is to install. Installation will require removal of the front panel assembly in such a way as to allow removal of the DSP board. The KDVR3 attaches to the DSP board. The KRX3 option also requires attaching a new PC board, in this case the auxiliary DSP, to the DSP board. Fortunately, these occupy different physical locations on the DSP board, so you can install and use both options ;-) 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
