Elecraft K3 – Assembly Complete Ready for Testing – Day 11

April 6, 2013 by 2 Comments

Elecraft K3 – Assembly Complete Ready for Testing – Day 11

 

On to final assembly of the Elecraft K3 – there didn’t seem like much left to do before testing so I had some time the other night to finish up. There were a few parts here that were a little frustrating – mostly to do with the heat sink for the 100-Watt Amp. It was something that got put in early on in the steps that gets in the way when you have large hands for some of the more delicate work that has to be done after this.

After this you work on the bottom panels, which are very easy but a couple of things to think about here. Getting the feet laid out so when you put the raising bar on you will ensure that you get them right the first time. My video doesn’t show it as it’s in fast motion but I spent a little extra time ensuring I had the feet in the right order.

The next step is the noise blanker board which of course is an easy install but with the head sink as well as the top bar in place if adds al little complexity to getting it installed that I’m not sure needed to be there. This is one of the places in the instructions that could use some updating but I’m going to save that for my overall build notes.

Elecraft K3 Assembly complete – well kind of J This was the main portion and the 100-Watt Amp isn’t in yet I have to do some testing and calibration before that. Right now the main assembly is completed. Boy was that fun. Once I get a chance to take a break and get all the calibration done and that Amp in I’m going to write up my overall impressions from the build – both all of the great things and the few areas I would suggest for improvement. If you want any indication if I enjoyed the build the night this was finished I did two things – I pulled my 1000mp out of the main station location and I ordered the P3 as my next assembly. I would think that should tell you how much I enjoyed this.

Enjoy the video:

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Elecraft K3 Build – Boards and Speaker Day 10

March 30, 2013 by 2 Comments

Elecraft K3 Build – Boards and Speaker Day 10

Assembly continues after the power on test everything was fine so let’s finish up this rig build. I didn’t have a full night to work so I’m going to get as far as I could. Looks like there are a few boards that need to be installed that mount to the front heat shield and then a few more on the main board.

In such a small and confined space it’s important to get things right because you don’t want to go in and have to change lager. I spent a little extra time making sure the boards and standoffs were mounted properly – all the pins in the right positions before pressing down too hard. I was extra careful only because these are small and sensitive parts of the build.

Got the noise blanker in as well which was one of the errors I had gotten during power on testing. Then it’s on to the top cover and speaker assembly. This is where I deviated from the book a little or at least I think I did. Getting the mesh for the speaker aligned and holes drilled was reinforced that you have to get right or you could have choppy or scratchy audio. I of course don’t want this to happen so I ensured that I got the holes marked and after popping small hole with a knife I bore the hold with a sharp Phillips head. This seemed to work well as I was kinda drilling out the hold without damaging the matt too much. The next step was getting the screws in – I did all four at once. Seemed to me if you could get them all in and put the radio down on a flat surface they would stand up long enough to get the fiber washers and other washers and bolds on and held… and tighten after. I can’t remember now but it seems that this was a different way than the book suggestion.

Last item I had time for tonight was to get the speaker magnet on – it was a simple step but one that scared the ……. Out of me. The magnet is strong to be prepared when you move it close it’s going to grab. Mine took off after the speaker and I had to pull it off twice to get it right. Again – not a hard step but one to be ready for ☺

Plenty more empty boxes and bags…. Only a few more to go – this is getting exciting.

Enjoy the movie of these steps:

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Elecraft K3 Project Power On Test – Day 9

March 26, 2013 by 2 Comments

Elecraft K3 Project Power On Test – Day 9

So first thing I will say in this post is I got some feedback that my posts were coming across, as I might not have been having fun with this build. I am going to leave the overall impressions for my final summary posts but one thing I wanted to point out during this build I was sick and there were a few days I wasn’t myself.

With that said I am totally having a blast – yeah there are small parts and big hands, which makes for a difficult build at times but that is what also makes it so fun to see the little battles make one big win ☺

OK enough on that topic – The hardest thing I have done so far is try to solder the power cable together and I have to say – I got it wrong. The reason for the delay in posts was I was waiting for a new cable that was assembled. This is one part I would recommend that you take your time on and get the right tools. Friend and one of the better people I have gotten to know because of the Internet and Ham Radio – Bill AK5X told me about this tool although it was a little too late for me but not for you: http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=PWRcrimp

Once you get this step done to me one of the parts that all of us enjoy happens the power on… right before you get there you have to do some resistance testing and it’s important. Make sure you have this all right before you move on – the manual says it but I am just reinforcing the point ☺

After that the fun begins – power on test! Here is mine:

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Elecraft K3 Build Front Faceplate installation – Day 8

March 22, 2013 by 2 Comments

Elecraft K3 Build Front Faceplate installation – Day 8

 

So the build continues and since I was so unhappy with the last videos camera position and quality I tired something new that I believe worked out much better for your viewing.

 

This part of the installation requires some patience as you have to really work on the knobs for sure but also the DSP board as well as taking the sides off and putting them back on after front faceplate installation. I’m wondering why the decision was made to put them on in the first place if this step was coming and if they really did need to be taken off completely or just loosen to make this section work.

Either way I got the sides off and the front plate on – the radio from the front and back is really taking form at this point as well as you will find the U12 and U13 resistance testing – and other tests you will need to do with a Multi Meter at this point. They are very easy tests so just have your meter and be prepared.

 

Next step that isn’t on the video and my first part that I needed to reorder was the power cable assembly. I really didn’t get it right in the soldering part and made a mess of it. This to me was a very tricky assembly so I ended up talking to Elecraft support (which they were awesome) and ordered a new one already assembled. It think this was a function of me having a really poor soldering technique as well as having very large hands for something so small and delicate. It as a $15 mistake but one that I made and I’m glad to have the new one on order.

 

Because of this I’m stuck my new Astron Power Supply was delivered but without a power cable assembly I can’t move forward. The next test is the power on test since I have all the resistance in order – the so-called smoke test is next.

 

The rig really has taken shape and you could see what it’s going to be at this point – this is really exciting and I can’t wait for the package to be delivered hopefully today or tomorrow so I could move forward.

 

Until then enjoy the video and pictures – hopefully these are much better than the past video.

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Elecraft K3 Assembly Front Panel – Day 7

March 21, 2013 by 1 Comment

As assembly continues on the Elecraft K3 today was time to finish the back connectors and the start on the front panel – I was trying a new camera and camera position so let me say up front I’m not happy with the video but overall it will give you the view of the assembly process I was going though.

The interesting and challenging part about this is there are several places where someone that is as anal as I am about getting things lined up and cleaned properly will go crazy on this section. Getting the knobs to line up perfectly on the lines and indicators is for me very challenging. Knowing that I wanted to get this part right the first time and knowing that it’s the thing you will be looking at everyday is critical to me ☺ I know maybe not to everyone but it is to me.

Also – having fingerprints on the plastic covering the main readout window was something I didn’t think about at the time but once I got it mounted I had to take it off and clean – again something that is import to me that might not be to most.

The great part about this step for me was really seeing what you are going to be viewing while operating is really exciting. There are a few steps here that you want to take your time on like setting the screws on the faceplate properly as it will be a critical step later and ensuring that you have the alanscrews untighten before trying to assemble the knobs on…. Very critical. Getting the VFO’s mounted and ensuring that you don’t have any leads sticking out too far is another place to be careful here.

A few gotta areas but overall another fun section of the build – enjoy the video and remember it’s not my best for sure!

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Elecraft K3 Build Continuing – Reflection Point (Page 6)

March 13, 2013 by 4 Comments

Elecraft K3 Build Continuing – Reflection Point

Ironically – Building the Elecraft K3 has let me to reflect. This K3 project is special to me and has drawn some interesting questions. I have been asked by several people including friends and coworkers and some outside my family what I did on my vacation days and when I tried to explain that I was working on building a Ham Radio – Elecraft K3 which I knew they would have no idea about the brand but I always take shot at it.

The reaction has been staggering – so you are building something that is taking days if not weeks to do that you could have purchased all put together and ready to use by someone else. On top of that you are setting up camera and blogging about it. What a waste of time seems to be the consensus.

The joy of building something – anything it doesn’t have to be a Heathkit, Elecraft or even a Lego set (which I enjoy building as well) is a primal instinct for me. I like to create, build, see a result and when I’m able to use this radio on the air knowing that I had large part in the assembling is going to make me even more proud to use it.

I am capturing this memory for me, writing about it for me and I want to share with others so maybe they will consider building something whether it is this radio or not to enhance their life. Setting up a camera, editing footage, blogging and building all takes time certainly and I know over 7000 (by my serial number) have built an Elecraft K3 before me. Maybe they have done this – maybe not – maybe they will enjoy looking back at someone else’s experience. Maybe no one will watch or read…. That’s entirely possible as well… But the project is mine ☺ I will still have the memory.

Life is short and sometimes you have to savor experiences – let them burn a memory for you that you will have for a long time. This is one for me… I know I could have bought this radio built, I know I could put it all together in a day very quickly (possibility ☺) and I know some will never understand…

It reminded me of a Hockey reference from the show West Wing (now I love hockey so I don’t fully agree but I think it will help you see my point about savoring. Go Hartford Whalers☺)

In this day and age of instant gratification and reality shows that I question how real they are. This is my reality show (for now ☺). The only difference is mine is real and I am enjoying mine. I hope people understand a little better as to why I am doing this and they should consider it too (maybe not a ham radio but something in their life). I blog and capture my BBQ cooking as well as many others do – creating food a result that makes me feel great. It takes me 5 hours too cook ribs the way I want them while some would rather go to a restaurant and get them. The pride I have when someone bites into my ribs and I see that smile is worth every second it took.

At this point I am going to leave it here… I hope it makes better sense to some that have asked…

I have my next video ready – but I am going to wait a day to post it only because I wanted to respond to the curiosity around building this K3.

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Elecraft K3 Build – Unboxing – Page 4

March 9, 2013 by 1 Comment

Elecraft K3 Build – Unboxing – Page 4

In the continuing saga of the Elecraft K3 Build the package arrived last night but due to some other factors in the house I waited until first thing in the morning. One of the factors was I wanted to get my cameras out and setup for the unpacking of the radio. As many of you – my wife and daughters find it a little strange at times that I’m doing video production in the breakfast nook but we are short on space and I love to write my blog so I normally do these things in the morning when I’m up before the rosters.

Although my video is over 8 minutes (and a 2x speed most of the time) on this process remember a couple of things I was being very careful due to building the video and taking pictures while opening as well as I was putting items back in the box knowing I wasn’t going to start the build right then. My electrostatic mat hasn’t arrived yet so I couldn’t start. The other reason and this is the bigger one for me is this project is going to take me much longer I assume than most. I know many have put the Elecraft K3 together in one day and some in hours – I suspect mine will take me a little longer due to time constrains of other things going on in my house and the fact that I want to revel in building this kit. That is a big part of doing this project to actually take the time and enjoy it…. Not just fly through it. I know different than most I suspect but there you go.

The process starts with opening one large but not too large 14lb box and as you could see in the video there are 5 boxes that you pull out which are the main boxes of parts including several PCB board boxes, an options box, the 100W box and then the radio chassis. In mine you will see the addition of the KAT 3 Auto antenna tuner – a must for me with all the wires and antennas I’m playing with in my antenna restricted area.

First I opened the options box and for not reason did I chose this specifically first only because it was the closed to me at the time. My guidance on this box is fish around and ensures you get all the pieces out. There is a lot of great packing but the parts are small so I got as many out and then dumped the packing carefully and found one more part at the bottom. This package is the one to be the most careful on in my opinion. I won’t type them all up but you will see what is in the box in the video. There are several components in this box that are critical to your build.

Next was the KPA3 100 Watt Amp – this I only unboxed but didn’t fully open the amp because again I knew I wasn’t going to start the build and didn’t want to damage it in anyway. Thank you Sandra for the sub-assembly in this box – I just love the little fortune cookie size note that is in each box… for some reason that just makes me feel that extra attention was put into the packing of the box. Besides the Amp there is a sheet metal part, small PCB and some other parts. There is a manual in this box but don’t fret it is not the full manual as that will come later.

Next are two flat boxes, which of course are the main PCB board and chassis (thanks again Sandra for the wonderful packing and dedication to my experience) there are several small packages of parts and all of the rail kits for the chassis in the second flat box.

Lastly was the box that had the big Elecraft Sticker on it – this box in some ways is exciting but I will tell you mostly is anticlimactic. The first thing you pull out is the Thank You letter from the company for purchasing the product.

Let me stop here for a second to really appreciate the fact that even though it’s a form letter it still makes me feel good that someone took the time to Thank me for a purchase of his or her equipment/product. In this day and age of throw away electronics and other consumer goods it’s rare that someone actually says Thank You anymore…. I thought it was a nice touch along with the small note of who packaged/assembled your box… it makes me feel like they really cared about my purchase and experience. Maybe they could care less like a lot of other companies out there but for me – I don’t feel this way about this purchase and experience so far.

OK back to the story – Spine ringed manual with high quality stock paper as well as one of the manuals is in actual color…. How long as it been since you have seen a color manual. In this box ever layer of bubble rap added more small parts and pcbs. The reason I say this box is anticlimactic is that when you see the radio on the outer package for some reason my brain said you will see the radio in this box… of course knowing that I have to build it my expectations for this box were high. While it was packaged great… again… it was just the same stream of parts and pieces that I can’t wait to put together.

That is it for today – Enjoy the video and please like and subscribe to the YouTube page and my blog. Page 5 will be coming soon – which will be right after I get my anti static mat to start real work on this project. Thanks for reading along with the fun I’m having – I was like a little kid on Christmas morning opening this package and now I can’t wait for the next step…

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Elecraft W2 Wattmeter Build – (Elecraft K3 Build) Page 3

March 7, 2013 by 2 Comments

Elecraft W2 Wattmeter Build – (Elecraft K3 Build) Page 3

So a package arrived from Elecraft and I was excited but it wasn’t that big and not knowing exactly now big the radios (Elecraft K3) is I was wondering if it came in separate packages or something.

http://www.elecraft.com/W2/W2.htm

It wasn’t ☺ It was the Elecraft W2 Wattmeter – I only knew that once I opened and the first thing that captures you is the fact that everything is packed so well. I have heard about the legendary service but one thing that I know Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and other vendors in the electronics arena start with are the packing or user experience from opening the box. Now I am not saying that this box was packed to those standards as the companies I mentioned have many more resources putting time into this but… for a small ham radio company the experience was well above average.

I got the package in the evening shipments but I was pretty tired that night so I woke up early and my wife was laughing as I was in the breakfast nook with the box open and all of the parts laid out and staring at all the packages. Labeled perfectly to the point that the person that packed that particular envelope has their name included in it.

After getting everything unpacked and laid out I decided to photocopy the page with the smaller parts on it so I could layout each part by the actual item description on the page. It was a small thing but it helps when your looking for a specific screw. Now this kit is so small that it doesn’t make that big of a difference but ever little bit helps.

Couple of leanings that I will tell you up front that I will tell you are to read the manual fully first just to give you an idea of what the outside the kit items you will need to do before hand. For example – if you follow fully step by step you will go back several times to strip pain off the certain holes on the case. I learned this lesson the first time but if you read all the way through you will do this all at once. I gave my dermal a work out.

Side note if you don’t have a Dermal Tool I highly recommend one for this and many other projects.

There are several little stands that you should ensure that take time in getting in correctly with the right screw and washer combination. I would say the most tricky part of the whole build it putting in a spacer and holder screw that you will take out later after installing the external case. It’s not a hard processes but I would tell you to make sure to take the time to center this and make sure that when you press the IC requires the spacer you press it a little snug so when you remove the holder screw later in the process you don’t have to go back and reset the spacer.

Other small piece of advice is that there are some plastic screws that you have to put in to the front panel and you should have a sharp tipped Philips Head so you don’t strip these. The little gray caps that click on to the front panel are a non-event so just click and move on ☺

The last part is really just getting just getting the flat head and rounded head screws in the right place and if you can’t figure this part out you maybe should reconsider if your in the right hobby.

I haven’t had a chance to completely test the W2 Watt Meter in production but I will tell you that even though a very simple build it felt good to put something together since it’s been a while since I have actually built radio equipment.

My first experience with Elecraft was a success from the packaging to complete assembles. I mean even the manual was printed on good quality stock paper…. This is really making me crave the package with the K3!

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Elecraft K3 and N1IC – Page 2

March 2, 2013 by 1 Comment

Elecraft K3 and N1IC – Page 2

 

So after checking with a few blogs and friends that have built this radio I ended up making a few extra purchases. The one thing that people have said is the K3 could turn into an expensive endeavor but I would suspect that could be said about many aspects of Ham Radio.

W2.htm1

I decided that since I love shiny thing and colors I went with the wattmeter: The Elecraft W2 wattmeter to be specific and with the 200-watt coupler since I will not be putting an AMP on this radio any time soon. I also picked up an anti static map as well as a anti wristband. Those are the easy things the harder choice right now is a multi meter since I haven’t been able to find my old one so I have been doing some shopping. Fluke is my perfect choice but boy they are proud of them with these prices. I am going to do some ebay shopping for sure on this or a quick trip to Radio Shack.

 

The next part was an antenna tuner but the KAT-100 is just so expensive and I really wasn’t looking to put that much more into the cost right now. I went with the internal tuner since again power isn’t going to be the major concern for me. 100 Watts is more than enough for the space and antenna choices. The last thing that I put into the first package as the general receiver option but the more I read about this on some blogs and then the manuals I really am questioning this choice. They were really clear that this is a part that should be your last option to install because of space. Once you get this receiver in you would have to take it out before installing other options. I’m not sure of this since I haven’t received all of the items yet but I really love SWL and Medium Band listening.

K3P3KPA500_850

I have the shipping tracking numbers so the wait begins. My dogs have in tune to the UPS truck so with every bark I will be running to the door.

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Elecraft K3 and N1IC – my build (Page 1)

March 1, 2013 by 2 Comments

Elecraft K3 and N1IC – my build (Page 1)

After coming back from this years Hamcation in Orlando (2013) I was struggling with the hobby and what direction I wanted to go in. I picked up an Icom ID-51 and I am a fan of Dstar and I’m in love with this radio. The problem is, as I keep looking at all the new rigs out there they either are way out of my price range or somewhat cookie cutter.

 

 

K3 on black

 

 

I wanted to get back to basics with Ham Radio – I have been in the hobby since I was 15 (KA1NIP which was my first callsign) and I loved 220mhz, which was my only FM option at the time… I was a Novice and met some of the best people during that time. I remember building a lot more – antennas, radios, soldering, cables, and connectors. Now, I feel like the hobby is about buying an adapter to fit any store bough radio… appliance operator is what some call it but on the flip side I don’t have the time or energy to etch pcboards and solder components. Is there a happy middle ground?

 

I kept looking at the great older rigs – Heathkits that I have built before… I just don’t have the room for the size and scale…. So what to do. I started to do some searching and I believe I found the middle ground… Elecraft has kits that don’t require soldering but have the fun and challenge of building, adding components, continuous upgrades. I have a friend AK5X Bill that is in love with their radios and had built just about everything. I kept looking at his pictures and videos on Flickr… the more I thought about it the more I decided this was the plan for me… Yes I am going to do it.

 

2/25/2013 I placed the order for the K3 100W version. I love all of the accessories but wasn’t 100% sure what to buy so at this time I am going to get the rig and continue to add as I progress. Now – major anticipation is upon me for the delivery of the rig.

 

K3P3KPA500_850

 

Once the rig is delivered more pictures, video and the story to follow….

 

Page 2 of the build…. http://nicktoday.com/elecraft-k3-and-n1ic-page-2/

 

 

 

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