PRE REVIEW NOTES ELECRAFT KX3

[W6GQ]

Well I received my Elecraft KX3 on 4/12/12.

Have not had much time to play so I will just call this my pre review notes

First, I opened the box with the standard excitement we all have when we get that new radio off the delivery truck.

Quick inventory showed I was billed for the KXPD3 Attached Precision Keyer Paddle but it was not shipped. Called and emailed Elecraft and received an apology and was told the keyer will be shipped out. I also received an email from Wayne, one of the owners of Elecraft, that it will be handled and gave me his cell number if I needed more help. Hey, it's a new process and the kinks need worked out, even in shipping. I get it.

I am a beginner to Elecraft products, I was still wanting to be "one of those hams" that don't read no stinkin manual

I was on the phone with Wayne discussing the keyer and we started talking about the operation of the radio and he convinced me how important it was to at least read the first 16 pages of the manual.

SO, I unpacked the radio so I could look at it while reading the manual to better familiarize myself with it.

First thing I noticed, there was a smudge on the display lens. I know, sounds picky, but it caught my eye, so I tried to wipe it off and noticed the smudge was on the inside of the lens, it actually appears to be a few fingerprints from assembly?

I posted a question on the Elecraft KX3 Yahoo Group asking how to disassemble the lens so I can clean the display. Wayne replied with directions. Although the smudges are very noticeable, I just do not feel comfortable doing it right now. Again, I understand that the assembly line and procedures are new.

I recorded a short video RXing Moleculo. No biggie, I will make more later.

Test 2 - YouTube

Here is one more video. this shows a strange noise with the VFO when on 6 meter.

Test 1 - YouTube

I sent the video to Wayne and he said he is working to correct the issue.

My son turns 21 today (April 13) so we will be taking him to partake in some drinking of fine spirits so I will not have much radio time until Saturday, more to come then.

By the way, I made a few contacts using an Alpha Delta DXCC, even tuning it out of the bands the antenna was designed for with the internal tuner. No problems at all. For the heck of it, I connected to an Antron 99 CB antenna, I tuned every band from 80-6 meter, sure, we know its not efficient, but it did tune to a useable range - read, dummy load LOL

 

[Moleculo]

First thing I noticed, there was a smudge on the display lens. I know, sounds picky, but it caught my eye, so I tried to wipe it off and noticed the smudge was on the inside of the lens, it actually appears to be a few fingerprints from assembly?

I posted a question on the Elecraft KX3 Yahoo Group asking how to disassemble the lens so I can clean the display. Wayne replied with directions. Although the smudges are very noticeable, I just do not feel comfortable doing it right now. Again, I understand that the assembly line and procedures are new.

As a result of your question on the Yahoo group about the lens, Elecraft took a look at the assembly and changed things around so that the lens can be removed easier. Check it out:

We just looked into this. Turns out we can use a different hardware
stack-up for the control panel assembly that will allow you to remove
the bezel screws easily whenever necessary. As a side benefit, the
assembly will be easier

73,
Wayne
N6KR

It was fun working you on your KX3 #42 last night. Hopefully mine will be here soon too! Was that the stock mic or another that you rigged up?

 

[N0NB]

Is no one getting the KX3 as a kit? So far the various links seem to have received assembled units. I've been hoping for a peak inside.

The smudged lens would disappoint me. Having put together my K3 and P3 all the parts were factory clean and I even managed to put them together without smudging--a real feat for me!

I have found interesting the teething problems that seem to surface and then be resolved once products are in the hands of regular customers. It really feels like one is on the "inside" as Wayne works on these issues. OTOH, given that the rig was announced almost a year ago and has been in the hands of field testers for a few months, it seems as though the early purchasers are filling the role of beta tester for those of us who may come along later.

 

[Moleculo]

Is no one getting the KX3 as a kit? So far the various links seem to have received assembled units. I've been hoping for a peak inside.

I ordered a kit. The kits aren't shipping yet, but they're supposed to be very soon. I know that I'm pretty early on the order list so as soon as I get mine, I'll post pics of the build process.