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Just Ordered a New KX3 - Yipee

KF6IRK

KF6IRK

Kapt. Irk
Mar 2, 2013
323
137
53
So Cal
Well, I recently sold a Porsche 914 (project car) and an SGC-2020 QRP radio, so I had a little spare cash to spend.

I've been wanting a KX3 ever since they became available, so before I blew the money on something else, decided to order one :D

Got the KX3 (kit), ATU and roofing filter boards, NimH battery charger/clock and the hand mic.

I was leery about buying a 'used' one ... warranty issues and all, so I bit the bullet and ordered a brand new one from the factory ($ OUCH $) :ohmy: ... The gal I placed the ordered with says she handles the shipping and will ship it out TODAY!

KX3_small1.jpg

I have to assemble it once it arrives, but it'll be ready for the next 'Field Day' (or next camping outing) ...
 
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Congrats on the new rig! There is definitely a lot to learn on how to really utilize these rigs to their full potential, and they keep improving with every new firmware release. Make sure and tell us how your build goes and what you think about it once you get it on the air!
 
The KX3 was delivered a couple of days ago. It took a round about route, first to my mom's place in AZ, then out to the west coast :whistle:

I read through the assembly manual today, will try to start the build sometime later this week.

The assembly manual is concise and well written ... looks so easy, even a caveman could do it (as long as he took ESD precautions) :laugh:

Also took delivery of an ICOM AH-703 portable multi-band antenna, covering 7, 14, 21, 28 and 50 MHz with a 1/4 wave design. Power capacity is up to 20 watts. It's assembled length is 4.6 feet (1.4m) high and weighs a mere 12 ounces.

AH-703.jpg


I also posssess a BuddiPole system including the 'low band' coils to work 75M.

80m.gif
 
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Started assembly last night. I didn't find my old static mat, so putting it together a little out of order from the instructions.

I didn't want to take ANY chances with ESD, so I was only able to work with some of the 'hardware' until the new mat arrives.
Ordered this on ebay from Jameco:

FIELD SERVICE KIT CONDUCTIVE PVC W 6' WRIST STRAP 10' GROUND PVC MAT 2' X 3' ESD ($23. with CA tax & shipping)

Jameco.JPG

It should be here by 8/1, then I can start handling the circuit boards and finish this kit up.

While on still ebay, ordered a 600 ohm element to replace a broken one in a Kenwood MC-43 hand mic.
Dimensions are 1" x 1" ... so it should fit. ($10. free shipping) :wink:

NADY DM-100.JPG



Back to the KX3 ...

I reviewed Tim's build thread Click here and his You Tube assembly video (again), just for good measure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd_sIiBgCOY&feature=player_embedded


... then prepped the covers (removed the protective grounding point tape), installed the standoffs, heat sink, rubber feet and the BNC connector in the bottom cover. The hardware is 4-40 and 2-56 ... pretty small stuff for old eyes and hands :laugh:

KX3-1.JPG

Stay tuned ... :pop:
 
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The GEMS PRODUCTS side plates and face cover arrived yesterday ... a lot quicker that expected. These things are a really nice option (this is what they look like):

2.JPG


Their web site doesn't indicate where they are located, but the mailing label says Fullerton, CA (about 30 miles away).

Still waiting for the ESD mat to show up ... then it should only take a short time to complete the kit :fingers crossed:
 
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Our postman delivered the static mat yesterday (a day early), so I finished building the kit late last night (and on into early this morning).

KX3-2.JPG


I got it powered up today. It works :w00t:


Guess I've got some reading to do though, this things has a lot of features :pop:
 
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Made up a counterpoise wire approx 20' long and attached the AH-703 antenna to the connector with a BNC-SO239 90 degree adapter (sitting on my desk inside the house).

A quick push on the ATU button:

20M SWR = 1.8:1 ... readjusted the shorting bar and on 40M, SWR = 1.0:1 :thumbup:

I'll try the other bands later in the week.
 
The paddles are an option. KXPD3 Precision Iambic Keyer Paddle, $130. :eek:

I pretty much suck at CW so I didn't order it. I understand that you can use any type of key you want though.

I haven't tried this feature yet, but it supposedly decodes CW to text on the display screen :thumbup:
 

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