I did a complete inventory of my KX3 hardware and am sad to report that I am missing some screws and lock washers.
I sent off an e-mail to Elecraft letting them know what was missing. Normally, I wouldn't even bother, I'd just go off to Home Depot or Lowes to pick up equivalents, but these screws are black. That means they are going to show from the outside, and I don't think either store will have black hardware.
I might have to stop off at Greenbrook Electronics on the way home from work tomorrow, in the off chance they might carry black hardware.
I know what you might be thinking, but no ........ I made sure to do the inventory in a box top, so that nothing could roll off the table and on to the floor - or worse.
To their credit, Elecraft sends a small bag of "spare" hardware. Unfortunately, nothing that I need is in there. I will try to start the build tomorrow night, but I think right from the get go, I am going to need some of these missing screws.
Heavy sigh.
Hmmmmm ..... the good news is that I may only be one screw short. In a burst of inspiration, I went down to the basement to the parts drawer where I kept screws that were left over from my K1 and K2 builds. I think I can make do until the missing parts arrive. Moral of the story? Don't throw stuff like that out! But don't become a hoarder, either - yes, I know it's a fine line!
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least.
Is this nonsense what's in store for us now that you have this thing? This was relevant because...
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's what I thought. Can't you do better than this?
Larry sorry to hear about the parts shortage. In the past I have done the inventory and all parts were accounted for. Then somehow a screw has gone missing BUT as you said keep all spare parts and most of the time I have been saved. Keep us posted with the build and pictures included.
ReplyDeleteMike
Anonymous .....
ReplyDeleteI'd really like to see the gun that the person held to your head and forced you to read this.
Geez ..... tough crowd.
Larry W2LJ
I can't wait to hear your reviews when complete.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Jim
W2KLM
I never throw away anything that might be useful. My K3 was short a few screws too, but I was able to finish it off using leftovers from my K2 build several years earlier.
ReplyDeleteWorst problem was the internal screen which had not been drilled and bushed for the screw from the side panel. I didn't want to wait for Elecraft to send a replacement (which they did, of course, but it would take a few days getting here.) So I drilled a hole, filed it hexagonal and "bushed" it with a brass nut from my parts drawer. I'd waited a long time for that K3, I was not about to let a small manufacturing defect keep be from finishing it!
Hopefully you got this sorted out and are ready to start building. I look forward to following your progress.
ReplyDeleteMike WA7YET