ELECRAFT KX3

ULTRA-PORTABLE
160-6 METER, ALL-MODE TRANSCEIVER
KIT ASSEMBLY MANUAL
Revision I, June 13, 2017
E740164
Copyright © 2017, Elecraft, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
 Contents

Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 1

Customer Service and Support ................................................................................................................. 1

Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage ............................................................................................ 3

Choosing an Anti-Static Mat .................................................................................................................... 3

Overview of the Kit .................................................................................................................................. 4

Tools Required for Assembly ................................................................................................................... 5

Unpacking and Inventory ......................................................................................................................... 5

Assembly Procedure ................................................................................................................................. 7

Front Panel Assembly ............................................................................................................................... 8

Bottom Cover Assembly......................................................................................................................... 21

Final Assembly ....................................................................................................................................... 38

Setup and Operation ............................................................................................................................... 43

Appendix A Illustrated Parts List…...................................................................................................... A1

Elecraft manuals with color images may be downloaded from

www.elecraft.com.
Introduction
This manual will guide you through assembly of your Elecraft KX3 transceiver. We’re confident that you’ll find
the KX3 easy to build, even if you’ve had no prior kit-building experience.

Every modern transceiver is complex, and the KX3 is no exception. But all of the circuits are contained on a few
factory-assembled and tested circuit boards. Also, virtually all of the alignment of your KX3 is handled in
firmware using the KX3’s built-in test capabilities.

Do not handle the circuit boards without first taking the ESD precautions listed on page 3.

If you should you have difficulty, you'll have our full support via phone and e-mail. In addition, we hope you'll
join our growing and enthusiastic community of owner/builders via the Elecraft reflector.
Further information about the Elecraft KX3, including specifications, installation, and operation instructions,
can be found in the Owner’s Manual.

Customer Service and Support

Technical Assistance
You can send e-mail to k3support@elecraft.com and we will respond quickly – typically the same day
Monday through Friday. If you need replacement parts, send an e-mail to parts@elecraft.com. Telephone
assistance is available from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Pacific time (weekdays only) at 831-763-4211. Please use e-mail
rather than calling when possible since this gives us a written record of the details of your problem and allows us
to handle a larger number of requests each day.

Repair / Alignment Service

If necessary, you may return your Elecraft product to us for repair or alignment. (Note: We offer unlimited email
and phone support, so please try that route first as we can usually help you find the problem quickly.)

IMPORTANT: You must contact Elecraft before mailing your product to obtain authorization for the
return, what address to ship it to and current information on repair fees and turnaround times. (Frequently we
can determine the cause of your problem and save you the trouble of shipping it back to us.) Our repair location
may be different from our factory address. We will give you the address to ship your kit to at the time of repair
authorization. Packages shipped to the factory address without authorization will incur an additional shipping
charge for reshipment to our repair depot.

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 Elecraft 1-Year Limited Warranty
This warranty is effective as of the date of first consumer purchase (or if shipped from the factory, the date
the product is shipped to the customer). It covers both our kits and fully assembled products. For kits,
before requesting warranty service, you should fully complete the assembly, carefully following all
instructions in the manual.

Who is covered: This warranty covers the original owner of the Elecraft product as disclosed to Elecraft
at the time of order. Elecraft products transferred by the purchaser to a third party, either by sale, gift, or
other method, who is not disclosed to Elecraft at the time of original order, are not covered by this
warranty. If the Elecraft product is being bought indirectly for a third party, the third party’s name and
address must be provided at time of order to ensure warranty coverage.

What is covered: During the first year after date of purchase, Elecraft will replace defective or missing
parts free of charge (post-paid). We will also correct any malfunction to kits or assembled units caused by
defective parts and materials. Purchaser pays inbound shipping to us for warranty repair; we pay shipping
to return the repaired equipment to you by UPS ground service or equivalent to the continental USA and
Canada. For Alaska, Hawaii, and other destinations outside the U.S. and Canada, actual return shipping
cost is paid by the owner.

What is not covered: This warranty does not cover correction of kit assembly errors. It also does not
cover misalignment; repair of damage caused by misuse, negligence, battery leakage or corrosion, or
builder modifications; or any performance malfunctions involving non-Elecraft accessory equipment. The
use of acid-core solder, water-soluble flux solder, or any corrosive or conductive flux or solvent will void
this warranty in its entirety. Also not covered is reimbursement for loss of use, inconvenience, customer
assembly or alignment time, or cost of unauthorized service.

Limitation of incidental or consequential damages: This warranty does not extend to non-Elecraft
equipment or components used in conjunction with our products. Any such repair or replacement is the
responsibility of the customer. Elecraft will not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or
consequential damages, including but not limited to any loss of business or profits.

2
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage
Sensitive components may be damaged by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) simply by touching them or a circuit
board containing them unless you take specific steps to prevent such damage. Damage may occur with static
discharges far too little for you to notice.
A damaged component may not fail completely at first. Instead, the damage may result in below-normal
performance for an extended period of time before you experience a total failure.
Parts which are especially ESD-sensitive are identified in the parts list and in the assembly procedures.
We strongly recommend you take the following anti-static precautions (listed in order of importance) to ensure
there is no voltage difference between the components and any object that touches them:

• Leave ESD-sensitive parts in their anti-static packaging until you install them. The packaging may be a
special plastic bag that allow static charges to flow harmlessly over their surface, or a component’s
leads may be inserted in conductive foam that keep them at the same potential.
• Wear a conductive wrist strap with a series 1-megohm resistor that will constantly drain off any static
charge that accumulates on your body. If you do not have a wrist strap, touch a ground briefly before
touching any sensitive parts to discharge your body. Do this frequently while you are working. You can
collect a destructive static charge on your body just sitting at the work bench.

WARNING
DO NOT attach a ground directly to yourself without a current-limiting resistor as this poses a
serious shock hazard. A wrist strap must include a 1-megohm resistor to limit the current flow. If
you choose to touch an unpainted, metal ground to discharge yourself, do it only when you are
not touching live circuits with any part of your body.

• Use a grounded anti-static mat on your work bench (see below).

• If you pick up a pc board that was not placed on an anti-static mat or in an anti-static package, touch
first a ground plane connection on the board such as a connector shell or mounting point.
• If you use a soldering iron to work on a circuit board, be sure your iron has an ESD-safe grounded tip
tied to the same common ground used by your mat and wrist strap.

Choosing an Anti-Static Mat

An anti-static mat must bleed off any charge that comes in contact with it at a rate slow enough to avoid a shock
or short circuit hazard but fast enough to ensure dangerous charges cannot accumulate. Typically, a mat will
have a resistance of up to 1 Gigaohm (109 ohms). Testing a mat requires specialized equipment, so we
recommend that you choose an anti-static mat that comes with published resistance specifications and clean it as
recommended by the manufacturer. Testing has shown that many inexpensive mats that do not specify their
resistance have resistance values much too high to provide adequate protection, even after they were cleaned
and treated with special anti-static mat solutions.

Suitable anti-static table mats are available from many sources including:
• U-line (Model 12743 specified at 107 ohms)
• Desco (Model 66164, specified at 106 to 108 ohms)
• 3MTM Portable Service Kit (Model 8505 or 8507, specified at 106 to 109 ohms)

3
Overview of the Kit
The KX3 has a two part enclosure that opens for access to the batteries and for adding options. Figure 1 shows
the assembled KX3 with the enclosure open.

Figure 1. Complete KX3.

All of the basic KX3 circuits are contained on the two larger pc boards: the Control Panel (CP) board in the top
cover and the Radio Frequency (RF) circuit board in the bottom cover. Options plug into these boards, such as
the KXAT3 ATU and the KXFL3 filter shown here..

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Tools Required for Assembly
1. ESD Protection (see Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage, pg 3)
2. #0 and #1 size Phillips screwdrivers. To avoid damaging screws and nuts, a power screwdriver is not
recommended. Always use the screwdriver that best fits the screw in each step. You may need a second
screwdriver for tightening certain screws (see page 37)
3. Needle-nose pliers, 4” to 6” is ideal.
4. Soft cloth or clean, soft static dissipating pad to lay cabinet panels on to avoid scratching.
5. Tweezers are handy for positioning parts in cramped spaces.
6. Straight-edge rule for checking clearances (see Figure 13, pg 13) .
7. Flush cutters (or sharp knife) for trimming nylon screws to length (see Figure 33, pg 23)
8. 3/16 nut driver (optional for mounting standoffs).

Unpacking and Inventory

CAUTION
Do not handle the circuit boards without anti-static protection! Doing so may damage
sensitive components. See Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage on page 3 for important
information handling the boards.

Before starting construction, do a complete inventory, comparing the parts in your kit with the parts list in
Appendix A, to familiarize yourself with all of the parts and to ensure the kit is complete. When inventorying,
look in the sealed envelopes to identify their contents, but not mix them up. A paper clip or piece of tape will
hold the envelopes closed after you check their contents. Note that a few extras of some screws, nuts and
washers may have been included on purpose.

All dimensions given in the assembly procedure are provided in both US Customary (often called English) and
metric measurements. The native dimensions of the parts are in US Customary units. Approximate metric
equivalents are given to assist those more familiar with the metric system to identify the correct parts.

5
Screws
A number of different types and sizes of screws and washers are used in the assembly. It is very important that
you use the screw specified in each location or your finished KX3 may not fit together properly. In some places,
using the wrong size screw may damage components. The following various screw types and sizes specified in
the text are shown in Figure 2. Images are shown for comparing relative sizes. Due to the printing process used,
they may not be exactly to scale. The lengths of the screws called for in the text are measured as shown.

Figure 2. Screws Used to Assemble Your KX3.

Standoffs
A number of threaded standoffs are used. Standoffs with 2-56 and 4-40 threads are used in the kit with lengths
of 3/16” (4.8 mm) and 5/16” (7.9 mm). Standoff lengths are measured as shown in Figure 3. If you place the
standoffs side-by-side on your table, you can see which are shorter and longer by eye.

Figure 3. Typical Standoffs.

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Assembly Procedure

IMPORTANT ASSEMBLY INFORMATION

• Check off the steps as you finish each one. Skipping a step is easy to do without taking a moment
to be certain that you completed the previous step. This can result in serious damage to your KX3
or, as a minimum, having to disassemble it to correct the mistake.

• Use your rule to check the length of screws and standoffs before installing them. Some
components are only 1/16” different from others but using the wrong size may result in parts not
fitting correctly, possibly damaging electrical and mechanical components. See Screws and
Standoffs on pg 6 for measurement instructions.

• Start all the screws in an assembly before tightening. When mounting parts with multiple screws
or adjacent parts that fit together, start all the screws in the threads before tightening any of them. If
you find that a screw is binding, loosen the other screws to free it, and then re-tighten.

• Ensure all screws are tight but do not over-tighten. Do not attempt to turn screws and nuts
beyond the point at which the lock washer is compressed. Screws without lock washers should be
tightened only until you feel significant resistance to further turning. Do not attempt to turn screws
or nuts 1/4 turn beyond “tight”.

• Threads can be easily stripped if too much force is applied when tightening screws. Use the
correct size hand tool and apply only moderate torque. Do not use a power screwdriver!

• Do not adjust the turns on any toroids. The position of the turns on the cores of many toroids has
been adjusted at the factory to produce exactly the inductance needed for the circuit to work
properly. Any attempt to adjust their position or to make a coil look “nicer” may seriously degrade
circuit performance.

• Remember your ESD protection. Failure to observe ESD precautions may result in your KX3 not
operating at all, or operating but not meeting normal factory performance specifications due to
damaged components. See Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage on pg 3.

• Handle PC Boards by their Edges. Avoid unnecessary mechanical stress on any pc board
components by careless handling.

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Front Panel Assembly

Inspect the inside surface and tabs at the ends of the KX3 front panel sheet metal and remove the masking
tape from the areas shown in Figure 4. Failure to provide good electrical contact at all the points shown may
seriously degrade the performance of your KX3. The tape is not ordinary masking tape. It is a strong plastic
tape. You can loosen most pieces by pushing a blunt tool through the hole from the other side. The Allen wrench
supplied for mounting the VFO knob will fit the smaller holes. If the tape breaks, you can grab the broken edges
with your needle nose pliers and peel it off. Optionally, you can press on the edge of the tape with your
fingernail or blunt tool (Figure 5) to peel up the edge of the tape enough to grab an edge with your needle nose
pliers. If you find any adhesive residue left behind, place a piece of ordinary cellophane tape on the area and
then peel it off. The residue will generally come off with the tape.

Figure 4. Front Panel Clean Contact Areas.

Figure 5. Removing Masking Tape.

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 Inspect the inside surface of the side panels. Remove any masking tape and ensure the metal is clean in the
areas shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. Side Panels Clean Contact Areas.

NOTE: Areas of the bottom cover also need to be clean. If you wish to do all the metal cleaning at
once, turn to pg 21 before returning here to continue the assembly.

Locate the speaker and dress the cable attached to it as shown in Figure 7. This is important to ensure the
speaker is oriented correctly when you install it.

Figure 7. Dressing the Speaker Cable.

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 The speaker contains a very strong magnet that easily picks up hardware, bits of
wire, etc. Be sure nothing is picked up by the speaker. Check both the cone in the
front and the magnet at the back.

Place the speaker with the cone upwards and place the gasket on the frame as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8. Installing the Speaker.

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 Taking ESD precautions, remove the control panel (CP) board assembly from its protective envelope.
Handle the assembly carefully to avoid damaging it or smudging the face of the LCD. Install the three standoffs
as shown in Figure 9. Be sure you put the correct size hardware in each location and that you include all of the
lock washers shown.

Figure 9. Installing CP Board Standoff Hardware – Part 1.

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 Install the standoff on the CP board as shown in Figure 10. Note that a M-F standoff is used instead of a
screw on the back of the board.

Figure 10. Installing CP Board Standoff Hardware - Part 2.

Install the remaining standoff on the CP board as shown in Figure 11. Note that this standoff uses larger 4-
40 hardware and a M-F standoff on the back side of the board.

Figure 11. Installing CP Board Standoff Hardware - Part 3.

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 Turn the control panel board assembly over and inspect it to be sure that the standoffs are in the correct
locations as shown in Figure 12. Also, confirm that you a placed a lock washer between each standoff and screw
and the pc board.

Figure 12. CP Board Standoff Hardware - Back.

On the front side of the board, place a straight edge across the top of two standoffs as shown in Figure 13
and confirm that the straight edge does not touch the LCD at any point. If it does, most likely you left out one of
the lock washer spacers shown in Figure 9. Move the straight edge to the remaining two standoffs and repeat the
test.

CAUTION!
If the LCD touches the straight edge in this test, you will break the display when you install
it in the front panel sheet metal. Correct the problem before proceeding.

Figure 13. Checking Standoffs.

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 Verify that you placed a lock washer between the 4-40 standoff and the pc board as shown in Figure 13.

Locate the rubber washer.. If it has paper attached to one side, carefully remove it (See Figure 14).

Figure 14. Preparing the Rubber Washer for Mounting on the VFO B Encoder.

Place the washer on the VFO B encoder as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15. Mounting the Rubber Washer on the VFO B Encoder.

.

Inspect the front of the display for smudges or dust. Remove smudges by wiping it gently with a soft cloth.
Blow off any dust.

Locate the plastic bezel and inspect it for dust or smudges. If necessary, you can wash it with mild dish
soap. Dry it with a soft cloth to avoid scratches.

Place the front panel over the CP board as shown in Figure 14. You will need to reach under the CP board
and lift it up into position with the four encoders through the corresponding holes in the front panel. While
positioning the CP board:
• Be sure all of the switch covers are aligned in the holes so you can feel each switch operate when
pressed. All of the switches should stand slightly above the panel.
• Verify that all four LEDs are aligned with the holes in the front panel.
• No hardware is used on the four encoder shafts.

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 Place the bezel on the front panel and secure it, and the CP board inside, as shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16. Placing the CP Board in the Front Panel.

Test all of the front panel pushbutton switches to ensure they move easily in the panel openings without
binding. If any do bind, loosen the bezel screws as needed to adjust the rubber so it will move freely, and then
retighten everything.

Screw the ring nut onto the VFO B encoder as shown in Figure 17. Screw it down against the front panel,
but do not over-tighten. Do not use a wrench. Finger tight is ideal.

Figure 17. Mounting the Ring Nut on the VFO B Encoder.

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 Locate the VFO A encoder, lock washer and two hex nuts. Thread one nut onto the shaft until it reaches the
end of the threads as shown in Figure 18. Note that a small gap between the nut and the encoder body is normal.
The second nut will be installed later.

Figure 18. Preparing the VFO A Encoder for Installation.

Carefully position the VFO A encoder with its shaft through the opening in the front panel while mating
the four pins with J6 (see Figure 19).

Figure 19.Installing the VFO A Encoder.

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 Plug the speaker connector into J7 next to the VFO encoder board (see Figure 20).

Figure 20. Connecting the Speaker to the CP Board.

Be certain you oriented the speaker plug as shown in Figure 17. Reversing
it may result in intermittent or distorted audio from the speaker.

Turn the front panel assembly over and lace the lock washer and remaining hex nut on the VFO A encoder.
Tighten the nut using your needle nose pliers since there is very little space for a wrench or nut driver. Tighten
only until the nut is snug and pressing into the teeth on the lock washer. Do not over tighten or you may force
the encoder to turn, damaging the encoder pc board and possibly the CP board too.

Figure 21. Encoder Mounting Hardware.

17
 Install the side panels as shown in Figure 22. The MIC connector is supplied with the finish nut threaded
onto it. Remove the nut and replace it as shown after mounting the side panel.

Figure 22. Mounting the Side Panels.

Mount the large knob on the VFO encoder shaft as shown in Figure 22. Best practice is to align the set
screw with the flat on the shaft. Adjust the height of the knob for the desired amount of friction against the felt
washer. A good starting point is to let the weight of the knob determine the pressure. The rubber finger grip
slides off to allow adjustment later.

Some set-screws turn stiffly in the knob, making it difficult to tell when it has reached
the encoder shaft. Try yours before placing the knob on the shaft to see how much torque is
required. Also, exercising it this way may loosen the fit slightly.

Figure 23. Mounting the VFO Knob.

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 Press small knobs on the four remaining encoder shafts. These knobs are all the same size and are held in
place by a friction spring as shown in Figure 24. Align the flat in the knob with the flat on each shaft before
pressing each knob in place. If they are a tight fit, support the CP board with your fingers while pressing each
knob in place. In addition to the rotating encoder, each knob has a switch that is actuated by pressing the knob
toward the panel. You will feel the switch action when you press each knob onto the shaft.

Figure 24. Mounting Friction Knobs.

If you purchased the KXBC3 Battery Charger and Real Time Clock
option with your kit, skip the following step and both steps on the next page.
Instead turn to Installing the KXBC3 Module in your KXBC3 manual and
follow the steps there to mount the module, and then resume assembly of
your KX3 with Bottom Cover Assembly on page 21.

Mount the nylon standoff on the battery retainer as shown in Figure 25. Be sure you place it in the correct
location with the head on the lettered side of the retainer. The hole for the screw is countersunk on that side as
well.

Figure 25. Mounting Nylon Standoff on the Battery Retainer.

19
 Locate the area on the battery retainer marked “Affix Shield Here”. Peel the protective back covering off of
the large metal shield and align the shield carefully with the lines and edges of the retainer as shown in Figure
26 with the hole over the screw opening. Work over the entire surface, squeezing the shield against the retainer.
You may notice a slight dimple appear where it covers the screw installed in the previous step. That is normal.

CAUTION!
If the shield is not firmly attached to the battery retainer it may cause a short circuit to the
internal batteries.

Figure 26. Positioning the Shield on the Battery Retainer.

Mount the battery retainer on the two standoffs on the CP board as shown in Figure 27. Note that the nylon
standoff you installed on the retainer earlier (Figure 25) simply rests against the CP board.

Figure 27. Installing the Battery Retainer.

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Bottom Cover Assembly

Remove any masking tape from the bottom cover sheet metal and ensure the metal is clean in the areas
around the four screw holes in the bottom and the areas on the sides shown in Figure 28.Good electrical contact
with the hardware at all of these points is very important for proper operation of your KX3.

Figure 28. Bottom Cover Clean Contact Areas Inside.

Inspect the outer surface at each end of the bottom cover. Remove any masking tape and ensure the metal
is clean in the areas shown in Figure 29.

Figure 29. Bottom Cover Clean Contact Areas Outside.

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 Peel the protective cover off of the back of the self-adhesive serial number label and affix it to the bottom
cover as shown in Figure 30.

Figure 30. Placing the Serial Number on the Bottom Cover.

Mount two of the four rubber feet on the bottom cover using nylon screws as shown in Figure 31. First
clear any paint out of the threads with one of the black 4-40 thumbscrews. Orient the feet so that the heads of the
screws are recessed in the large openings.

Figure 31. Mounting Rubber Feet on Bottom Cover.

On the inside of the bottom cover, trim all four nylon screws flush with the cover.

22
 Use the black thumb screw to clear any paint from the threaded holes in the tilt legs (see Figure 32).

Slide the remaining two rubber feet onto the tilt legs as shown in Figure 32. The feet are held in place by
friction. Be sure you work the feet all the way onto the legs as shown.

Figure 32. Preparing Tilt Legs for Installation – Part 1.

Install a flat fiber washer and black nylon screw on each tilt leg as shown in Figure 33. Note the orientation
of the screw as well as the rubber foot that you installed earlier. They must be as shown for the foot to work
properly.

Figure 33. Placing Nylon Bumpers on the Tilt Legs.

Verify that you trimmed the screws flush with the legs as shown in Figure 33. Set the legs aside. They will
be installed later.

23
Install the four #4 (larger) standoffs in the bottom cover as shown in Figure 34.
CAUTION! Place the lock washers between the standoff and the bottom cover
as shown. If they are left out the cover will strike the RF pc board when it is
installed.

Figure 34. Installing 4-40 Standoffs in the Bottom Cover.

24
 Install the four #2 (smaller) standoffs in the bottom cover as shown in Figure 35. Place the lock washers
between the standoffs and the cover as shown to provide proper clearance for the RF board when it is
installed. Leaving the washers out may result in damaged components on the RF board.

Figure 35. Installing 2-56 (Smaller) Standoffs in the Bottom Cover.

25
 If you haven’t done so already, remove the new heat sink from the paper wrapper. The side of the heat sink
that will face the KX3 has been masked keep it free of the powder coating (see Figure 36). Remove the masking
tape covering this area of the heat sink. The tape is strong. You can peel up one corner with a sharp tool and
then pull the tape off of the metal as shown in the figure.

Figure 36. Removing Tape from the Heat Sink.

Lay the heat sink down on your work table as shown Figure 37 with the two 4-40 flat head screws in the
holes as shown. The screw size is not important. They are there only to help you align the thermal pad over the
bare metal area. (The figure shows two 3/8” {9.5 mm} screws.)

Figure 37. Heat Sink Ready for Thermal Pad.

26
 Locate the thermal pad and carefully separate the clear protective coating from one side. There are three
layers: a clear plastic protective film, the very thin thermal pad itself, and a white plastic protective film. The
three layers are shown in Figure 38. Remove only the clear plastic protective film to expose the adhesive
surface of the thin white thermal pad underneath. A sharp knife is handy for separating the layers. Work
carefully to avoid separating the very thin thermal pad from the white protective film underneath. The thermal
pad wrinkles easily if it is allowed to separate from the white plastic and will not work properly unless it
remains flat.

Figure 38. Preparing the Thermal Pad.

Carefully position the thermal pad on the heat sink as shown in Figure 39. Be sure the thermal pad is
against the metal and the white plastic protective film is facing upward. Rub the center area of the thermal pad
to help it adhere to the metal. Remove the screws and return them to the proper parts envelope.

Figure 39. Placing the Thermal Pad on the Heat Sink.

27
 Remove the clear plastic protective cover from the thermal pad as shown Figure 40. Be sure the thermal pad
remains attached to the metal and does not fold or wrinkle.

Keep the exposed adhesive surface of the thermal pad clean.

Figure 40. Removing the Clear Plastic Protective Cover from the Heat Sink.

28
 Place the KX3 bottom cover assembly upside down as shown in Figure 41. Attach the cover with the black
flat head screws as shown. Carefully place the heat sink on the enclosure and secure it with the screws shown.
The thermal pad presses against the powder coating on the bottom cover. Although the thermal pad is tacky, the
heat sink can be moved as needed to align the screw holes.

Figure 41. Mounting the Heat Sink on the Bottom Cover.

Locate the antenna connector assembly with the low-pass filter (LPF) attached and carefully slide the
spacer over the cable and toroid and up onto the threaded portion of the connector (see Figure 42).

Figure 42. Putting the Spacer on the Antenna Connector.

29
 Mount the antenna connector assembly in the largest hole in the bottom cover end plate as shown in Figure
43. Note that the hole has a flat side. Align it with the flat on the connector.

Figure 43. Antenna Connector Mounted on Bottom Cover.

Carefully bend the leads to position the toroid underneath the antenna connector as shown in Figure 44. Be
sure the toroid does not rest against the bottom cover.

Figure 44. Positioning the LPF Toroid Under the Antenna Connector.

30
 Taking ESD precautions remove the RF board from its protective envelope and mount the shield in the
square outline on the pc board. Peel the protective back covering off of the shield and align the shield carefully
with the outline on the RF board as shown in Figure 45. Press on the shield to ensure it is well adhered to the RF
board.

Figure 45. Installing the RF Board Shield.

Bend the wire attached to the antenna connector upward so it will be above the RF board after it is
installed. Place the RF board in the bottom cover as shown in Figure 46. Put the end of the board with the shield
into the bottom cover first so the connectors on the bottom of the board fit into the openings in the end of the
cover. Bend the lead to the antenna connector up as shown. When the board is lying flat against the standoffs
secure it with the hardware shown.

Figure 46. Installing RF Board in the Bottom Cover.

31
 Check the spacing between transformer T7 and the standoff shown below. If they are touching, carefully
push T7 away. There might not be as much space between them as shown. All that is required is that they are
not in actual contact.

Figure 47. Checking T7 Clearance.

Thread 2-56 screws into the remaining four holes in the RF board as shown in Figure 48, make adjustments
as necessary for them to fit just as you did in the previous step and then remove them. These screws will be
replaced later to secure the battery holders.

Figure 48. Checking the Alignment of the Battery Holder Standoffs.

32
 Secure the tabs for the two transistors to the bottom cover as shown in Figure 49. The metal tabs on these
transistors are at ground potential so there is no need to insulate them from the bottom cover, nor is a heat
transfer compound such as silicon grease needed.

Figure 49. Securing the Tabs for Q6 and Q7 on the RF Board to the Bottom Cover.

Insert the plug in the hole next to the antenna connector as shown in Figure 50. The hole is not round, so
the plug is a tight fit. The plug snaps in place.

Figure 50. Installing the Hole Plug.

33
 If you have the KXAT3 ATU option to install at this time, mount the KXAT3 board as shown in Figure 51
using the hardware provided with the KXAT3 option. Be especially careful to ensure that all the pins on both
connectors engage with their opposites on the RF Board. It is normal for part of the length of the connector pins
to be visible when the connectors are properly mated.

Figure 51. Installing the KXAT3 ATU.

If you did not install the KXAT3 in the previous step, plug the wire from the antenna connector into J7 on
the RF board as shown in Figure 52. Be sure the connector is oriented so that both pins engage J7 on the side
marked ANT.

Figure 52. Connecting the Antenna Cable to the RF Board.

34
 If you have the KXFL3 filter option, install it as shown in Figure 53, otherwise skip this step. The connector
for the KXFL3 board is at the opposite end of the RF board from the antenna connector and near the shield you
installed on the RF board earlier.
• First loosen the screw at the end of the heat sink so the board does not strike it and insert it as shown
with pin 1 of the KXFL3 board in the connector hole closest to the end of the KX3. Note that two holes
in the female connector are not used. The KXFL3 board has only ten pins.
• Replace the screw through the bottom cover and heat sink so it passes through the hole in the KXFL3
board. It does not make electrical contact with the board. It is there to ensure the board cannot be
dislodged by rough handling of the KX3. If the screw strikes the board instead of entering the hole, you
have the KXFL3 plugged in incorrectly.

Figure 53. Installing the KXFL3.

35
 Install the two battery holders as shown in Figure 54. Orient the holders and route the wires as shown.
Press down on the holder while starting each screw and be sure you hold the screw vertically so it does not
damage the first threads in the standoff beneath the RF board. It is normal for the screws to press against the
sides of the battery holders.

CAUTION! Be certain the battery holders are installed so the wires are as shown
below with the shrink-wrapped splices well clear of the multi-pin connector. It may be
possible to reverse the holders so shrink-wrapped splices are jammed against the multipin
connector. That would cause the splice to fail or break the insulation on the wires and cause
a short circuit.

Figure 54. Installing the Battery Holders.

36
 Tighten all four screws that you just installed in the battery holders until the heads are sunk into the plastic
as shown in Figure 55. You may need to stand the assembly on the heat sink and put a second screwdriver on
the corresponding screw on the bottom cover to keep the standoff from turning while you tighten the screw in
the battery holder.

CAUTION! Failing to tighten the battery holder screws as described may result
extensive damage to your KX3.

Figure 55. Final Tightening Battery Holder Screws.

37
Final Assembly

Turn the bottom cover assembly over and install both tilt feet as shown in Figure 56. Do not tighten the
thumb screw until the top cover assembly has been fitted. Without the thickness of the side panels on the top
cover the screw will strike the RF pc board.

Figure 56. Installing the Tilt Feet.

Fit the top and bottom covers together as shown in Figure 57. Be sure the battery cable is out of the way
and not trapped between the covers. It will be installed later. Secure the covers with four thumb screws. Two of
the screws are already in place holding the rear feet.

Figure 57. Test Fitting the Top and Bottom Covers Together.

38
 Turn the KX3 over and check the gap between the place where the top cover folds under the bottom below
the speaker and the bottom cover as shown in Figure 58. A gap as shown is critical to avoid the speaker
vibrating the top cover against the bottom cover causing a buzzing sound. If needed, separate the top and bottom
covers and adjust the fit as shown in Figure 59.

Figure 58. Checking the Cover Fit.

Figure 59. Adjusting the Cover Fit.

39
 Separate the KX3 top and bottom covers. Set the bottom cover on its feet and locate the flex cable that will
join the RF board to the CP board (see Figure 60).

Figure 60. Flex Cable.

Plug the flex cable into P2 on the CP board as shown in Figure 61. Be sure it is oriented with the long tab
on the cable toward the speaker as shown.

Figure 61. Plugging the Flex Cable into the CP Board.

Set the top cover assembly next to the bottom cover and connect the flex cable and battery cable as shown
in Figure 62. Ensure the speaker cable is still routed over the speaker as shown so it won’t be trapped between
the battery holders and the CP board when the cover is closed.

40
 Figure 62. Connecting the Flex and Battery Cables.

If you wish to install the internal battery, you may do so now. When installing the battery always inspect
the sheath around each cell for damage. The sheath provides critical insulation to avoid short circuits. Many
cells, especially single-use (not rechargeable) alkaline cells, have the entire cell casing connected to the positive
terminal which is separated from the negative terminal at the bottom end of the cell by a thin insulator (see
Figure 63). If the plastic sheath is damaged, the bottom spring contact in the battery holder can bridge the
insulation, shorting the cell. The resulting heat can do extensive damage to the KX3. Damage to the sheath
along the sides of the cells can also cause short circuits by touching the metal shield on the battery retainer.
Refer to your owner’s manual for more information about recommended battery types and battery care.

Figure 63. Checking Battery Cells.

41
Close the top and bottom covers and secure them with thumb screws as shown in Figure 64.

CAUTION: As you close the covers ensure that the flex cable folds into the space next to
the CP board connector as shown. Do not allow it to fold toward the battery holders. If the
flex cable resists pushing into the space next to the CP board connector, use your finger to
gently crease it along the edge of the connector as shown in Figure 61.

Figure 64. Closing the KX3.

Be sure the thumb screws are loose when adjusting the tilt legs to position your KX3. The
thumb screws thread into the legs, and forcing a leg into position without loosening the thumb
screw may tighten the thumb screw so much it becomes very difficult to loosen.

42
Setup and Operation
KX3 Setup and Operation instructions are included in the KX3 Owner’s Manual supplied with your kit. If you
purchased the KXBC3 NiMH Battery Charger and Real Time clock option, Setup and Operation instructions for
the charger and real-time clock are included in the KXBC3 manual supplied.

IMPORTANT!
1. If you installed the KXAT3 or KXFL3 options you must enable them. See Option Module
Enables in your KX3 Owner’s manual. Be sure to cycle the KX3 power off, then on again
after enabling the modules.

2. If you installed the KXBC3 Battery Charger and Real Time Clock option, perform the
Initial Tests described in the manual that came with the KXBC3.

3. If you received the optional KXFL3 filter with your kit, you do not need to perform the
Receiver Sideband alignment procedure referenced in the Owner’s manual and described
in detail in the KXFL3 option manual. That procedure was done for you at the factory.

4. If you did NOT install the optional KXFL3 filter, you must disable the KXFL3 in the
menu; set RX XFIL to NOT INST. If you do not disable the filter, you will lose receive
audio at narrower filter settings.

43
Appendix A - Illustrated Parts List
Your kit contains a number of envelopes, boxes and packages of parts. Check the contents of each one carefully
against the following lists. See Screws and Standoffs on page 6 for information help determining the correct
lengths of the screws and standoffs.

You may find extra screws, nuts and other small parts provided in case you lose one. They may be in a separate
bag or mixed in with the others.

Printed Circuit Boards

Each board is packaged in its own ESD-safe bag identified by the part numbers shown below. The photographs
are provided to help you identify each board. You may find that some of the components or component
locations on the boards you receive are slightly different from those shown.

Top and Bottom Covers

ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.

Top Cover 1 E100404SS

Bottom Cover 1 E100399

A1
Side Panels - Bag E850535
ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.

Left Side Panel 1 E100400SS

Right Side Panel 1 E100401

PCB Assemblies
CAUTION
Leave the PCB assemblies in their ESD-safe packaging until needed. Take ESD precautions when
you do remove them, and be careful not to damage components on either side of the circuit
boards when handling them.

ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.

CP Board Assembly
Note: This assembly includes a jack
with associated mounting nut threaded 1 E850441
onto it. The nut will be used when
installing the board.

RF Board Assembly 1 E850484

A2
Encoder Bag (E850547):
ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.

VFO Encoder Assembly 1 E850575

Hex Nut (One nut may be supplied

2 E700125
mounted on the encoder)

Lock Washer (May be supplied on the

1 E700285
encoder)

KXBC3/RET Hardware Envelope (E850558):

The KXBC3/RET hardware envelope provides the parts needed to install either the standard battery
retainer or the KXBC3 Battery Charger and Real Time Clock option. If the KXBC3 is installed it replaces
the standard battery retainer.

ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.

2-56 5/32” (4.0 mm) Black Pan Head Screw 1 E700170

4-40 3/16” (4.8 mm) Black Flat Head Screw 2 E700173

#4 Lock Washer, Split Ring 1 E700004

4-40 3/16” (4.8 mm) Nylon Standoff 1 E700263

A3
Front Panel (Top Cover) Hardware (E850532):
ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.

2-56 1/4" (6.4 mm) Black Pan Head Screw 7 E700171

4-40 3/16” (4.8 mm) Black Flat Head Screw 5 E700173

2-56 9/32” (7.2 mm) Flat Head Screw 4 E700277

#2 Lock Washer, Split Ring 8 E700123

#4 Lock Washer, Split Ring 2 E700004

2-56 5/16” (7.9 mm) F-F Standoff 4 E700122

4-40 5/16” (7.9 mm) F-F Standoff 1 E700121

2-56 3/16” (4.8 mm) M-F Standoff 1 E700271

4-40 3/16” (4.8 mm) M-F Standoff 1 E700078

Washer, Rubber 0.25 ID X .625 OD 1 E700046

Ring-Nut, Slotted M7 X 0.75 1 E700233

A4
Rear Panel (Bottom Cover) Hardware E850533
ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.
4-40 3/16” (4.8 mm) Black Pan Head Screw 6 E700172

4-40 1/4" (6.4 mm) Black Nylon Pan Head Screw 6 E700282

2-56 5/32” (4.0 mm) Black Pan Head Screw 4 E700170

4-40 3/8” (9.5 mm) Black Flat Head Screw 2 E700176
4-40 5/8” (15.9 mm) Black Flat Head Screw 1 E700307
4-40 5/16” (7.9 mm) Black Flat Head Screw 1 E700249

2-56 1/4" (6.4 mm) Zinc Flat Head Screw 4 E700259

#2 Lock Washer, Split Ring 4 E700123

#4 Lock Washer, Split Ring 8 E700004

#4 Fiber Washer 2 E700031

2-56 3/16” (4.8 mm) Standoff 4 E700257

4-40 3/16” (4.8 mm) Standoff 4 E700237

4-40 13/32” (10.3 mm) M-F Standoff 2 E700258

4-40 Nut with Captive Star Washer 2 E700169

4-40 Thumb Screws 4 E700050

3/8” (9.5 mm) Internal Tooth Lock Washer 1 E700285

3/8” (9.5 mm) Hex Nut 1 E700125

Spacer 3/8” (9.5 mm) ID. 1 E700283

A5
Misc
ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.

VFO Knob 1 E980181

VFO Knob Rubber Finger Grip 1 E980182

Felt Washer 1 E700033

Small Encoder Knob Bag (contains 4

1 E850528
small encoder knobs).

KX3 Wrench Set 1 E850503

RF Board Shield 1 E100443

Power Cord 1 E740775

Bezel 1 E100403

Speaker
Note that the color of the wires may 1 E850487
vary.

Speaker Grille with Attached Gasket 1 E100441

Rubber Foot 4 E980185

A6
 ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.

Serial Number Label (In envelope) 1 E850523

Tilt Foot, Left 1 E980183

Tilt Foot, Right 1 E980184

KX3 Antenna Connector Assembly

1 E850552
with LPF

Battery Holder Assembly 1 E850519

Flex Cable 1 E980219

Enhanced Heat Sink (wrapped) 1 E850677

Thermal Pad
Handle with Care. Do not remove 1 E100546
the protective film from either side until
instructed to do so.

Hole Plug 1 E700239

Data Cable Assembly: Either RS232 or KXUSB

USB, chosen at the time order is (USB)
placed. 1 Or
OR NOTE: If you chose the KXSER cable, KXSER
the bag may be marked E850369. (RS232)

A7
Note: The following parts are not supplied if you purchased the KXBC3 Battery Charger/Real Time
Clock option with your Kit. The KXBC3 replaces the battery retainer so these components are not
needed.

KX3RET BATTERY RETAINER COMPONENTS

ELECRAFT
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY.
PART NO.

Battery Retainer 1 E100440

CP Board Shield 1 E100444

A8