nt9k
Active Member
I read on the ATS group that the last batch of ATS-3B's will be available in late October or early November. After that, there will be a new ATS-4. It will have full frequency display, an on/off switch and volume control. The ATS-4 will only have 3 bands, but no more plug in band modules. The ATS-3B has 6 bands, but you have to plug them in as modules.
I love my ATS-3B. It was fun to build and it performs great! The RX seems as good as the KX-1. I suppose we can always find things we don't like about a radio. I didn't like the push buttons. They are a real pain when you want to tune across the band. Especially when you are in straight key mode. With a paddle, you can use DFE direct frequency entry using a push button and sending the frequency on the paddle. I would have liked an on/off switch and volume control, but have worked around that with a pigtail volume control and short power cord.
If you want to get one of these kits, your best bet is to join the AT_Sprint yahoo group. Steve usually posts the kits going on sale there first. I can assure you that the last batch will go quickly. The 3B is a great radio. I built mine using the Cash Olsen soldering method where you use soldering paste in a syringe and then heat the PCB on a hot plate and flow it with a hot air embossing gun. It worked great, the solder flowed and the parts wiggled into place perfectly. Here are a couple photos of my ATS-3B.
Here is the ATS yahoo group link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AT_Sprint/
I love my ATS-3B. It was fun to build and it performs great! The RX seems as good as the KX-1. I suppose we can always find things we don't like about a radio. I didn't like the push buttons. They are a real pain when you want to tune across the band. Especially when you are in straight key mode. With a paddle, you can use DFE direct frequency entry using a push button and sending the frequency on the paddle. I would have liked an on/off switch and volume control, but have worked around that with a pigtail volume control and short power cord.
If you want to get one of these kits, your best bet is to join the AT_Sprint yahoo group. Steve usually posts the kits going on sale there first. I can assure you that the last batch will go quickly. The 3B is a great radio. I built mine using the Cash Olsen soldering method where you use soldering paste in a syringe and then heat the PCB on a hot plate and flow it with a hot air embossing gun. It worked great, the solder flowed and the parts wiggled into place perfectly. Here are a couple photos of my ATS-3B.
Here is the ATS yahoo group link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AT_Sprint/
