I was hoping to get some interesting views when I wrote this semi -tongue -in cheek bit.
Actually I like the idea of being able to replace a non-working (or poorly working) module
with an excellent module that works well.  Compare Elecraft with the many old Heathkits
with mostly horrible mods in them.  True it increases the cost of the piece of gear but
that is bad only if it goes too far.
The bit about maybe I needed a bigger or better antenna was just a red herring. ( Every ham
thinks about a bigger better antenna, but few can afford a really big antenna ( If an antenna
stays up thru the winter it was too small).
Thanks guys
Allen KA5N

The Harbach DOES replace the existing meter resistors (by a string of one meg one percent
resistors.  However there is a 15 K resistor at the end of the string (string and resistor form
a voltage divider) and if its value if off that could change the reading.  Also one or more of the
resistors in the string on the PCB could be off value.  There is always the possibility that
something has gotten disconnected or misconnected when you installed the Harbach mod
or some part is off value.  (Harbach does a good job on their mod kits, but errors sometimes
sneak in).  If you can find someone with a HV probe to measure the HV or the voltage across
each filter cap can be measured and totaled up  NOTE this is not reccomended if you are
a nubie as HV is lethal!!!
Good Luck Allen KA5N

This doesn't quite match the topic heading, apoligies.
This is not a disparagment of the fine equipment from Elecraft.  But it seems that building a
K2 or a k3 etc. never reaches an end point.  Elecraft has just come out with a new DSP/clock
module to replace the old K2 "new Dsp/clock module.  Making this change puts the K2 into the
$1000 category.  I read somewhere the other day where a ham was changing a module in a
K3.  I have been considering if I want to do the change in my K2.  It works well enough as is
(except for minor shortcommings) and I am still comtemplating building a K3.  My PRO III does
just about everything I need and my old TS-830 still works like the top of the line it was in its
 youth.  Then again, maybe a new bigger antenna is what I need.   I seem to have as much trouble making up my mind as Hamlet did.
Allen KA5N

Noise has been terrible in South Texas and while I have heard VK9NT several times and
would swear that they came back with my call and a signal report at least once or twice.
But no QSO's appeared in the Club Log  LOG!  Then I happened to notice a note that
KV9NT is also using the club log expedition charts.  Went there and found the lovely
confirmations.  I don't remember ever seeing both places having confirmations.  Just goes to
show that it pays to be sure you've really looked.   So now I have three  ATNO's for the
mounth !!  I am happy!
Allen KA5N

Hence the phrase  "Glypt it and ship it"   made famous by schlock shops that "repaired" stuff
by covering up poor repairs with a little Glypt or Corona dope.

Allen  KA5N

Rectifier diodes are so cheap that one can replace the whole string for a couple of bucks
(or less) and diodes from the same manufacturing batch tend to have very similar characteristics and  that lessens the chance of a stray shorting.  Also if one diode in a
string shorts, that may stress the other diodes in the string.

Allen KA5N

Worked KZ3N on 12 meters  SSB a few minutes ago.  Strong signal and only a few takers.
Was working outside NA and then in a few minutes called for NA stations.
If you have missed out on these fellows, this is about the last chance for this DX-ped.

73  Allen KA5N

At long last I made a solid contact with ZK3N on 15 SSB last night.   It was a delight to be
able to hear the op and he heard me.  I had got a response three nights ago but the op could
never get the call right.  Over the past weeks the pileups were dreadful and tuner-uppers
getting some log time in.  Then the deliberate QRM'ers,  where is the retty snitch when you
need one???  But the important thing is "conditions, conditions etc."  and of course persistance!   By the way that contact was an ATNO for me!!
Thanks to the guys of ZK3N !!!

Allen  KA5N

One thing I suggest that you consider; putting the rotator at the base of the mast rather
than at the top.  A Yaesu G 450 is large enough to turn the mast and hex.  Of course you
would have to have thrust bearings or other types of mounting to allow the pole to turn
while keeping it from flopping around.  You can find online many pictures of Hex beam
installations.  While the Hex may work pretty well at 30 or so feet, it will perform better at
40 ft. or more.
Good Luck es  73
Allen KA5N

Buzzards have fairly large feet and probably can't grasp the wires on a hexbeam very
well.   Since the poles on a hex are tilted upwards (and are slick) they don't make very good
perches.  I rarely ever see any birds roosting or resting on my Hex.  Of course buzzards in
the city of Austin are rare and most are just soaring looking for food.  We have plenty of
Grackles, doves, and pidgeons and other birds but they most roost in trees and.
Buzzards aren't very nice to mess with as they will fly off and puke on you on the way.

Allen KA5N

Perhaps you can obtain some $3 bills left over from the Clinton administration.   
Or maybe use monopoly money (some contries' currancy is worth about the same).
If I remember correctly the U.S.P.S. is no longer going to issue IRC's  (will still process
incoming IRC's)   So geen stamps and purchased foreign stamps will be about the only
choice.

Allen KA5N

Why do you assume the parts are all "factory original"  From your description I would
tend to think that the original transformer failed and was replaced by the triad xfmr.
Who ever installed the replacement must have juggled parts to get the voltages closer to
original values.  Since the electrolytics have been changed to non-original types, this
bolsters the notion that considerable work has been done on this receiver using non original
parts.   Bat handle toggle switches can be found at various wholesale houses or cheap at
swap meets, just a matter of searching.  Power transformers are becoming more rare and
finding an exact replacement is a problem.  However a few volts difference one way or the
other shouldn't present a problem. The multi-switch is a different story.
Good Luck
Allen KA5N

I think there is a confusion with the word (idling).  With power on and amp not keyed
there will be no plate current as the amp is in "standby" not "idling".  When keyed there
should be plate current of around 60 to 90 ma this is "idling current".  When RF drive is introduced the plate current will increase. In other words talk and current goes up and
 you have power output.
Allen KA5N

You can't have grid current without grid drive.  You can't have plate current  without RF
drive.  Also the grid current can't reverse direction of flow.  Installing the Harbach mods
includes making a lot of wiring changes and my bet is that something is connected incorrectly.
Probably somewhere in the bias/grid circuit.  
So go over ALL the connections and make sure that they are correctly made and connected to the correct places.  If the meter is connected backwards grid current will flow but
would indicate downward instead of upward even though the amp would still work.  
Installing the Harbach mods is not a trival task for the inexperienced.  One has to trace down
all the existing connections (which may have errors left from the initial build by another
inexperienced ham) and then add new connections from the Harbach main board.  Maybe
a local ham can help spot the problem.  
Since the amp does operate, the funny meter reading is probably caused by a minor
mistake.    Good luck and 73  
Allen  KA5N

I received my card (folder) some time ago, but I hadn't gotten credit for my 10 meter
QSO.    So I emailed that I would like to get credit for that QSO.   Yesterday I received
another Card which had all my QSO's listed including the one for 10 meters.   
Man!! that is service!!   
I have no idea why there is such a variation in service.  A guess might be that they have
several people working on cards, or maybe the cards are sorted by zip code, etc.  Who
knows?  I expect that all will get worked out in time.

Allen KA5N