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Building KX1 with KXB3080

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Steve Westfall

Building KX1 with KXB3080

I recently started building my KX1, following the manual to the letter. However, looking ahead I find that the manual does not include instructions for the kxb3080 module for 30 and 80 meters, or for the kxat1-r tuner. Instead, the instructions for these are packaged separately with the options, as expected since they are sold separately.

But if I know from the start that I am building the kxb3080, why go to all the trouble to install components in the KX1 that I will immediately turn around and have to rip out in order to install the kxb3080? The manual assumes that I'm just building the basic kit without options, and the tests at various points would seem to presuppose that I've done that.

Is there a recommended, supported way to incorporate the kxb3080 option from the very start, so that the redundant/throw-away work can be avoided? Are there revised assembly instructions for such an approach?

Thanks.

Steve Westfall, WA5MZI

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Mike F.

Re: Building KX1 with KXB3080

Steve,

I just finished my KX1 within the last hour, with all the options. I had the same questions as you. Having been the whole route, I rather wish I had done what the instructions said, and built the basic unit first before even opening the options. I had a couple of problems later in the build; not only would it have been simpler to troubleshoot them, but it would have been physically easier to make the repairs, had I taken it one step at a time. The only exceptions I would make to that are 1) the paddle, and 2) the power modification kit. The power mod kit replaces resistor R30 which I found to be a real hassle once trimmer CA and amplifier Q6 are in place. I can't think of any reason not to make it part of the basic build.

Of course, I'm only an hour old so I defer to ANYone else's opinion.

--
73,
Mike, KC0KBC
Yaesu FT-857D, FT-8800R, VX-7RB
Elecraft KX1 #1819 (DONE!), XG2

-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Steve Westfall <[hidden email]>

> I recently started building my KX1, following the manual to the letter.
> However, looking ahead I find that the manual does not include instructions for
> the kxb3080 module for 30 and 80 meters, or for the kxat1-r tuner. Instead, the
> instructions for these are packaged separately with the options, as expected
> since they are sold separately.
>
> But if I know from the start that I am building the kxb3080, why go to all the
> trouble to install components in the KX1 that I will immediately turn around and
> have to rip out in order to install the kxb3080? The manual assumes that I'm
> just building the basic kit without options, and the tests at various points
> would seem to presuppose that I've done that.
>
> Is there a recommended, supported way to incorporate the kxb3080 option from the
> very start, so that the redundant/throw-away work can be avoided? Are there
> revised assembly instructions for such an approach?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Steve Westfall, WA5MZI
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________________
> ____
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Don Wilhelm-3

Re: Building KX1 with KXB3080

In reply to this post by Steve Westfall

Steve,

The *only* step I would recommend in preparation for the KXB3080
installation is to mount L6 on the bottom side of the board.

Certainly you *can* leave out the other components, but then the KX1
cannot be tested until you complete the KXB3080 install. The KXB3080
requires very careful work in tight places. The instructions are
correct, and if you follow them *exactly* you will have success, but
many builders have trouble.

If you are an experienced builder, and can read and follow a schematic
should you have trouble, and are reasonably adept at troubleshooting,
then you could consider moving directly to the KXB3080 - but if you do
not have complete confidence in all those abilities, do as the
instructions indicate and build the base KX1 first so you can test that
piece.

73,
Don W3FPR

Steve Westfall wrote:

SNIP...
>
> Is there a recommended, supported way to incorporate the kxb3080 option from the very start, so that the redundant/throw-away work can be avoided? Are there revised assembly instructions for such an approach?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Steve Westfall, WA5MZI
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Don Wilhelm-3

Re: Building KX1 with KXB3080

In reply to this post by Mike F.

Mike,

Be careful with the power mod.

It is only to be added to a KX1 *if* the power output with a 12 volt
supply is less than 3 watts.

Do not operate the KX1 at greater than 4 watts at any power supply
voltage. Doing so places stress on the output components and can cause
failure.

THAT is why it is not included as part of the basic build.
Most cases of low power output are associated with problem with the Low
Pass Filter or the turns spacing on L1 and L2.

If you are getting greater than 4 watts out on your KX1 now, reduce the
setting for R4 so you do not exceed that 4 watt limit.

73,
Don W3FPR

Mike wrote:
> Steve,
>
> The only exceptions I would make to that are 1) the paddle, and 2) the power modification kit. The power mod kit replaces resistor R30 which I found to be a real hassle once trimmer CA and amplifier Q6 are in place. I can't think of any reason not to make it part of the basic build.
>
> Of course, I'm only an hour old so I defer to ANYone else's opinion.
>
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Koaps

Re: Building KX1 with KXB3080

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-3

i just finished my KX1 and like the manual suggested,
I plan on getting used to the radio stock before
adding even the KAT1 or the 3080 module, even though I
have both sitting in a bag at home right now.

The only thing I did different from the manual was
like what Don suggested about L6. I mounted it on the
opposite side of the board to save me the trouble or
doing it later. I just need to cut the trace and that
step is done.

-C

--- Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Steve,
>
> The *only* step I would recommend in preparation for
> the KXB3080
> installation is to mount L6 on the bottom side of
> the board.
>
> Certainly you *can* leave out the other components,
> but then the KX1
> cannot be tested until you complete the KXB3080
> install. The KXB3080
> requires very careful work in tight places. The
> instructions are
> correct, and if you follow them *exactly* you will
> have success, but
> many builders have trouble.
>
> If you are an experienced builder, and can read and
> follow a schematic
> should you have trouble, and are reasonably adept at
> troubleshooting,
> then you could consider moving directly to the
> KXB3080 - but if you do
> not have complete confidence in all those abilities,
> do as the
> instructions indicate and build the base KX1 first
> so you can test that
> piece.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Steve Westfall wrote:
>
> SNIP...
> >
> > Is there a recommended, supported way to
> incorporate the kxb3080 option from the very start,
> so that the redundant/throw-away work can be
> avoided? Are there revised assembly instructions
> for such an approach?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Steve Westfall, WA5MZI
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

Steve Westfall

Re: Building KX1 with KXB3080

In reply to this post by Steve Westfall

You have convinced me to stick with the official plan. At first I thought I might take the suggestion about installing L6 on the opposite side of the board, but I see that it's too late. I'm already a page past L6 in the assembly steps!

Thank you to all who responded.

73,

Steve

----- Original Message ----
From: Koaps <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:32:14 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Building KX1 with KXB3080

i just finished my KX1 and like the manual suggested,
I plan on getting used to the radio stock before
adding even the KAT1 or the 3080 module, even though I
have both sitting in a bag at home right now.

The only thing I did different from the manual was
like what Don suggested about L6. I mounted it on the
opposite side of the board to save me the trouble or
doing it later. I just need to cut the trace and that
step is done.

-C

--- Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

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