IF output buffer gain Mod

[DBellW6AQ]

So I see how to attach it but have no idea what a "via" is?  I  built a KX
1 without ever running into a "via" I think.  And if you can see  the "via"
used to anchor one lead of the resistor in the photograph that is  in the
instructions you have either better eyes or a better imagination than I  do.  
Apparently the "via" is the little plastic thing in the envelope  with the
resistor, but what is it for?
 
And for that matter, what is the purpose of this  modification?  10db more
signal level at the IF output gets me what  exactly?  I could use a little
more gain in my Heil BM-10 headphones, but  is this going to get that for me
without distortion?
 
1,000 pardons if this has already been beaten to death on the  reflector.
 
73, Dave
 
 
 
 
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[N5GE]

On Mon, 1 Mar 2010 23:49:14 EST, [hidden email] wrote:

>So I see how to attach it but have no idea what a "via" is?  I  built a KX
>1 without ever running into a "via" I think.  And if you can see  the "via"
>used to anchor one lead of the resistor in the photograph that is  in the
>instructions you have either better eyes or a better imagination than I  do.  
>Apparently the "via" is the little plastic thing in the envelope  with the
>resistor, but what is it for?
>
>And for that matter, what is the purpose of this  modification?  10db more
>signal level at the IF output gets me what  exactly?  I could use a little
>more gain in my Heil BM-10 headphones, but  is this going to get that for me
>without distortion?
>
>1,000 pardons if this has already been beaten to death on the  reflector.
>
>73, Dave

Howdy Dave,

Via's are holes in the circuit board that are plated through the board
to the other side.  Don't ask me why they are call via's ;o)

The purpose of the mod is to increase the signal output at the IF Out
connector that you would connect a Panadapter to.  Some Panadapter
need a little stronger signal from the K3 to enable you to see weak
signals in the Panadapter display.

If you're not using a Panadapter you don't need to do the
modification.

If that doesn't clear it up for you send me email off the list and
I'll try to help you.

73,

Tom, N5GE

K3 #806 with SUB RX, PR6,
KRC2 and K144XV
K3 #1055 with PR6 and XV432
W1, 2 W2's and other small kits

http://www.n5ge.com
http://www.swotrc.net

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[Joe Planisky]

Hi Dave,

A "via" is a small hole in the circuit board used to connect traces  
from the top side of the board to the bottom. There's a small hollow  
metal insert in them that connects the two sides of the board (called  
"plated through vias")  They're usually smaller than a typical  
component mounting hole.

If you look at the picture in the instructions, the closeup on the  
right shows a via (the small hole) just to the left of R8.  In the  
picture on the left hand side, it shows the little 1/8 watt resistor  
with one lead going through that hole.

The little white plastic thing in the kit contains a surface mount  
resistor you can use to replace R8 with if you can do SMD soldering.  
If you don't have have a fine tipped soldering iron, steady hands, and  
a good magnifying headset, you can use the 1/8 watt leaded resistor  
instead.

The mod gives you 10 dB more signal at the IF output connector on the  
KXV3.  This is useful if you want to use a panadaptor (such as the P3)  
with your rig.  It won't make any difference in what you hear through  
your headphones.

73
--
Joe KB8AP

On Mar 1, 2010, at 8:49 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> So I see how to attach it but have no idea what a "via" is?
>
...

> And for that matter, what is the purpose of this  modification?
...

> 73, Dave
>

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[ab2tc]

Hi,

"Via" means "by way of" as in "via airmail". In this case we route from one side of the board to the other (or from one layer to another) via a feedthrough as they used to be called. In this day of shortforms and acronyms they are universally simply called via's.

AB2TC - Knut

Radio Amateur N5GE wrote

<snip>
Howdy Dave,

Via's are holes in the circuit board that are plated through the board
to the other side.  Don't ask me why they are call via's ;o)

The purpose of the mod is to increase the signal output at the IF Out
connector that you would connect a Panadapter to.  Some Panadapter
need a little stronger signal from the K3 to enable you to see weak
signals in the Panadapter display.

If you're not using a Panadapter you don't need to do the
modification.

If that doesn't clear it up for you send me email off the list and
I'll try to help you.

73,

Tom, N5GE

<snip again>