K1 Manual Errata Sheet - add these?

[k6att]

After completing my K1, I have some suggested additions to the K1 Manual
Errata sheet.

1.  Page 16 - A better explanation of U1 installation is needed.  For
example, "If your IC has a notch at one end, align the notch with the one
on the outline, then place it on the board."

2.  Page 24, column 2, box 2:  Add "Unscrew each set screw so it
protrudes about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the knob before placing knob on
potentiometer."

3.  Page 25, column 2, box 1:  Tell which is the top side of the RF
board.

4.  Page 30, column 2, box 2:  Add "Do NOT use a power supply over [3?]
amps as any short on the board could vaporize a trace.  Use caution
attaching any power supply wire to supplied mating plug." (More may need
to be said here about the correct and safe way to hook up a power supply
to the radio.)

5.  Page 42, column 2, box 1:  Add "Due to space limitation, trim R36
first and then solder it from the top side of the board."

6.  Page 43, column 1, box 1:  Add "The thermal pad is located inside the
Serial Number envelope."

7.  Page 45, column 2, box 2:  Add "C78 is located on the bottom of the
board."

8.  Page 49, column 1 needs extensive revision.  The drawing (Figure
10-3) needs to be redone to more accurately depict the parts in the kit.
The parts in the drawing, especially the "housing", need better
descriptions.  The text needs to:  accurately describe the housing; agree
with the description in the parts list; and tell which bag has the
housing in it.

I also feel that a complete list of needed tools should be provided in
the manual,  including: a temperature-controlled soldering iron and how
to set it, thin solder (specify size/type), a digital multimeter (and a
brief description of how to use one - I had to learn as I went), wire
cutters to cut board components, a grounded wrist strap, possibly a small
vise, a dummy load (specify what its rated load should be) and the kinds
of coax cable typically used to connect to an antenna or dummy load.
Most of these items (but not all) are listed in various places on the
Elecraft web site.  The web site needs to contain a more complete list of
tools/supplies, along with an explanation of how to use a digital
multimeter and how to use a dummy load. As a beginning builder, I was
surprised that there were some things I needed along the way that were
not listed there (chiefly the dummy load).

Thoughts/comments?

Jeff

________________________________________________________________
The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!
Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!
Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!
_______________________________________________
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

[blake-20]

Jeff,

Great suggestions:

Technical writing is the most difficult form of communication.  And for a
project of this size--the job is enormous.  The elecraft manual is a wonder.
They have done a fabulous job of putting together a complete manual that has
allowed thousands of hams to build their kits--successfully.

Say too much and you bore the reader.  Say too little and you're bothered by
too many questions.  It's a huge undertaking to concisely describe the
building of the kit for the myriad skills that each builder possess.

That doesn't mean your suggestions aren't appropriate.  Editing is a job
that never ends.  And suggestions for future builders (even if only
contained in these archives) will benefit us all.

Blake
Dahdahdididi didididada
W7PQ


On 7/23/04 5:44 PM, "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> After completing my K1, I have some suggested additions to the K1 Manual
> Errata sheet.
>
> 1.  Page 16 - A better explanation of U1 installation is needed.  For
> example, "If your IC has a notch at one end, align the notch with the one
> on the outline, then place it on the board."
>
> 2.  Page 24, column 2, box 2:  Add "Unscrew each set screw so it
> protrudes about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the knob before placing knob on
> potentiometer."
>
> 3.  Page 25, column 2, box 1:  Tell which is the top side of the RF
> board.
>
> 4.  Page 30, column 2, box 2:  Add "Do NOT use a power supply over [3?]
> amps as any short on the board could vaporize a trace.  Use caution
> attaching any power supply wire to supplied mating plug." (More may need
> to be said here about the correct and safe way to hook up a power supply
> to the radio.)
>
> 5.  Page 42, column 2, box 1:  Add "Due to space limitation, trim R36
> first and then solder it from the top side of the board."
>
> 6.  Page 43, column 1, box 1:  Add "The thermal pad is located inside the
> Serial Number envelope."
>
> 7.  Page 45, column 2, box 2:  Add "C78 is located on the bottom of the
> board."
>
> 8.  Page 49, column 1 needs extensive revision.  The drawing (Figure
> 10-3) needs to be redone to more accurately depict the parts in the kit.
> The parts in the drawing, especially the "housing", need better
> descriptions.  The text needs to:  accurately describe the housing; agree
> with the description in the parts list; and tell which bag has the
> housing in it.
>
> I also feel that a complete list of needed tools should be provided in
> the manual,  including: a temperature-controlled soldering iron and how
> to set it, thin solder (specify size/type), a digital multimeter (and a
> brief description of how to use one - I had to learn as I went), wire
> cutters to cut board components, a grounded wrist strap, possibly a small
> vise, a dummy load (specify what its rated load should be) and the kinds
> of coax cable typically used to connect to an antenna or dummy load.
> Most of these items (but not all) are listed in various places on the
> Elecraft web site.  The web site needs to contain a more complete list of
> tools/supplies, along with an explanation of how to use a digital
> multimeter and how to use a dummy load. As a beginning builder, I was
> surprised that there were some things I needed along the way that were
> not listed there (chiefly the dummy load).
>
> Thoughts/comments?
>
> Jeff
>
> ________________________________________________________________
> The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!
> Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!
> Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>

_______________________________________________
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

[wayne burdick]

On Jul 23, 2004, at 4:44 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> After completing my K1, I have some suggested additions to the K1
> Manual....

Thanks for the great list of suggestions, Jeff. I'll review them next
time I revise the manual.

Meanwhile, have fun with the rig!

73,
Wayne
N6KR

---

http://www.elecraft.com

_______________________________________________
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

[Mike Morrow-3]

Jeff wrote:

> Page 30, column 2, box 2:  Add "Do NOT use a power supply over [3?]
> amps as any short on the board could vaporize a trace.

A wise man would always use a fused DC power lead, not just for initial testing but also for normal operation.  If you ever develope a DC power short, such as a shorted D19 (zener across the final PA) due to transmitting without an appropriate antenna, you'll wish you had that fuse.

>I also feel that a complete list of needed tools should be provided in
>the manual,  including: a temperature-controlled soldering iron and how
>to set it, ...

A temperature controlled iron is an optional luxury item.  I've never used one in more than fourty years of soldering projects.  Presumably there would be instructions included with the unit.

> a digital multimeter (and a brief description of how to use one ...

It doesn't seem reasonable to require a kit manufacturer to provide all this basic "skill of the craft" type training.  I know Heathkit never did, nor do any other ham kit manufacturers of whom I am aware.  When training of this nature is required, most get it in person from a kindly and helpful "Elmer."

I don't recall finding any problems with the manual I used for my old K1 SN 175.  I do think it's past time for the current K1 manual, last revised 2.5 years ago, to be revised to correct the order of steps for installing a jumper at RF-RFC8 prior to doing voltage tests.  Some people seem to miss Errata Sheet instructions.

73,
Mike / KK5F


_______________________________________________
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

[Art - W6KY]

I have to agree with Lee and Mike. As a kitbuilder you should not expect
the manufacturer to train you how to solder, what tools to use, how to
operate a multimeter... But, But
on the Elecraft home page there is a section called 'Builders Resources'.
Guess what. Articles on 'How to Solder' and 'Summary of available solder
stations' by Tom N0SS...Also an article 'Ask Dr.Solder' by NN6CW..And
Geee, even an article on 'Recommended Tools' and where to find them.
And about a dozen other articles. Hmmm, nothing about a multimeter.
Maybe I could write that one. Lets see, take the red and black probes.....
As an old Heathkit builder (built a DX-100 at age 14) the Elecraft docs
are just fantasic.
73, Art  W6KY     Stacked K1's


[hidden email] wrote:
After completing my K1, I have some suggested additions to the K1 Manual
Errata sheet.

1. Page 16 - A better explanation of U1 installation is needed. For
example, "If your IC has a notch at one end, align the notch with the one
on the outline, then place it on the board."

2. Page 24, column 2, box 2: Add "Unscrew each set screw so it
protrudes about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the knob before placing knob on
potentiometer."

3. Page 25, column 2, box 1: Tell which is the top side of the RF
board.

4. Page 30, column 2, box 2: Add "Do NOT use a power supply over [3?]
amps as any short on the board could vaporize a trace. Use caution
attaching any power supply wire to supplied mating plug." (More may need
to be said here about the correct and safe way to hook up a power supply
to the radio.)

5. Page 42, column 2, box 1: Add "Due to space limitation, trim R36
first and then solder it from the top side of the board."

6. Page 43, column 1, box 1: Add "The thermal pad is located inside the
Serial Number envelope."

7. Page 45, column 2, box 2: Add "C78 is located on the bottom of the
board."

8. Page 49, column 1 needs extensive revision. The drawing (Figure
10-3) needs to be redone to more accurately depict the parts in the kit.
The parts in the drawing, especially the "housing", need better
descriptions. The text needs to: accurately describe the housing; agree
with the description in the parts list; and tell which bag has the
housing in it.

I also feel that a complete list of needed tools should be provided in
the manual, including: a temperature-controlled soldering iron and how
to set it, thin solder (specify size/type), a digital multimeter (and a
brief description of how to use one - I had to learn as I went), wire
cutters to cut board components, a grounded wrist strap, possibly a small
vise, a dummy load (specify what its rated load should be) and the kinds
of coax cable typically used to connect to an antenna or dummy load.
Most of these items (but not all) are listed in various places on the
Elecraft web site. The web site needs to contain a more complete list of
tools/supplies, along with an explanation of how to use a digital
multimeter and how to use a dummy load. As a beginning builder, I was
surprised that there were some things I needed along the way that were
not listed there (chiefly the dummy load).

Thoughts/comments?

Jeff

________________________________________________________________
The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!
Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!
Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!
_______________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________
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

[Don Brown-4]

Hi

I agree but remember the K1, K2 and most other Elecraft products have a self resetting fuse in series with the power line. This fuse will limit the current draw to about 3 amps if there any shorts on the circuit board. It would still be a good idea to limit the power supply or fuse it to a low value for initial tests in case in the unlikely event you had a short on the connector or somewhere between the connector and the fuse. I use a bench supply with a current limit adjustment when testing a new radio or when working on a radio.

As to D19 the reason it is there is to protect the PA transistor in case you transmit into an open circuit or mis-matched antenna. All Elecraft radios have very conservatively rated finals with appropriate protection. Although I don't recommend transmitting into high SWR conditions it is nice to know the radio will take a lot of abuse with no damage.

Don Brown

KD5NDB
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Mike Morrow<mailto:[hidden email]>
  To: [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]> ; [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
  Sent: Friday, July 23, 2004 11:52 PM
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 Manual Errata Sheet - add these?


  Jeff wrote:

  > Page 30, column 2, box 2:  Add "Do NOT use a power supply over [3?]
  > amps as any short on the board could vaporize a trace.

  A wise man would always use a fused DC power lead, not just for initial testing but also for normal operation.  If you ever develope a DC power short, such as a shorted D19 (zener across the final PA) due to transmitting without an appropriate antenna, you'll wish you had that fuse.

  <SNIP>
_______________________________________________
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

[Hisashi T Fujinaka]

I think you all should take Wayne's lead and say, "Thanks for the
comments," rather than start with the puffery and one-upsmanship. I read
articles AFTER I built my kit (didn't know they were there). Also, if
you've ever had to deal with customers, you'll know that there's a huge
range of expertise out there.

Another thing is navigating the Elecraft web site is NON-TRIVIAL. There
are sections I had to learn how to get back to (like the notes from the
reflector.) Most of the basic documents are easy to find, however.

If nothing else, there could be more notes (maybe there are, I didn't
build the K1) in the start of the kit telling you to about the specific
articles on the web site that could be of use. I didn't notice is the
list of approved solders and had to double check the stuff I bought. I
hadn't bought solder in 20+ years and so I didn't know about some of the
newer fluxes.

A note to "check the web site" is a good idea in Elecraft's case, but if
you're not used to dealing with Elecraft, "check the web site" usually
means "look at the other stuff we can sell you." Some companies (not
Elecraft) don't use the web very well. They'll tell you to look at their
site, and you'll be sorry. So you're being disingenuous by expecting
people to check the web before building the kit, UNLESS there are
specific articles called out.

So, I'd say, "Thanks for the comments," I hope they can help someone
else.

On Sat, 24 Jul 2004, Art-W6KY Wallace wrote:

> I have to agree with Lee and Mike. As a kitbuilder you should not expect
> the manufacturer to train you how to solder, what tools to use, how to
> operate a multimeter... But, But
> on the Elecraft home page there is a section called 'Builders Resources'.
> Guess what. Articles on 'How to Solder' and 'Summary of available solder
> stations' by Tom N0SS...Also an article 'Ask Dr.Solder' by NN6CW..And
> Geee, even an article on 'Recommended Tools' and where to find them.
> And about a dozen other articles. Hmmm, nothing about a multimeter.
> Maybe I could write that one. Lets see, take the red and black probes.....
> As an old Heathkit builder (built a DX-100 at age 14) the Elecraft docs
> are just fantasic.
> 73, Art  W6KY     Stacked K1's

--
Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
BSEE(6/86) + BSChem(3/95) + BAEnglish(8/95) + MSCS(8/03) + $2.50 = latte
_______________________________________________
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