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KBPF3A and KBPF3B

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Edward A. Dauer

KBPF3A and KBPF3B

So, just to be sure I have this right:

If I have the NEW KSYN3A synth in an old K3, and if I still have the OLD
KXV3A, then replacing the KBPF3A with the NEW KBPF3B will give me all of
the enhanced performance available on 100 - 500 Khz?

I am thinking of replacing the KBPF3 rather than doing the mod on the old
one because I have never done surface mount work and in my dotage can¹t
trust myself not to make a mess of it; and because shipping the K3 back to
the factory for the mod may not be worthwhile compared to just replacing
the bandpass filter . . . . due to the down-time.

Izzat right, that replacing the bandpass filter now will do it all?

Thanks,

Ted, KN1CBR

>Message: 27
>Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2015 23:23:05 -0500
>From: Michael Eberle <[hidden email]>
>To: [hidden email]
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KBPF3 upgrade kit and instructions now
> available
>Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
>
>Will new orders for the KBPF3 have the modification already done or
>would one need to purchase both the KBPF3 and the KBPF3MDKT if they
>wanted to receive 100-500 kHz?
>
>Mike
>KI0HA
>
>On 6/24/2015 7:42 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> The long-promised KBPF3 modification kit is now available. It applies
>>to the KBPF3, K3 RF board, and optionally to the KRX3 sub receiver. It
>>allows the K3 or K3S to receive signals in the 100-500 kHz range with
>>good sensitivity. This is an interesting part of the spectrum, with
>>
>> For full detailms on the mod kit, see:
>>
>> http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K3%20Parts
>>
>> Also see below for an excerpt from my original posting about signals in
>>the 100-500 kHz range.
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>>

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Grant Youngman

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

There is also a change on the RF Board that has to be made (or the KRX3 - depending on where your KBPF3 is installed), in addition to the KBPF3 update or replacement.

Grant NQ5T

> On Jun 25, 2015, at 11:11 AM, Dauer, Edward <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> So, just to be sure I have this right:
>
> If I have the NEW KSYN3A synth in an old K3, and if I still have the OLD
> KXV3A, then replacing the KBPF3A with the NEW KBPF3B will give me all of
> the enhanced performance available on 100 - 500 Khz?
>

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Edward A. Dauer

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

A further question about this . . . Having just read the installation
instructions for both the KBPF3A and for the mod kit for the old KBPF3, I
note one difference. The mod kit requires SM work on both the existing
KBPF board and soldering on the RF board itself. The new KBPF3A
instructions make no mention of any changes to the RF board. Does that
mean that by replacing the KBPF3 entirely there is no need to also modify
the RF board? If that is so it reduces the surgical risk considerably.
Or maybe I missed something in the instructions?

Thanks, to whomever might be able to set me straight on this . . .

Ted, KN1CBR

On 6/25/15, 10:11 AM, "Dauer, Edward" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>So, just to be sure I have this right:
>
>If I have the NEW KSYN3A synth in an old K3, and if I still have the OLD
>KXV3A, then replacing the KBPF3A with the NEW KBPF3B will give me all of
>the enhanced performance available on 100 - 500 Khz?
>
>I am thinking of replacing the KBPF3 rather than doing the mod on the old
>one because I have never done surface mount work and in my dotage can¹t
>trust myself not to make a mess of it; and because shipping the K3 back to
>the factory for the mod may not be worthwhile compared to just replacing
>the bandpass filter . . . . due to the down-time.
>
>Izzat right, that replacing the bandpass filter now will do it all?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Ted, KN1CBR
>
>
>>Message: 27
>>Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2015 23:23:05 -0500
>>From: Michael Eberle <[hidden email]>
>>To: [hidden email]
>>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KBPF3 upgrade kit and instructions now
>> available
>>Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
>>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>>
>>
>>Will new orders for the KBPF3 have the modification already done or
>>would one need to purchase both the KBPF3 and the KBPF3MDKT if they
>>wanted to receive 100-500 kHz?
>>
>>Mike
>>KI0HA
>>
>>On 6/24/2015 7:42 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> The long-promised KBPF3 modification kit is now available. It applies
>>>to the KBPF3, K3 RF board, and optionally to the KRX3 sub receiver. It
>>>allows the K3 or K3S to receive signals in the 100-500 kHz range with
>>>good sensitivity. This is an interesting part of the spectrum, with
>>>
>>> For full detailms on the mod kit, see:
>>>
>>> http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K3%20Parts
>>>
>>> Also see below for an excerpt from my original posting about signals in
>>>the 100-500 kHz range.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>>
>>>
>

wayne burdick

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

Administrator

The K3 RF board will still need the new capacitor even if you're installing a KPBF3A (which has the LF mods already).

This will be made clear in an upcoming errata for the KBPF3A manual.

Wayne
N6KR

----
http://www.elecraft.com

> On Jun 25, 2015, at 11:32 AM, "Dauer, Edward" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> A further question about this . . . Having just read the installation
> instructions for both the KBPF3A and for the mod kit for the old KBPF3, I
> note one difference. The mod kit requires SM work on both the existing
> KBPF board and soldering on the RF board itself. The new KBPF3A
> instructions make no mention of any changes to the RF board. Does that
> mean that by replacing the KBPF3 entirely there is no need to also modify
> the RF board? If that is so it reduces the surgical risk considerably.
> Or maybe I missed something in the instructions?
>
> Thanks, to whomever might be able to set me straight on this . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
>
>
>
>
>> On 6/25/15, 10:11 AM, "Dauer, Edward" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> So, just to be sure I have this right:
>>
>> If I have the NEW KSYN3A synth in an old K3, and if I still have the OLD
>> KXV3A, then replacing the KBPF3A with the NEW KBPF3B will give me all of
>> the enhanced performance available on 100 - 500 Khz?
>>
>> I am thinking of replacing the KBPF3 rather than doing the mod on the old
>> one because I have never done surface mount work and in my dotage can¹t
>> trust myself not to make a mess of it; and because shipping the K3 back to
>> the factory for the mod may not be worthwhile compared to just replacing
>> the bandpass filter . . . . due to the down-time.
>>
>> Izzat right, that replacing the bandpass filter now will do it all?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Ted, KN1CBR
>>
>>
>>> Message: 27
>>> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2015 23:23:05 -0500
>>> From: Michael Eberle <[hidden email]>
>>> To: [hidden email]
>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KBPF3 upgrade kit and instructions now
>>> available
>>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>>>
>>>
>>> Will new orders for the KBPF3 have the modification already done or
>>> would one need to purchase both the KBPF3 and the KBPF3MDKT if they
>>> wanted to receive 100-500 kHz?
>>>
>>> Mike
>>> KI0HA
>>>
>>>> On 6/24/2015 7:42 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>>>> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>> The long-promised KBPF3 modification kit is now available. It applies
>>>> to the KBPF3, K3 RF board, and optionally to the KRX3 sub receiver. It
>>>> allows the K3 or K3S to receive signals in the 100-500 kHz range with
>>>> good sensitivity. This is an interesting part of the spectrum, with
>>>>
>>>> For full detailms on the mod kit, see:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K3%20Parts
>>>>
>>>> Also see below for an excerpt from my original posting about signals in
>>>> the 100-500 kHz range.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>> Wayne
>>>> N6KR
>>

Lyle Johnson

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Ted,

The discrepancies in instructions are due to the KPBF3A instructions
being written with the K3S in mind, while the KBPF3 mod instructions
were written with K3 in mind.

If a KBPF3A, or a modified KBPF3, is installed into a K3, the RF board
(or KRX3 main board) bypasses must be done for good low frequency
performance. If the KPBF3A, or a modified KBPF3, is installed into a
K3S the RF board modifications are not necessary because the K3S RF
board has the changes already incorporated.

The instructions will be corrected by errata and eventual updating.

Meanwhile, the physics remain the same: the K3 RF board needs the mods
for good LF reception with the KPBF3A or modified KBPF3.

73,

Lyle KK7P

> A further question about this . . . Having just read the installation
> instructions for both the KBPF3A and for the mod kit for the old KBPF3, I
> note one difference. The mod kit requires SM work on both the existing
> KBPF board and soldering on the RF board itself. The new KBPF3A
> instructions make no mention of any changes to the RF board. Does that
> mean that by replacing the KBPF3 entirely there is no need to also modify
> the RF board?

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ejkkjh

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

I think I understand all this now.
One other question, please. Will it be possible to just send in the KBPF3
from my K3 to be modified by Elecraft? not the whole K3?
I think I can handle installing the one cap on the RF board but never done
surface mounts.
Thank you 73
Emory WM3M

-----Original Message-----
From: Wayne Burdick
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2015 2:57 PM
To: Dauer, Edward
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KBPF3A and KBPF3B

The K3 RF board will still need the new capacitor even if you're installing
a KPBF3A (which has the LF mods already).

This will be made clear in an upcoming errata for the KBPF3A manual.

Wayne
N6KR

----

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wayne burdick

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

Administrator

On Jun 25, 2015, at 12:18 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> I think I understand all this now.
> One other question, please. Will it be possible to just send in the KBPF3 from my K3 to be modified by Elecraft? not the whole K3?

Yes.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Edward R Cole

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

I believe Wayne stated the caps on the main board that require
replacement are 0403 sized sm "chips".

If you have never done any sm work you will find them very difficult
to handle. I have built some boards that use that size and had to
use a magnifier to be able to see well enough to place them. You
need a very fine chisel-point solder iron and small jeweler's
tweezers to handle them. Also very small diameter solder.

I would recommend you find a nearby ham that does this kind of work
or maybe a local two-way radio shop that does component level repair
(though those are becoming rare). In the end it may be better to
send the radio into Elecraft and have all the work done by
them. Ham's in the lower-48 of the US this it not that bad. For
oversea's hams shipping and customs becomes a real hassle/expense.

I will make my own mods but I regularly build sm equipment and have
the necessary equipment. Saying that, 0403 are still very difficult
for hand replacement.

73, Ed - KL7UW
the kits I build use 0805 & 1206 chips.

Message: 22
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2015 15:18:12 -0400
From: <[hidden email]>
To: "Wayne Burdick" <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KBPF3A and KBPF3B
Message-ID: <541B0A7DEB164B95BA75735F144A7F86@ejhPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8";
reply-type=original

I think I understand all this now.
One other question, please. Will it be possible to just send in the KBPF3
from my K3 to be modified by Elecraft? not the whole K3?
I think I can handle installing the one cap on the RF board but never done
surface mounts.
Thank you 73
Emory WM3M

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

The manual for the mod suggests it's not all that
hard to do, Ed; I plan to and I don't work with
SMT without due consideration.

In any case, you can send only the boards needing
the mod to Elecraft, not the entire K3, according
to an earlier post by Wayne

73, Phil W7OX

On 6/25/15 4:28 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:

> I believe Wayne stated the caps on the main
> board that require replacement are 0403 sized sm
> "chips".
>
> If you have never done any sm work you will find
> them very difficult to handle. I have built
> some boards that use that size and had to use a
> magnifier to be able to see well enough to place
> them. You need a very fine chisel-point solder
> iron and small jeweler's tweezers to handle
> them. Also very small diameter solder.
>
> I would recommend you find a nearby ham that
> does this kind of work or maybe a local two-way
> radio shop that does component level repair
> (though those are becoming rare). In the end it
> may be better to send the radio into Elecraft
> and have all the work done by them. Ham's in
> the lower-48 of the US this it not that bad. For
> oversea's hams shipping and customs becomes a
> real hassle/expense.
>
> I will make my own mods but I regularly build sm
> equipment and have the necessary equipment.
> Saying that, 0403 are still very difficult for
> hand replacement.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> the kits I build use 0805 & 1206 chips.

Ross Primrose

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

In reply to this post by Edward R Cole

On 6/25/2015 7:28 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> I believe Wayne stated the caps on the main board that require
> replacement are 0403 sized sm "chips".
>

No. On the main RF board (and the sub RX board if necessary) it's
merely adding a through-hole cap. If you have the KBPF3 (no A) then you
need to do the SM work. As Wayne stated earlier in the thread, you will
be able to send your KBPF3(s) to Elecraft and have them do the work.
AFAIK there is no KBPF3B ;) If you've got/buy KBPF3A(s) then the mod is
already done to them.

If I'm not mistaken, Mouser part # 647-RL81C221MDN1KX should be
appropriate for use on the main RF board/sub RX.

73, Ross N4RP

--
FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”

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wayne burdick

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

Administrator

In reply to this post by Edward R Cole

They're 0603 size, which is a *lot* easier to handle than 0403. But you'll still need tweezers and good eyesight (or what we fondly call a "Geezer Gazer").

If you have any doubts about your ability to tackle this mod, you might practice with some random SMD capacitors on scrap board, first. Or send your KBPF3 to us to add the new capacitors.

Wayne
N6KR

On Jun 25, 2015, at 4:28 PM, Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I believe Wayne stated the caps on the main board that require replacement are 0403 sized sm "chips".
>
> If you have never done any sm work you will find them very difficult to handle. I have built some boards that use that size and had to use a magnifier to be able to see well enough to place them. You need a very fine chisel-point solder iron and small jeweler's tweezers to handle them. Also very small diameter solder.
>
> I would recommend you find a nearby ham that does this kind of work or maybe a local two-way radio shop that does component level repair (though those are becoming rare). In the end it may be better to send the radio into Elecraft and have all the work done by them. Ham's in the lower-48 of the US this it not that bad. For oversea's hams shipping and customs becomes a real hassle/expense.
>
> I will make my own mods but I regularly build sm equipment and have the necessary equipment. Saying that, 0403 are still very difficult for hand replacement.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> the kits I build use 0805 & 1206 chips.
>
> Message: 22
> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2015 15:18:12 -0400
> From: <[hidden email]>
> To: "Wayne Burdick" <[hidden email]>
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KBPF3A and KBPF3B
> Message-ID: <541B0A7DEB164B95BA75735F144A7F86@ejhPC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8";
> reply-type=original
>
> I think I understand all this now.
> One other question, please. Will it be possible to just send in the KBPF3
> from my K3 to be modified by Elecraft? not the whole K3?
> I think I can handle installing the one cap on the RF board but never done
> surface mounts.
> Thank you 73
> Emory WM3M
>
>
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
> "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
> [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Edward R Cole

Re: KBPF3A and KBPF3B

In reply to this post by Ross Primrose

Ross and all:

OK, my error. I thought the caps on the main board were sm 0403
caps. By replacing the KBPF3 with the A version would avoid sm work,
or if you do not presently have the KBPF3 then the new KPBF3A will
have the necessary changes incorporated. That should make upgrading
the K3 easier for many folks who are unfamiliar with sm work.

Trying to do sm for the first time would not be advisable with 0403
sized components. Start out with 1206 or 0805.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 03:52 PM 6/25/2015, Ross Primrose wrote:

>On 6/25/2015 7:28 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
>>I believe Wayne stated the caps on the main board that require
>>replacement are 0403 sized sm "chips".
>
>No. On the main RF board (and the sub RX board if necessary) it's
>merely adding a through-hole cap. If you have the KBPF3 (no A) then
>you need to do the SM work. As Wayne stated earlier in the thread,
>you will be able to send your KBPF3(s) to Elecraft and have them do the work.
>AFAIK there is no KBPF3B ;) If you've got/buy KBPF3A(s) then the
>mod is already done to them.
>
>If I'm not mistaken, Mouser part # 647-RL81C221MDN1KX should be
>appropriate for use on the main RF board/sub RX.
>
>73, Ross N4RP
>
>--
>FCC Section 97.313(a) "At all times, an amateur station must use the
>minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications."

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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