KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build

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KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build

Ken Race
>From Hamvention, I ordered the KX1 with the ATU, the paddles and the 3080
mod kit.  They arrived a couple of weeks ago.  This is going to start a line
of firsts for me: first major kit, first time learning CW (in a serious
fashion), first time into qrp, etc.  I'm excited to start, but a bit
intimidated at the same time.  However, I have a need for some advice as I
go forward.

 

I've started the parts inventory and, when I got to the 3080 mod kit, I also
found the power output mod kit.  My question is: can I install the power
output mod while I am building the KX1 basic radio since it replaces only
two resistors?  Or, should I wait until after the KX1 is assembled?  Does it
change any of the checkout readings?

 

A number of years ago, I bought a XYtronics soldering station.  I've had
some minor difficulties getting replacement tips for the iron.  I ordered
and received several different sizes, but I'm not sure any are optimum for
this kit.  I have a 1/16" chisel, a 1/64" conical, and a 1/32" conical tip.
They apparently have a 1/32" semi-chisel, but I haven't found one anywhere
yet.  Is it possible to grind a small chisel surface on the 1/64" conical
tip?  Does this cause any issues with the tip or with the soldering
operation?  Is the 1/16" chisel small enough to do this kit?

 

One more inventory to finish, then on to soldering...

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Ken Race - AB8GQ

 

 

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Re: KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build

stan levandowski



On Wed, Jun 15, 2011 at 4:41 PM, Kenneth Race wrote:
  can I install the power output mod while I am building the KX1 basic
>

YES.


> A number of years ago, I bought a XYtronics soldering station.  I've
> had
> some minor difficulties getting replacement tips for the iron.  I
> ordered
> and received several different sizes

Just use what you have + common sense.  The important thing is to keep
the tip clean and to try to keep the heat around 750 F.  This is not
rocket science.  I used to build and fly experimental airplanes.  Same
thing -- a bunch of guys spending the weekend in the hangar trying to
figure out whether to use a  wing bolt with a tensile strength of
125,000 lbs or one with a break point of 137,000.  Meanwhile, the
airplane weighed 1000 lbs and the wing was designed for 8G so it was
going to break at 8000 lbs anyway!

Sorry for the diversion -- it's  really a lot of fun to build the
Elecraft family -- I've built them all and use every one of them at
least once a week.  The KX1 is a great little rig and I earned my KMPW
award with it on 8 "AA" batteries, a 28 ft wire, and a lawn chair.

Bottom line...if your tip fits between the components  use it, keep it
clean, use the correct solder, and watch that temperature.

Congratulations and good luck,

Stan WB2LQF
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Re: KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build

AC7AC
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Re: KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by Ken Race
  Ken,

I prefer a narrow chisel tip, but a conical tip will do the job fine,
many like them better than the chisel tip.  I would suggest the 1/32
inch because it will transfer heat better do to its larger mass.  Use a
temperature of 750 degF or higher for best results.  You will do more
damage by "heat-soaking" with a too cold soldering tip that you will
with high temperatures.  You should be able to have the solder flow out
onto both the lead and the solder pad in a 2 to 3 second period.

You may install the power mod resistors during the initial build - but
be cautioned, the KX1 PA output circuit has components that will not
stand much more than 4 watts for a substantial time.  If your power
output goes to 5 watts or more, you may want to back off the power mod
and install the original resistors.

When building and installing the KX3080 low pass filter board, follow
the instructions very carefully.  If your assembly does not look exactly
like the diagrams, it will be wrong and will cause you problems - that
is the area which gives builders the most grief.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/15/2011 4:41 PM, Kenneth Race wrote:

> > From Hamvention, I ordered the KX1 with the ATU, the paddles and the 3080
> mod kit.  They arrived a couple of weeks ago.  This is going to start a line
> of firsts for me: first major kit, first time learning CW (in a serious
> fashion), first time into qrp, etc.  I'm excited to start, but a bit
> intimidated at the same time.  However, I have a need for some advice as I
> go forward.
>
>
>
> I've started the parts inventory and, when I got to the 3080 mod kit, I also
> found the power output mod kit.  My question is: can I install the power
> output mod while I am building the KX1 basic radio since it replaces only
> two resistors?  Or, should I wait until after the KX1 is assembled?  Does it
> change any of the checkout readings?
>
>
>
> A number of years ago, I bought a XYtronics soldering station.  I've had
> some minor difficulties getting replacement tips for the iron.  I ordered
> and received several different sizes, but I'm not sure any are optimum for
> this kit.  I have a 1/16" chisel, a 1/64" conical, and a 1/32" conical tip.
> They apparently have a 1/32" semi-chisel, but I haven't found one anywhere
> yet.  Is it possible to grind a small chisel surface on the 1/64" conical
> tip?  Does this cause any issues with the tip or with the soldering
> operation?  Is the 1/16" chisel small enough to do this kit?
>
>
>
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Re: KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build

Ken Race
Stan, Ron, and Don, Thanks for the replies.  Sometimes it just takes a few words of wisdom to encourage others.  I think I'm ready to get started.  I finished all the inventories last night.

Don, I did have one other question regarding your reply.  Since the power output mod is included in the 3080 kit (granted it's only two resistors), does that indicate that the majority of KX1 radios will need this mod?  I guess what I'm asking is whether there is a better than even chance that I'll need to make the modification.  If so, I'll do it as part of the kit build.  If not, I'll hold off and see what the initial results are.  Any thoughts?

Again, thanks guys.  I've read about all of the posts against the KX1 and there is a lot there to absorb.  I appreciate you guys being there for folks like me.  I'll let you know how I make out.

Ken - AB8GQ
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Re: KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build

Don Wilhelm-4
  Ken,

The actual power output will vary from KX1 to KX1 due to care in
building as well as component tolerances.
The power mod is helpful in about 50% of the KX1s with the KXB3080 option.
If you do install the power mod resistors at the start, save the 22 ohm
and 10 ohm reistors until you have finished testing the KX1 - apply a
good 13.8 volt power supply and see what the maximum power output is on
all bands - normally 80 and 30 will be the bands with the highest output.
If the power exceeds 5 watts, go back to one or both of the original
resistors.  You don't really want to damage the KX1 PA output components
with too much power - remember the voltages can build pretty high if the
SWR rises, and can exceed the capacitor ratings in the LPF.

Enjoy the build process, and take your time so you can do good quality
work.  There is no reward for doing it faster than anyone else.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 6/16/2011 4:05 PM, racekr wrote:

> Stan, Ron, and Don, Thanks for the replies.  Sometimes it just takes a few
> words of wisdom to encourage others.  I think I'm ready to get started.  I
> finished all the inventories last night.
>
> Don, I did have one other question regarding your reply.  Since the power
> output mod is included in the 3080 kit (granted it's only two resistors),
> does that indicate that the majority of KX1 radios will need this mod?  I
> guess what I'm asking is whether there is a better than even chance that
> I'll need to make the modification.  If so, I'll do it as part of the kit
> build.  If not, I'll hold off and see what the initial results are.  Any
> thoughts?
>
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Re: KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build

k6dgw
On 6/16/2011 1:44 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>
> Enjoy the build process, and take your time so you can do good quality
> work.  There is no reward for doing it faster than anyone else.
>
Wise advice!  The KX1 is a marvel of electronic engineering and every
time I use mine, I wonder how they crammed that much functionality in
that little black box.  It is also a marvel of mechanical engineering.

There are a number of places where the assembly instructions will warn
you about clearances, cutting leads short, installing components in a
particular way.  You will want to follow them to the letter.  Components
go on both the front and back of the circuit board.

I built mine over a period of 3 or 4 days.  While building the ATU, I
wondered how this was going to fit in that little box [it goes in the
removable bottom].  When I did the first test fit, I realized that its
relays slid ever so smoothly between relays on the main board.

Go slow, and don't work on your radio when you're tired or had a glass
of wine with dinner :-)  It's really an experience to be enjoyed.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011
- www.cqp.org
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