KX1 with or without the 3080?

[Ron-73]

I have an unbuilt KX1, with the 3080 kit. Should I try to build it all
at once, or is it better to unsolder things and add the 3080 after the
KX1 is running OK? I would have hoped for a manual describing the build
INCLUDING the 3080.  Is there one around?
Ron KB6GK
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[Sean Cavanaugh-4]

[hidden email] wrote:
> I have an unbuilt KX1, with the 3080 kit. Should I try to build it all
> at once, or is it better to unsolder things and add the 3080 after the
> KX1 is running OK? I would have hoped for a manual describing the build
> INCLUDING the 3080.  Is there one around?
> Ron KB6GK

I just finished building my KX1 including the ATU and 3080 modules. I
did it step by step, first building the basic KX1, then the ATU, then
the 3080. I found that doing it that way gave me a better feel for how
the whole thing worked as a unit, and it wasn't too hard to modify the
original KX1 to make everything work. Not to mention winding the 2 extra
toroids was great practice for when I save up enough for a K2 :)

I would recommend reading all the instructions for each module before
starting though, as it gives a better idea of where you may run into
problems fitting the modules later. The basic KX1 manual does a great
job of warning about that as well.

Have fun with it, I sure did!

--
Sean - VE5SMC
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[Don Wilhelm-4]

Ron,

While the KXB3080 *can* be installed during the initial build of the
KX1, I would discourage it for all those who have not built one or two
KX1s previously.
The KX1 requires careful workmanship by itself, and the KXB3080
(particularly the Low Pass Filter) requires even more careful workmanship.

There is a way to go 'part of the way' with the task which will reduce
the number of components to be removed to the two LPF toroids.  To go
that route, build everything through page 42 of the manual *except* 1)
mount L6 on the bottom of the board and 2) Do not install C26, C1, L7
and C27.
*then* 3) Follow all the Part I instructions in the KXB3080 manual
(through page 7) - you will not have to desolder anything, but do not
forget to cut the trace on the PC board.  Go on to Alignment and Test
Part II in the KX1 manual.

When you have finished testing the receiver (Alignment and Test - Part
II) on 20 and 40 meters, go on to complete the rest of the instructions
in the KX1 manual and complete the transmitter tests on 20 and 40 meters.
After that, build the KXAT1 if you have also ordered that and complete
its test - the 8030 low pass filter board must fit in the space below
the tuner, so you should complete the tuner to determine if the KXB3080
LPF board will fit OK.
Then finally, open the KXB3080 instructions again to page 8 and proceed
from there to completion.

If you proceed as I describe above, you will have retained the ability
to test as you go along and have only the 2 toroids to desolder - the
toroids are easy to remove compared to the rest.

73,
Don W3FPR

[hidden email] wrote:
> I have an unbuilt KX1, with the 3080 kit. Should I try to build it all
> at once, or is it better to unsolder things and add the 3080 after the
> KX1 is running OK? I would have hoped for a manual describing the
> build INCLUDING the 3080.  Is there one around?
> Ron KB6GK
>
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