My error in cutting the K1BKLTKIT LED Backlights

[Tom Hammond-3]

Folks:

It appears that my error in cutting the backlights for the K1 LED was NOT
limited to a single LED backlight... I apparently mis-measured all of them,
making each about 0.15" too long.

Though the linger backlight CAN be made to fit and work as-is, it's really
a bit too long to fit easily and would also make the soldering a bit more
difficult.

I know that Elecraft has already sent out about 40-50 of these kits without
knowing I'd made this error.

In order to fix this error, I will be HAPPY to re-cut ANY LED backlight you
would send directly to me, and I'll get it in the next day's mail back to
you, of course, at no charge.

I have already offered to re-cut all of the LED's Elecraft now has on hand,
to remove the 0.15" excess length. The LED backlight SHOULD be 1-1/4"
(1.25") long, rather than the 1.4" to which they were cut.

IF you wish to cut the LED yourself, be aware that the plastic is pretty
brittle, AND pretty hard as well. So you should probably consider either
sawing it (fine tooth blade) or grinding it (a little at a time) to length...

Otherwise, PLEASE consider sending the LED to me and I'll be happy to trim
it for you.

Please know that this error is NOT the fault of Elecraft, who placed their
trust in me, and I botched that trust.

73,

Tom Hammond   N0SS
5417 Scruggs Stn Rd
Lohman MO  65053



_______________________________________________
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

[EricJ-2]

I would only like to add, if your LED backlight still has the masking tape
on it from the original cut, leave it on. If it isn't there, wrap a piece
around the end you are cutting. This keeps the  translucent covers in place
on the plastic so they will cut cleanly with the plastic. If you have a
razor saw, it's probably easier to recut it yourself than take Tom up on his
generous offer. It is hard plastic, but it only takes about a minute to cut
it by hand. Hold the backlight flat against a piece of wood for support. It
may be brittle, but it isn't all that fragile. It's easy to fix, and move on
with the installation.

When all the dust settles, Tom's backlight mod is really clean looking and
will be much appreciate by K1 owners. I'm very happy with mine.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6dus.com



-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tom Hammond
Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2005 8:50 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] My error in cutting the K1BKLTKIT LED Backlights

Folks:

It appears that my error in cutting the backlights for the K1 LED was NOT
limited to a single LED backlight... I apparently mis-measured all of them,
making each about 0.15" too long.

Though the linger backlight CAN be made to fit and work as-is, it's really a
bit too long to fit easily and would also make the soldering a bit more
difficult.

I know that Elecraft has already sent out about 40-50 of these kits without
knowing I'd made this error.

In order to fix this error, I will be HAPPY to re-cut ANY LED backlight you
would send directly to me, and I'll get it in the next day's mail back to
you, of course, at no charge.

I have already offered to re-cut all of the LED's Elecraft now has on hand,
to remove the 0.15" excess length. The LED backlight SHOULD be 1-1/4"
(1.25") long, rather than the 1.4" to which they were cut.

IF you wish to cut the LED yourself, be aware that the plastic is pretty
brittle, AND pretty hard as well. So you should probably consider either
sawing it (fine tooth blade) or grinding it (a little at a time) to
length...

Otherwise, PLEASE consider sending the LED to me and I'll be happy to trim
it for you.

Please know that this error is NOT the fault of Elecraft, who placed their
trust in me, and I botched that trust.

73,

Tom Hammond   N0SS
5417 Scruggs Stn Rd
Lohman MO  65053



_______________________________________________
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

[Bob Baxter-3]

 A Dremel with a cutting disk makes short work of it.  The light works great.

Bob Baxter AA7EQ
Walnut Ridge, Ar.
_______________________________________________
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

[Steve Hostetler]

You can cut the LEDs using a very fine tooth straight-back saw you can
buy for a few bucks at your local hobby shop.  They cut easily and
cleanly.  The back light is an elegant and much appreciated addition to
the K1.

steve, kx7r

> A Dremel with a cutting disk makes short work of it.  The light works great.
>
>  
>
_______________________________________________
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

[Joe Malloy]

Steve Hostetler wrote:

> You can cut the LEDs using a very fine tooth straight-back saw you can
> buy for a few bucks at your local hobby shop.  They cut easily and
> cleanly.  The back light is an elegant and much appreciated addition
> to the K1.
>
> steve, kx7r
>
>> A Dremel with a cutting disk makes short work of it.  The light works
>> great.
>>
>>  
>

Or, if you're lazy like me, the backlight as supplied fits just nicely
when you place the right hand side against the leads of the capacitor
(C4?) on the board.   Works great and looks great too!

72,

Joe, W2RBA



_______________________________________________
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

[wb2ssb]

This situation gave me an excuse to try using my Dremel tool for the
first time .... I used a grinding wheel, and was able to reduce  the
width of the diffuser to spec in about 5 minutes .... Very cool tool!

 

Now ... time to try to install the upgrade!


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender by return email and delete the original message. Please note, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.

==============================================================================

_______________________________________________
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