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Question about installing KAT1 in my K1

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Anthony Hardwick

Question about installing KAT1 in my K1

Okay, so I have followed the directions in the KAT1 manual up to the
top of page 8, and I cut the trace to the right of "DRV," as it
indicates to. After doing this, the next step is to "solder resistor
RF-R4 (5.6K) on the bottom of the board between the two pads located
on either end of the cut trace segment."

Well, I am about to do that, but I just want to be sure that RF-R4 is
to be installed in addition to the R4 resistor of the same value that
was already installed during the build of the RF board.

I am a bit concerned that maybe cutting the trace and installing RF-R4
might not be the right procedure for my revision of the RF board (K1
RF Rev. Er). If I shouldn't have cut the trace, it's too late, but I
was hoping someone out there might be able to shed light on this.

It seems strange, because there aren't 2 free pads, only the one at
the top. If I am to install the additional 5.6K resistor, one end
would have to go to the lead of the already installed R4. Is this
right??

I've triple checked my errata page, and both the manual for the K1,
and also the KAT1, and according to the documentation I think I have
followed the directions properly up to now.

Thanks for any reassurance or re-direction (if necessary) anyone may
be able to help me with before I continue.

Best,
Anthony, W6GC

_________________
Anthony Hardwick
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E Neubauer

Re: Question about installing KAT1 in my K1

Anthony:
I almost did the same thing. Your diagnosis is correct. You have a version that is later than the ones requiring the cut. The only thing that stopped me from doing the same thing was that the drawing in the manual didn't seem to match my board.
Go to page 7 in the KAT 1 manual. Scratch out everything under "K1 RF Board Preparation". And do not unsolder R36. Turn to page 8. Scratch out the top three steps on the page (above "Filter Board and KAT 1 Module Installation").
Because you have Revision E, all you should need to do is move the little tiny RF DET jumper (on the 3-pin header P3) to the KAT 1 position. If you remove the KAT 1 from the radio later on, you should move that jumper back to the original pins.
Others may have additional details. With help from Don Wilhelm and Ron D'Eau Claire I was able to get my K1 up and running! Good luck!
Ed - KB3SZZ

> From: [hidden email]
> To: [hidden email]
> Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2009 19:27:15 -0700
> Subject: [Elecraft] Question about installing KAT1 in my K1
>
> Okay, so I have followed the directions in the KAT1 manual up to the
> top of page 8, and I cut the trace to the right of "DRV," as it
> indicates to. After doing this, the next step is to "solder resistor
> RF-R4 (5.6K) on the bottom of the board between the two pads located
> on either end of the cut trace segment."
>
> Well, I am about to do that, but I just want to be sure that RF-R4 is
> to be installed in addition to the R4 resistor of the same value that
> was already installed during the build of the RF board.
>
> I am a bit concerned that maybe cutting the trace and installing RF-R4
> might not be the right procedure for my revision of the RF board (K1
> RF Rev. Er). If I shouldn't have cut the trace, it's too late, but I
> was hoping someone out there might be able to shed light on this.
>
> It seems strange, because there aren't 2 free pads, only the one at
> the top. If I am to install the additional 5.6K resistor, one end
> would have to go to the lead of the already installed R4. Is this
> right??
>
> I've triple checked my errata page, and both the manual for the K1,
> and also the KAT1, and according to the documentation I think I have
> followed the directions properly up to now.
>
> Thanks for any reassurance or re-direction (if necessary) anyone may
> be able to help me with before I continue.
>
> Best,
> Anthony, W6GC
>
> _________________
> Anthony Hardwick
> [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

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Anthony Hardwick

Re: Question about installing KAT1 in my K1

Ed,

Thank you very much for the very swift confirmation before I did any
further erroneous work. Well, I have to say that unless I am being a
total idiot (very possible), I can't see any proper documentation in
the errata or the manuals that I received.

I received this K1 and a few accessory kits (including the KAT1) a few
weeks ago directly from Elecraft, so one would think all possible
corrections to the manual and errata sheets would be up to date.

Elecraft, you guys are a great company, and I am thoroughly impressed
with your kits, but honestly you should provide better documentation
than what I received for a kit that is as mature as the K1 is. I'm
pretty good at following directions, arguably too good, as I didn't
foresee the erroneous instructions prior to cutting the trace. Don't
you think you should update the errata page at the LEAST, or even
better, revise the manual for both the K1 and the various accessory
kits for it? I know the K3 is the current hot product to work on, and
I very well might get one down the line, but please update the manuals
so others don't make needless cuts in traces.

Alright enough criticism. Don't get me wrong, I do love the K1, and
I've only had it completed a few days... I just think you can do
better with the documentation, and honestly, you should.

If I'm wrong and I overlooked proper instructions then I apologize,
but I have been through the documentation several times, and can't
find any evidence of up to date instructions for the revision RF board
I have.

Thanks,
Anthony, W6GC

On Jul 7, 2009, at 7:42 PM, E Neubauer wrote:

> Anthony:
>
> I almost did the same thing. Your diagnosis is correct. You have a
> version that is later than the ones requiring the cut. The only
> thing that stopped me from doing the same thing was that the drawing
> in the manual didn't seem to match my board.
>
> Go to page 7 in the KAT 1 manual. Scratch out everything under "K1
> RF Board Preparation". And do not unsolder R36. Turn to page 8.
> Scratch out the top three steps on the page (above "Filter Board and
> KAT 1 Module Installation").
>
> Because you have Revision E, all you should need to do is move the
> little tiny RF DET jumper (on the 3-pin header P3) to the KAT 1
> position. If you remove the KAT 1 from the radio later on, you
> should move that jumper back to the original pins.
>
> Others may have additional details. With help from Don Wilhelm and
> Ron D'Eau Claire I was able to get my K1 up and running! Good luck!
>
> Ed - KB3SZZ
>
> > From: [hidden email]
> > To: [hidden email]
> > Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2009 19:27:15 -0700
> > Subject: [Elecraft] Question about installing KAT1 in my K1
> >
> > Okay, so I have followed the directions in the KAT1 manual up to the
> > top of page 8, and I cut the trace to the right of "DRV," as it
> > indicates to. After doing this, the next step is to "solder resistor
> > RF-R4 (5.6K) on the bottom of the board between the two pads located
> > on either end of the cut trace segment."
> >
> > Well, I am about to do that, but I just want to be sure that RF-R4
> is
> > to be installed in addition to the R4 resistor of the same value
> that
> > was already installed during the build of the RF board.
> >
> > I am a bit concerned that maybe cutting the trace and installing
> RF-R4
> > might not be the right procedure for my revision of the RF board (K1
> > RF Rev. Er). If I shouldn't have cut the trace, it's too late, but I
> > was hoping someone out there might be able to shed light on this.
> >
> > It seems strange, because there aren't 2 free pads, only the one at
> > the top. If I am to install the additional 5.6K resistor, one end
> > would have to go to the lead of the already installed R4. Is this
> > right??
> >
> > I've triple checked my errata page, and both the manual for the K1,
> > and also the KAT1, and according to the documentation I think I have
> > followed the directions properly up to now.
> >
> > Thanks for any reassurance or re-direction (if necessary) anyone may
> > be able to help me with before I continue.
> >
> > Best,
> > Anthony, W6GC

_________________
Anthony Hardwick
[hidden email]

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Anthony Hardwick

Re: Question about installing KAT1 in my K1

Okay, so here's confirmation that I am, in fact, an idiot. After re-
reading the manual for the KAT1 several times, I FINALLY noticed the
warning that "the following steps are only necessary if you have
revision D or earlier of the K1 RF board."

Well, to help out idiots like me, I still suggest that a revision to
the manual is warranted. I bet I'm not the only one who will miss
that little note. Since I can't imagine there are any RF boards still
going out at this point from Elecraft that are Rev. D or earlier, why
not update the manual for the KAT1 at least?

On Jul 7, 2009, at 8:19 PM, Anthony Hardwick wrote:

> If I'm wrong and I overlooked proper instructions then I apologize,
> but I have been through the documentation several times, and can't
> find any evidence of up to date instructions for the revision RF board
> I have.
>
______________________________________________________________
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Brett Howard

Re: Question about installing KAT1 in my K1

The reason you don't update the manual is because when someone with an
older K1 goes to the website they can still see where they were informed
to cut a trace and they can follow the footsteps back to be able to re
connect that trace if they remove the KAT1 or something of that nature.
Sometimes maintaining revisioning and having manuals for all of the
versions in the field is important. The online documentation has to
support those who have lost their documentation and/or a person who
bought an older board unit used. They'll need too be able to open it up
and read why that trace is cut in case they have to debug an issue or
something....

On Tue, 2009-07-07 at 20:33 -0700, Anthony Hardwick wrote:

> Okay, so here's confirmation that I am, in fact, an idiot. After re-
> reading the manual for the KAT1 several times, I FINALLY noticed the
> warning that "the following steps are only necessary if you have
> revision D or earlier of the K1 RF board."
>
> Well, to help out idiots like me, I still suggest that a revision to
> the manual is warranted. I bet I'm not the only one who will miss
> that little note. Since I can't imagine there are any RF boards still
> going out at this point from Elecraft that are Rev. D or earlier, why
> not update the manual for the KAT1 at least?
>
>
> On Jul 7, 2009, at 8:19 PM, Anthony Hardwick wrote:
>
>
> > If I'm wrong and I overlooked proper instructions then I apologize,
> > but I have been through the documentation several times, and can't
> > find any evidence of up to date instructions for the revision RF board
> > I have.
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

______________________________________________________________
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Question about installing KAT1 in my K1

In reply to this post by Anthony Hardwick

Anthony,

There are several KAT1s being installed in older K1s, so the
instructions must take into account this situation. The only way that
can be done is to include documentation in the KAT1 manual that applies
to both the old K1 RF Boards and the new boards.

Sorry that you have cut the PC trace in error. Actually, it is not that
difficult to fix. Solder a #26 or #30 wire across the cut (larger wire
is OK, but more 'messy'). You can follow the PC trace where the cut is
located and solder the ends to the points where there is a solder pad on
each side of the cut - OR, if you want an almost invisible repair,
scrape the solder mask off the PC trace on both sides of the cut, tin
the trace and solder in a short length of wire bridging the cut. If you
want an really nice job, coat the wire with a bit of '5 minute epoxy'
and when hard color the epoxy with a green permanent marker.

73,
Don W3FPR

Anthony Hardwick wrote:

> Ed,
>
> Thank you very much for the very swift confirmation before I did any
> further erroneous work. Well, I have to say that unless I am being a
> total idiot (very possible), I can't see any proper documentation in
> the errata or the manuals that I received.
>
> I received this K1 and a few accessory kits (including the KAT1) a few
> weeks ago directly from Elecraft, so one would think all possible
> corrections to the manual and errata sheets would be up to date.
>
> Elecraft, you guys are a great company, and I am thoroughly impressed
> with your kits, but honestly you should provide better documentation
> than what I received for a kit that is as mature as the K1 is. I'm
> pretty good at following directions, arguably too good, as I didn't
> foresee the erroneous instructions prior to cutting the trace. Don't
> you think you should update the errata page at the LEAST, or even
> better, revise the manual for both the K1 and the various accessory
> kits for it? I know the K3 is the current hot product to work on, and
> I very well might get one down the line, but please update the manuals
> so others don't make needless cuts in traces.
>
> Alright enough criticism. Don't get me wrong, I do love the K1, and
> I've only had it completed a few days... I just think you can do
> better with the documentation, and honestly, you should.
>
> If I'm wrong and I overlooked proper instructions then I apologize,
> but I have been through the documentation several times, and can't
> find any evidence of up to date instructions for the revision RF board
> I have.
>
> Thanks,
> Anthony, W6GC
>
>