Login  Register

Re: K1 Front Panel Resistance Issue

Posted by Jozef Hand-Boniakowski on Feb 22, 2007; 4:02pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/K1-Front-Panel-Resistance-Issue-tp444102p444104.html

Hello Don and others:

Thank you kindly.  This lists collective wisdom appreciated.  I will
cease and desist using the analog meter until my DMM arrives.  May I
suggest that Elecraft consider upgrading their recommendation about not
using an analog meter to a warning which includes the possibility of
component damage from using an analog meter.  I was aware of the
possibility of inaccurate readings, but not of possible damage to
components.  I stand educated.

73, Jozef WB2MIC

Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Jozef,
>
> Yes your analog meter CAN be thowing your readings off by that much.
> Do not use an analog meter to do resistance checks on solid state equipment.
> Many make resistance measurements by applying a voltage to the circuit under
> test, and that voltage is high enough to turn on solid state junctions and
> may actually destroy solid state devices.
>
> Measuring voltages and currents with an analog meter may often be OK, but
> definitely NOT resistance measurements.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>  
>> -----Original Message-----
>>
>> Hello to the list.
>>
>> This is my first posting on my K1 kit building issues via the Elecraft
>> reflector.  Thanks to all in advance.  I am awaiting the delivery of a
>> digital multimeter for making resistance/voltage checks, but started
>> construction nonetheless.  I have a cheap analog meter, however, and
>> thought that when I get to the resistance check parts I would use it,
>> but not proceed until the DMM gets here.
>>
>> I completed the 4 band filter bard and the front panel (minus the 10
>> turn potentiometer) up to the point where the resistance checks are to
>> be made (page 22), and, here is where my analog meter says that I am way
>> off.  The backlight kit was installed, by the way, as per its (somewhat
>> confusing instructions) which then returned me to the page where the
>> resistance checks are made.  I get the following big discrepancies:
>>
>> Test pts (+)                   Resistance    Measured
>> DS1 (LCD pins 1-24)   >100K          around 2K each to ground
>> J1 pin 6                         >100K         10K
>> J1 pin 7                         >100K          5.8 to 7K (moves up))
>> J1 pin 8                         >100K          5.8 to 7K (moves up)
>> J1 pin 10                       90-200K      2.3K
>> J1 pin 12                       >100K          5.1 to 7K (moves up)
>> J1 pin 15                       <50K            28K  (yippie!)
>> J1 pin 16                       15-18K        9K
>> J1 pin 19                       >100K          5.8 to 7K (moves up)
>>
>> Something is definitely awry here.  I don't see any bridges, cold
>> joints, nor missed components/joints, incorrectly placed parts.
>> However, with the LCD installed along with the backlit display, there is
>> no way to recheck the pins of the 40 pin MCU from the top of the board,
>> only to look under the socket from the sides.  I have rechecked all the
>> component placement and the solder connections 3 times.  I cannot find
>> any errors or solder issues.  So then, can the analog meter be throwing
>> me that far off?  I doubt it.  Your expertise is requested in offering
>> advice.
>>
>> 73, Jozef WB2MIC
>>
>>    
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.18.3/694 - Release Date: 2/20/2007
> 1:44 PM
>
>  
_______________________________________________
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