[Elecraft] K1 battery connector and strain relief

[lhlousek]

Elecraftisti,

I wanted to be able to remove the complete internal battery pack from my K1 so I
installed an inline connector in its leads.  I used Deans connectors which are
little, 3 pin,  high current, in-line connectors used in R/C and available from
hobby shops. There is enough room in front and to the left of the battery area
to stuff the excess wire and connectors.

I  found that the positive lead from the battery pack was showing signs of
fraying where it is soldered to the switch/diode .  The wire has little strain
relief and is subject to repeated bending and stress whenever batteries are
removed or installed. I unsoldered the red wire,  took another piece of red wire
and soldered it to the switch/diode with the wire running toward the back of the
radio.  I then took the end of the wire and routed it toward the front of the
radio by going around and behind the other leg of the diode and then tie
wrapping it to the black lead.  The new red wire and the existing black wire
were soldered to the male Deans connector.  Now the solder joint receives no
direct stress when manipulating the battery pack.

Lou W7DZN