[Elecraft] K2 Alignment Problem

[Ron D' Eau Claire]

John, KB1CW wrote:
> I just finished my K2 kit.  Completed transmitter alignment on 40
> meters with no problem.  However, I have no signal or output on
> 80 or 20 meters.
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Please send comments off the list.

One very common reason for this happening is that the trimmer caps for the
20 and 80 meter bands need to be 'exercised'. Spin them completely around a
bunch of times, then try the alignment again.

A LOT of ops had no output on one or more bands until they did that. The
caps are fine, it's just that they haven't had their rotors 'seated'
properly since they were assembled, and they aren't making electrical
contact. Once you do that, they will work reliably and stably.

IF that isn't the cause, the next leading cause is PTTL (poorly tinned
toroid leads)... that is, one of your toroid leads may be making good
mechanical contact with the solder in the hole but it's not making good
electrical contact because of some enamel trapped under the solder.

I replied ON the list because every time one person has a question, there
are two or three (or more) lurkers who have the same question... or someone
who has a correction or addition to what I have written that helps.

But since you asked, I also sent a copy to your personal e-mail address.

There's nothing as frustrating as seeing an interesting question and never
seeing the answer.

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289