[Elecraft] KAT2 Toroid installation question

[Tom Hammond NØSS]

Rich:

>I'm at the point of installing the first toroid (L1) on the KAT2 L-C
>Board and after cutting and winding the wire as per the instructions
>(2-1/8" , 2 turns) I find that, when the leads are placed in the board
>holes the toroid body is raised up approx 1/4" parallel to the surface
>of the board. Is that too much elevation? Should I shorten the leads to
>lower the toroid closer to the board?.....as close as possible?

The toroid (at least its WINDINGS) should fit essentially flush against the 
PC board.

I don't quite understand why it'd be situated any distance off the board. 
Is this because you might not have wound the leads snuggly around the 
circumference of the so they are holding the CORe itself 1/4" above the 
board? If so, you may want to consider re-winding the inductor.

A hint which may help:

When I'm winding toroidal cores, esp. ones where I want to ensure that the 
turns are pretty well formed against the body of the core, I do the 
following...

   Right after I've pulled another turn through the center of the
   core, I hold the wire (right up against the core) fairly
   tightly with my thumb and forefinger and then I pull them down
   the entire length of the remaining wire. This serves two
   purposes: 1) is straightens the wire back out; and 2) it helps
   to snug the last turn against the body of the core.

   Next, and before I apply another turn, I take my forefinger and
   'preform' the wire around the last inside edge of the core and
   around the two outside corners of the core.

   Finally, I carefully pull the next turn through the core. Then,
   as it is again snugged down, the preformed 'corners' fit
   against the core perfectly and, for the most part, there's very
   little slop to the wire turn just laid on.

Dunno if this'll help you out, but it's a a thought.

73 - Tom Hammond  N0SS