[Elecraft] Another K1 Comes to Life

[Wallace, Andy]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike [mailto:mmorrow@companet.net]
>
> I'm sure there's other mods out there, but if I had a new K1 I
> personally would do all the above except the RIT mod (I like the RIT
> range as designed)

I modified my K1 with the RIT fine-coarse mod as described in
the Archives at:

http://www.qsl.net/ve3mcf/elecraft_reflect/K1_mod_RIT_Fine-coarse_Feature.tx
t

I had previously changed my RIT to have more range for working split,
and so my fine-coarse mod used different resistor values. When I get a 
chance, I'll document and post the way I did it. This mod gives a
fine-tuning
semi-detent in the center of the pot's range. I think it works pretty
well. 

> and the LCD backlight (I don't want the 
> extra current
> consumption).  

Is 4 mA too much? I performed the mod as described in:

http://www.qsl.net/ve3mcf/elecraft_reflect/K1_Lighted_Display.txt

and used a pair of Radio Shack bright-white ($5 each) LEDs. 
Actual color is sort of bluish. Not unattractive. Limiting
resistor is a 1.2K surface mount part mounted by the connector (picking
off 12VDC from the front panel). Works as well as it can. Part of the
problem is that the K1 LCD is close to the front panel. To illuminate
it with regular LEDs from the side, it would help if the display was
mounted lower to the board. If I ever build another K1, I might
try shortening the LCD spacer to allow this. Sure would be nice if
lighting could be a standard thing -- maybe some of those small surface
mount LCD illuminator strips? I checked the manufacturer's website
and they don't offer the model used in the K1 with an integral backlight.

-Andy