[Elecraft] Horrible Audio

[Phil Wheeler]

Brian wrote:

>My K1, #1205, has almost unbearable audio.  The audio is very muddy,
>no clarity to it at all. It's like it's muffled almost.  This is with
>the filters open in the widest mode. I've tried about 8 pairs of
>stereo headsets, all sound about the same. Is this common?  I should
>have spent more time using a K1 before blowing $500 on this one.
>

What are you listening to?  The bandwidth is NOT wide enough to listen 
to SSB, even at its widest.

>
>
>Also, the tuning knob, yuck. Are there any mods to improve the
>movement so it doesn't feel like I'm tuning my tuna tin?
>

What do you mean by "yuck"?  It feels like all 10 turn pots I've used.

>
>Tried to install the KAT1 tonight as well, that was futile.  I have
>the Rev E RF board, so I am assuming I don't have to cut any traces
>based on the errata sheet.  I removed the jumper from pins 2 to 10 on
>J2 on the filter board, moved the jumper down by the antenna jack to
>the ATU position.  
>

I have an earlier board.  Does the latter jumper essentiall lift a 
resistor?  If so, all sounds normal.

>I got to ATU menu and there is the dreaded "---"
>and I can't make it go away.  I have checked the ATU board with a mag
>glass and bright light until I am crosseyed.
>

Make SURE the PIC on the ATU board is not installed backwards.

>
>Then the part that baffles me.  The KAT1 comes with a 3 hole and a 10
>hole block.  These are already installed on the filter board (4 band).
>The ATU doesn't want to fit correctly...or does it...is there supposed
>to be a 1/4 inch gap in the jack and the pins?  
>

Yes.

>The KAT1 doesn't fit
>all the way down on the J1 and J2 with the metal standoffs in place.
>

Normal.

>
>Just how the heck  are you supposed to install those standoffs anyway?
>It's worse than trying to balance a plate on the end of a stick.
>

True.  You can put a spot of goo (e.g., coax sealer) on the filter board 
to hold the standoff in place.

>
>I ended up pulling the KAT1 out and putting it back on the shelf until
>some time I might find someone with one that works, and will allow me
>to inspect the installation.
>

73, Phil