[Elecraft] removing old crystals

[Rick]

I have replaced the IF xtals in my K2 and have a tip on how to remove the
old xtals. Begin by unsoldering the makeshift ground lead from the top of
the xtal.  From below, heat one of the xtal leads while applying *mild*
force to attempt to lift that side of the xtal SLIGHTLY away from the board
(not all at once). If it doesn't move, heat the other xtal pin and apply
some force to lift it. One or the other lead will permit the xtal to lift up
slightly.

When you have managed to lift one side the xtal a tiny bit, heat the
opposite lead and lift.  Repeat this procedure until you have "walked" the
xtal out of the board. The walking process takes about two or three
"heatings" on each xtal lead before the xtal is free from the board. Use a
"solder sucker" or solder wick to clean the holes on the board afterwards.

I don't believe there is a significant need to solder the xtal can gnd lead
to the bottom of the xtal body since the inductance of a 1/2" long wire at
4.9 mHz is miniscule. Nonetheless, I soldered the gnd leads at the bottom of
each xtal can then hurriedly placed them on the wet sponge of the soldering
station to cool! You have to plan ahead when soldering the gnd leads to the
bottom of the xtal cans since, if improperly placed, the xtals won't seat
nicely on the board. (Another reason to solder the gnd lead to the top of
the xtals!)

I bought the new set of xtals because they were inexpensive and it offered
the possibility to improve a very good radio. They did improve the quality
of the SSB audio.  There is no longer any difference in the sound of the
white noise between USB and LSB. (I made the transistor-switched cap mod
before and that helped, but the new xtals (with the transistor-switched cap
mod) work better. However, attempts to narrow the filter to 2.2 kHz (OP2)
resulted in less than equal performance between USB and LSB. However, SSB
filter bandwidths of 1.5kHz and 200 Hz were USB/LSB symmetrical.

Hope this helps someone.  If your rig has the older xtals, a set of new ones
is worthwhile.  Besides, it's fun to play inside the radio again!

73's
Rick KC0OV
K2 1360