[Elecraft] K6SE Sprint Summary for Team Elecraft

[James Hammons]

   To make a TCXO requires that the crystal be be temperature checked
and then matched up with the correct compensation circuit.  This kind
of testing and sorting of cryatals makes them somewhat expensive. =20
   I doubt that making the K2 a kit saves any money over the cost of a
board stuffed by robotics and wave soldered.  But we wanted a kit, we
wanted to make it ourself.  so what we have is a $900 ssb QRP or a
$1300 dollar 100 watt rig.  In some respects is comparable or better
than the $2000-$3000 rigs.  Drift is one of the areas where it is not
as good as a TCXO equiped rig. There is a mod by KI6WX which seems to
very sensible but involves much cut and try, I have had my K2 together
for only a month or so, I have not done this mod yet but I plan to do
so.  I can't seem to find N750 caps anymore.
   I feel the criticism of the crystal filters for not rejecting
nearby signals is bogus.  The K2 had the best Close in IMD dymanmic
Range and Blocking range ever measured by the ARRL Lab.  That is where
it beats the big boys.  To my ears, I hear the effect of the filter
slope, on the narrow passbands, any more slope would likely cause
ringing. =20
   I would not solder to any crystal can at the base.  If you cause a
leak in the crystal cans feedthroughs your crystal will die, most
likely getting worse over a long period of time.  I can't believe this
mod would do anything at 5mhz. I soldered mine near the top on the
side because I thought it looked better and would cause no problem
with the add on boards.  I did this before I heard of the solder on
the bottom mod.
   Cutting traces and making mods on the board is not unusual.  Or it
wasn't unusual before surface mount which is near impossible to modify
or repair. =20
   Just because there is a mod doesn't mean that is useful for
everyone or that it even works.  You have to use your judgement there.
You can be pretty sure one approved by elecraft is useful and it
works.=20
   I don't know how many Heathkits and others, I have put together.  I
even put together the kit version of the Zenith PC. I don't remember
any extensive kit which didn't have some part missing or bad.  Could
you kit hundreds of parts and get everthing exactly right.  Mine was
missing a part a big one, but they sent it out right away.  They
answered my one question the same day.  I think Elecraft deserves a
pat on the back

James E Hammons