[Elecraft] Re:] K1 Front Panel missing IC Sockets ???

[Morrow, Michael A.]

From Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft:

> We do not recommend adding any sockets. They introduce=20
> reliability issues in some cases and also can add to
> critical lead lengths in RF areas.
>=20
> Any problems caused by adding additional sockets to our=20
> designs also will not be covered by warranty repair.

My amateur (> 35 years ham) and professional (> 29 years EE) opinion is =
that the construction and alignment instructions for the K1 leave =
*nothing* to be desired.  They are simply outstanding throughout, and if =
followed as directed in the manual a successful and reliable outcome is =
almost unavoidable.  It's those little departures ("improvements") from =
directions that can leave one later wondering why the rig just isn't =
doing what it's supposed to.  Socketing all ICs on a PCB is pretty much =
an obsolete, unnecessary, and potentially troublesome concept for =
production (de-bugged) PCBs like those of the K1.=20

It's not unlikely that at some point one will have to replace front =
panel potentiometers (I had to replace my volume control after a year of =
operating), or the VFO pot, or some panel pushbuttons, or the phone =
jack.  Anything with moving parts.  But ICs??  Baring infant mortality =
or RF/lightening damage, it's very unlikely one will *ever* need to pull =
and replace any IC except those MCUs with updated firmware.  Those are =
all socketed on the K1 except for the very simple KNB1 MPU, for which =
the need for a firmware update will not ever be likely.

Anyway, that's my outlook.

73,
Mike / KK5F