[Elecraft] RE: KX1 assembly/repair vulnerability & recommendation

Niel Skousen [email protected]
Sun Dec 28 18:37:01 2003


Hi All,

Background:
  I have a KX1, and had a power out problem (as yet unresolved, but likely a
minor issue with my sons assembly help).   During the third
open/dis-assembly, the 30m boards 'spacer' (on the side by the 5v
connection) separated from the adhesive and fell off unobserved.   Since the
other 'spacer' remained, it created a bit of tilt in the 30m board forcing
the 5 / D connections up toward the case upon re-assembly, and appears to
have shorted the 5v line.

I still have some troubleshooting to determine if the logic/micro is ok...
Current condition, no audio, no display, relays click and drop on power
up... in or out of the case !  8-(

Suggestion:
In the near term, I might suggest that KX1 owners with the 30m options (95%+
??) might consider adding insulation to the inside of the case over the 30m
board with black tape (or other ) so that when the small spacer moves or
disappears you have some protection for the 5v line and the rest of the
radio.

New builders might consider sticking the spacers to the top of the case
where they have a flat surface to adhere to.   Better yet use a single
larger piece (approx size of 30m board) that would effectively set the whole
board down uniformly, make spacer placement less critical, and provide a
more durable bond to the top off the case - rather than the uneven surface
of the board with soldered lead ends.

I'll keep you posted as this week progresses.  Hope to have it up by the
weekend, got a bus.trip coming in January and plan on taking the KX1 !

Thanks again for a neat rig Wayne,

Niel