[Elecraft] K1 #1534 RX Comes to life

[Martin.Evans@simoncarves.com]

Well, my K1 rx (with K1-4 filter board, 40/30/20/15) finally came to life.
Fully working and tuned up on all 4 bands. No sig gen, ham band tx or
resonant antenna required, just 6 feet of wire draped over the curtain
rail. It seemed to be deaf on 20m but when I listened very carefully I
heard the faintest of signals and that was enough to peak up the trimmers.
The trimmers for 40,30 & 15 peaked quite near the original settings it was
only 20m that required a bit of persistence.

This is quite an incredible little radio considering it's size and the fact
that it's a kit  built under the most unpromising conditions (kitchen
table/sofa with a tea tray, 25W uncontrolled iron (sorry but I had to admit
it! but I did use an anti static wrist strap) magnifying glass robbed from
kiddies toy box and held in place with a set of mole grips and  flush wire
cutters pinched from xyl's cake decorating box! ) Some of us with tight
budgets have to improvise.

One thing I would recommend if you don't mind taking the time is to only
install and solder one component at a time and check each resistor with a
meter. This keeps your mind focused on only two numbers, the component
number and it's value. This makes errors almost impossible.

Now I can't wait to finish the tx and get on the air.

The kit arrived late Feb so it has taken a while to get to this point just
working for the odd couple of hours a few evenings a week. It has been
worth the wait. Many others have said this but it bears repeating, take
your time and of you get tied, put it away and go to bed!

PS I can send quite well with a straight key at about 10wpm but maybe I
should drop the straight key and go for a paddle to save having to re-learn
all over again. Also what do you think about starting with my left hand
from the outset leaving the right for the pencil. Any words of wisdom would
be appreciated.

Martin
M0KWV




Why not take a look at our Web site?
http://www.simoncarves.com

*************************************************************************
The information in this email and any attachments may contain
privileged and/or confidential information intended solely for
the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed.
If the reader of this email is not the intended addressee, or the
employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the addressee,
you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or
copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.
If you have received this communication in error, please notify
me by telephone or email and delete all copies immediately.
*************************************************************************