Ground jumpers (Was: RE: [Elecraft] Electronics & radio questions: Don't be shy--go ahead and ask!)

[Tom Hammond]

Hi Bole:

>I've built K1 and K2 with almost all options (my KAT100 didn't arrive yet).
>Almost every PCB has two, or more, 6 mm high, "U" shaped ground jumpers.
>All around those jumpers is ground so for DC they are not needed.
>
>My question is, why they are needed? Why they must be loops 6 mm high?
>Is there anything special in their positions on PCBs?

The 'jumpers' are merely there to provide convenient access points for the 
GND lead of test equipment! Nothing more.

The height is NOT critical, but should be high enough to allow an alligator 
clip to be readily (and securely) attached).

By the way, I always try to use the largest diameter wire I have available 
when I make my grounding loops. Heavier wire withstands more abuse. THe 
clipped leads of 1n400x diodes are great for this purpose.

>PS. Unrelated question: Do you know if there any other K1/K2 owners in 9A
>land?

SRI OM, someone else will have to respond to this one.

73,

Tom Hammond   N0SS