[Elecraft] K2 Crystal Replacement - Grounding Recommendations

[Tom Hammond]

Hi Steve:

>I'm in the midst of the improved matched crystal replacement.
>
>Clearly the current recommendation is to ground X7 - 11 (RF board) low on 
>the sides of  the cans and on both sides.  How about X5 & 6 (also RF board)?
>
>And, what's the recommended grounding technique for X1-7 on the SSB board?

The way I did it, and certainly NOT necessarily the best way...

BEFORE I installed a crystal, I noted which side of the xtal (SSB Board) 
required the ground wire.

I placed the xtal in a small hobby vise and tinned a small spot on that 
side of the xtal. about 1/4" up from the bead at the bottom of the xtal.

I then cut a short length of tinned copper wire, or used a clipped 
component lead, tinned the tip end of it, laid it up against the tinned 
spot on the xtal and touched the iron to the joint. This effected a quick, 
nicely sweated mechanical and electrical connection.

Finally I clipped eachof the leads in stair-step fashion and installed the 
xtal, one lead at a time.

For xtals which required ground on each side, I did the same thing but 
tinned a spot on EACH side.

I've found it to be a LOT easier to pre-install the grounding wires, than 
the try to install them AFTER the xtal. has already been installed.

73,

Tom   N0SS