[Elecraft] KX1 SN 290 Lives - Questions on KX1 alignment

[n2htt@arrl.net]

Michael wrote:

----- Original Message -----
> My only suggestion to Elecraft is that it would be nice if they would
> include a suitable plastic alignment tool for peaking the RX.
> I found that the added capacitance from using a metal screwdriver
> was too hard to deal with. I routed through my collection of plastic
> alignment tools but found that the shaft on anything I had was
> too thick. I finally resorted to building my own from a nylon cable
> tie (barely stiff enough) by carefully snipping pieces off with 
> cutters.(I appreciated having the tool included with the K1.)
> 

I also had a tough time with the alignment, and am still not satisfied with the way it turned out.

I found a Radio Shack set, which has one tool approximately the correct size. Problem is that the plastic handle is conductive (ESD dissapative), so hand capacitance has a huge effect on the process. 

On 40 meters, I have acceptable alignment, but on 30 and 20, receive noise is definitely down compared to 40, despite the best adjustment I can make. I also notice that when trying to align 30 and 20, if I touch the alignment tool, the audio jumps up, comparable to 40. When I remove the tool, it drops again.

Does this mean I have a board problem somewhere?

73,
Mike N2HTT