[Elecraft] K1 Crystal Grounding

[Mike Morrow]

Mike wrote:


>...I noticed that the IF crystal cases were not grounded (not built
> by me). I no that this can affect filter blow-by and the shape of
> the filter curve, but will I be able to hear a diff if I go ahead and
> round them?


Hi Mike,

The K1 IF crystal filter cases, more so than ANY other crystals in the K1,
**should** be grounded for precisely the reason you mention.  I don't know
that you'll be able to casually notice any difference, but there are only a
few reasons that explain why your crystals are not grounded:

1.  The builder made a mistake and missed the direction to do so, or
2.  The builder was lazy and deliberately omitted those grounds, or
2.  The builder thought he knew more than the designer of the rig
      (though what that would have been is impossible to discern).

You should definitely ground them per instructions, as has always been
required (I have K1 serial 175).

At least it's a simple and quick fix, unlike, for example dealing with a rig
that has been "enhanced" with unnecessary IC sockets by an well-meaning but
misguided builder.

Then, you might want to inspect closely to see if any other shortcuts were
taken by the original builder.

73,
Mike / KK5F