[Elecraft] KX1 Q6 problem

[W0rw at aol.com]

As Elecraft has so carefully warned about the shorting of the PA  Q6
(See Fig. 24 in the assembly manual).
i have found after about 5 additional disassembly and reassembly cycles, that 
there were microscopic metallic particles being scrapped off of the Q6 
counter sunk mounting hole.
One of those particles caused a +12V short to ground. 
Prior to reassembling the unit better use a microscope make sure the
hole is free of these particles. 
The mounting screw can bite the edge of the chassis and that can make
these little particles if you take it apart frequently.
If you have not done any disassembly/reassembly,  the area is 
probably OK. Always check the +12 V line to ground after reassembling the 
unit.
Paul  w0rw