[Elecraft] K2 - grounding of RCVR filter Xtals

[Don Brown]

Hi

Yes it is important to ground on both sides. Here is how I do it. First make 
sure the crystals are down all the way on the board. Press on the top and 
heat the crystals leads to make sure there is no space between the crystal 
and the board. Turn the RF board bottom side up. Drop a clipped component 
lead into each of the ground holes. I like to use the leads from the 1n4007 
diodes but a resistor or cap lead is OK. The leads should go through and 
rest on the work bench underneath. Solder all of the leads to the board. Now 
flip the board over and using a small flat blade screwdriver bend the ground 
leads at the base of each crystal so the lead is parallel to the side of the 
case of the crystal and touching. Clip each lead so it extends up about 3/4 
of the height of the crystal. Now lay the hot iron on the side of the 
crystal along the lead and feed a little solder. As soon as it flows quickly 
lay the iron on the other side of the lead so you get a smooth fillet on 
both sides of the lead. Do all of the ground leads on one side of the 
crystals first. Then go back and do the other side after the crystals have 
cooled. Flip the board back over and trim any excess ground wires flush with 
the board. You should also clip all of the resistor pack leads near the 
crystals flush with the board. I know this all sounds like a lot of trouble 
but I you want to get every last ounce of performance out of you K2 it is 
necessary. It does make a measurable difference.

Don Brown

KD5NDB


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "ON4WIX" <on4wix at skynet.be>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2006 2:27 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 - grounding of RCVR filter Xtals


Hi all

My K2 s/n 5361 is coming together nicely, up to now I've encountered no 
problems whatsoever.
I just installed the receiver filter Xtals X7 through X11 and now I've 
arrived at the point where these Xtals have to be grounded (page 53, last 
step).
The manual states that a special grounding technique is required for the 
grounding of X7-X11. Instead of soldering a grounding lead to the top of the 
Xtal housings the manual states that the grounding wires need to be soldered 
to the sides of the housings.
There are 2 grounding pads for each Xtal. My question is: is it absolutely 
imperative to use 2 grounding leads for each Xtal? I don't see too many 
problems soldering the leads near the outer edge of the PC board, but the 
soldering points at the opposite sides of the housings are awfully close to 
RP4 and RP5...
Any suggestions as to how I should go about soldering the grounding leads at 
those sides of the Xtal housings?

Thanks for any advice.

73 de Glenn ON4WIX