[Elecraft] KX1 build with 8030 mod

[Don Wilhelm]

Yes, it can be done - I do that all the time, but then I have done many 
many of these kits and know where to look when something goes wrong.  
Unfortunately, you likely do not have that background with the KX1.

If you attempt to do everything together, there is no opportunity to 
give it the interim tests.

The most 'tricky' part of the KXB3080 is the low pass filter, and that 
is where most builders run into problems (other than the tinning of T2's 
leads).  For that reason I strongly recommend that you do *not* install 
the LPF for the KXB3080 until after you have tested it with the rest of 
the KXB3080 parts installed.  Yes, you will have to wind and install L1 
and L2 as instructed in the KX1 basic manual.

One way you could proceed which does allow interim testing is as follows:
1) Build the KX1 through Assembly Part II the per the manual except that 
you would not install L7. C1, C27 nor C26, and L6 would be installed on 
the bottom of the board.
2) Install C1 and C26 from the KXB3080 option, then wind and install T2 
per the KXB3080 manual.
3) The KX1 can now be aligned and tested for receive on 20 and 40 
meters.  Complete Alignment and Test part II.
4) Build the transmit portion of the KX1 using the KX1 manual Assembly 
Part III.
5) Test the KX1 transmit on 20 and 40 per the manual Alignment and test 
part III.  Your KX1 has now been tested for both transmit and receive on 
20 and 40 meters.
6) Start in the KXB3080 manual at page 8 (Part II) and complete the rest 
of the steps in that manual.  This will test your KX1 on all 4 bands.
7) Go back to the KX1 manual and complete the final assembly.

One extra note:  The positioning of the KXB3080 LPF requires clearance 
for the tuner components.  It is a good idea to build and install the 
tuner between steps 5 and 6 above.

If you have great faith in your construction and troubleshooting 
ability, then feel free to just dive in and 'do it', but I would not 
suggest that unless you have already done one or two of these.

73,
Don W3FPR


David Dolsen wrote:
> GM DE VE7TTJ
>
> I have purchased a KX1 kit along with the 8030 board and ATU kit. I 
> want to do initial assembly incorporating the 8030 board (why put 
> things in just to take them out?) I have built five other single-band 
> rigs over the years so it's not a skill-testing question, just 
> wondering if there are any gremlins I can't spot in blending the two 
> sets of instructions. The ATU appears to be just a matter of pulling 
> jumpers out of the female sockets to make way for the pins. It's the 
> business of not installing L1 and L2 off the top and various Cap 
> changes that makes me ask if it's better to make friends with 
> desoldering wick instead. Comments?
>
>  PM
>