[Elecraft] KX1 Help

[Jason Hissong]

Hi guys,

Well, I am at Phase II alignment and I have some interesting troubles.

First, the Side Tone Level test:
When I am setting the side tone level, the side tone volume does not 
change.  It stays the same except for setting two, the side tone is off 
completely.  So for 0, 1, and 3 have side tone at the same volume, 2 it 
is off.  Side tone level

Second, I am experiencing some weird receiver issues:
20M is deaf, but 40M seems to work sometimes, and sometimes it is as 
deaf as 20M.  Also, when I change frequency, nothing happens.  The LED 
displays the frequency change, but I don't hear anything changing (when 
40M is working).  When 40M is working, I hear static crashes and 
atmosphere noise.  I don't know where on the band I am though and no CW 
or SSB signals are heard.  The RF gain works fine when 40M is working.  
RF gain does not work at all on 20M and when 40M is deaf.  The filter 
seems to work.

Now, C1 I think had some problems because when I was trying work C1 so 
that the bottom of the cap touched the board, the cap material crumbled 
and exposed some of the inside of the cap.  I replaced it with another 
one I had in my junkbox (it was a tad smaller anyway, don't know if that 
matters).  That did not seem to help any.

I checked relay K1A (where C26 is placed).  Pins 7 and 6 seem to be 
shorted all the time (I checked for a solder bridge when connecting C26 
and it does not appear to be any).  From what the circuit diagram says, 
C26 is placed in parallel with CA when activated.  Maybe this is my 
problem?  A bad relay perhaps?

I have built two K2s without much issue and this is my first KX1 and I 
am stumped.  I went back and rechecked my work and I don't see any 
obvious problems.

After troubleshooting some more, the relays are only occasionally 
working.  I wonder if I zapped the processor?  sigh...

With the intermittent problems, I am suspected a bad solder joint somewhere.

Thanks for any tips or assistance.

73,
Jason Hissong N8XE

-- 

"A long journey starts with the first step and an understanding spouse."
http://www.undermidnight.com - astronomy and astrophotography
http://www.n8xe.com - ham radio
http://www.jasonhissong.com - electronic music composition