[Elecraft] KX1 Help

[Jason Hissong]

I fixed the problem (posting here for the benefit of others searching 
the list):

The problems were getting really erratic and going through the build 
steps, something reminded me of weird problems being a result of bad 
solder joints on the main processor socket.  I looked at the socket 
solder joints and sure enough, some of them were "bubbled over".  So I 
decided to take the main processor out so that I can avoid potentially 
damaging the chip from reheating the solder joints.  I should have left 
the chip in there because in the process of pulling the chip back out, I 
broke pin 1 off.  After much angst, I tacked a resistor lead to where 
pin 1 was on the chip (after I placed it back in the socket).

The radio works fine now.  I finished it up and have already made a 
contact on it.

Crisis averted.

I think I purchase a replacement chip as I don't know if the tacked lead 
will hold up for long.

73
Jason N8XE

Jason Hissong wrote:
> 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
>