[Elecraft] K1 with Issues

[Don Wilhelm]

Chuck,

Flux cleaners are *not* recommended for that very reason.  The flux 
residue by itself is non-conductive, but when combined with a cleaner, 
it can create high resistance (leakage) paths unless it is completely 
removed.  Flushing an area with cleaner is almost certain to cause 
trouble, and can result in 'mysterious behaviors' that are hard to track 
down and expensive repairs.

If a builder finds a need to remove the flux, it is best done using a 
cotton swab (Q-Tip) and denatured alcohol or rubbing alcohol working 
only in small areas at a time.

73,
Don W3FPR

cstoverva at aol.com wrote:
>  Hi Don,
>
> Your comment about using flux cleaner struck a nerve with me.? I didn't have any cleaner at the time of completion and obtained some a while back.? I don't remember exactly when.? I had an idle mind and hands one day and opened up the K1 to spiff things up.? I let it dry for a week and put it back together and it worked fine.
>
> The keying misbehaved a little during the previous use of the K1.? I cleaned the paddle contacts and reseated the plug and all seemed well.? Problem solved, or so I thought.? These two events probably relate.
>
> At first opportunity I will make the voltage checks and take a look under the key jack. I'll post the results.? Right now I'm off to install an antenna on my Volunteer Fire Departments new utility truck.
>
> Thanks.
>
> 73,? Chuck K4QS
>   
>