[Elecraft] [KX1] KX1 #02140

[Don Wilhelm]

Ed,

You have made a wise choice.  There is one thing you can do to make 
things easier when you add the KXB3080 - mount L6 on the bottom of the 
KX1 board during the initial build.

Other than that small item, follow the manual carefully and build in the 
order indicated in the manual.  The KX1 is packed tight with components, 
so pay particular attention to the 'mechanical' side of the 
instructions.  Work at your own pace, and do not work on it when you are 
tired.

If you are not experienced at soldering PC boards with thru-plated 
holes, take a look at the Soldering Tutorial on the Elecraft Builder's 
Resource page.  For the KX1 especially, but it goes for other kits too, 
pay attention to the amount of solder - apply no more than necessary to 
fill the hole plus a very small amount to flow into a smooth fillet.  
Use a sufficiently high temperature (700-750 deg F) and watch the solder 
as it melts and flows - it should flow out to a smooth, almost invisible 
edge on both the component lead and the solder pad.  Insufficient heat 
and the solder may melt, but not flow resulting in a bad connection, and 
excess solder can look like a solid connection, but mask a poorly heated 
solder joint.

73,
Don W3FPR

73,
Don W3FPR

EMD wrote:
> Hello Elecrafters,
>
> Well I will start building my KX1 in a few days.  I have been getting the
> required equipment and being a first time builder I feel a little over
> whelmed but reading all the the hints and tips on the reflector has made it
> a lot easier.  So far I have what I think will get me started, the big item
> was a soldering station.  I bought a Radio Shack Digital soldering station
> which is basically a Madell AT201D.  I did not realize that the RS version
> did not come with extra tips but after a few minutes on the comments section
> I found out where the tips are available, at madell.com of course.  The tip
> included I don't think would work well since it's a needle tip so I ordered
> the spade tip recommended by Elecraft, plus 2 extras.  I also bought a anti
> static mat and Kester #44 solder 0.025" diameter 3.3% Flux from Digi-Key.
>
> My plan is to first build the radio and follow the alignment steps, then add
> the antenna tuner.  Once the radio is complete I'll learn how to use it, not
> to mention CW, and then add the the 30 80 meter add on board.  I thought
> about adding the 3080m board at the same time but since I have not built a
> kit since my high school days I don't want to get ahead of myself so I think
> the one thing at a time plan would be best for me.
>
> I have not bought any de-soldering equipment yet but but I'm sure that will
> be next on the list. I am looking forward to getting started and I'm already
> looking ahead to building the K1 and then the k2.
>
> Ed
>   
>