[Elecraft] Question about installing KAT1 in my K1

[Don Wilhelm]

Anthony,

There are several KAT1s being installed in older K1s, so the 
instructions must take into account this situation.  The only way that 
can be done is to include documentation in the KAT1 manual that applies 
to both the old K1 RF Boards and the new boards.

Sorry that you have cut the PC trace in error.  Actually, it is not that 
difficult to fix.  Solder a #26 or #30 wire across the cut (larger wire 
is OK, but more 'messy').  You can follow the PC trace where the cut is 
located and solder the ends to the points where there is a solder pad on 
each side of the cut - OR, if you want an almost invisible repair, 
scrape the solder mask off the PC trace on both sides of the cut, tin 
the trace and solder in a short length of wire bridging the cut.  If you 
want an really nice job, coat the wire with a bit of '5 minute epoxy' 
and when hard color the epoxy with a green permanent marker.

73,
Don W3FPR

Anthony Hardwick wrote:
> Ed,
>
> Thank you very much for the very swift confirmation before I did any  
> further erroneous work.  Well, I have to say that unless I am being a  
> total idiot (very possible), I can't see any proper documentation in  
> the errata or the manuals that I received.
>
> I received this K1 and a few accessory kits (including the KAT1) a few  
> weeks ago directly from Elecraft, so one would think all possible  
> corrections to the manual and errata sheets would be up to date.
>
> Elecraft, you guys are a great company, and I am thoroughly impressed  
> with your kits, but honestly you should provide better documentation  
> than what I received for a kit that is as mature as the K1 is.  I'm  
> pretty good at following directions, arguably too good, as I didn't  
> foresee the erroneous instructions prior to cutting the trace.  Don't  
> you think you should update the errata page at the LEAST, or even  
> better, revise the manual for both the K1 and the various accessory  
> kits for it?  I know the K3 is the current hot product to work on, and  
> I very well might get one down the line, but please update the manuals  
> so others don't make needless cuts in traces.
>
> Alright enough criticism.  Don't get me wrong, I do love the K1, and  
> I've only had it completed a few days... I just think you can do  
> better with the documentation, and honestly, you should.
>
> If I'm wrong and I overlooked proper instructions then I apologize,  
> but I have been through the documentation several times, and can't  
> find any evidence of up to date instructions for the revision RF board  
> I have.
>
> Thanks,
> Anthony, W6GC
>   
>