[Elecraft] K1 4-bander suggestions?

[Mike Morrow]

Stan asked:

> Could you give a little more info on your "foam tape" suggestion.
> I have noticed some vibrations with my K1 when a loud station is heard.
>
> Where exactly do you put the tape?
> How thick of a tape did you use?

The corners of the K1 front panel (FP) PCB do not rest firmly against the
small screw blocks (2-D fasteners) in the front of the K1 main body. 
Whenever a push button is depressed, you will likely see clear indication
not only of push button movement, but also PCB deflection or flexing due
to the infirm fixture of the FP PCB corners.

In addition to creating a mushy push button feel, a rattle and vibration
noise will sometimes occur at high speaker volume and resonant frequencies
as the lightly-supported FP PCB corners vibrate against the metallic screw
block fixtures of the main body.

This was discussed in 2000 and 2001 when the K1 first came out.  The fix
is quick and painless.  

1.  Pull the whole front panel assembly after removing the two screws on
the top and the two on the bottom.

2.  Cut four small (about three-sixteenths inch) squares of double-sided
foam tape and stick one on the front of each of the four screw blocks (2-D
fasteners).  This will contact the FP PCB corners when the FP assembly has
been re-mounted.  Do NOT remove the film on the exposed side of the tape
(the side that will contact the FP PCB corner).

(Alternately, the tape squares could be placed in the corners of the FP
PCB, but putting the foam tape on the fastener blocks is easier and neater.)

This will create a filler which will firmly press the corners of the FP PCB
against the supporting 2-D fasteners.  This eliminates the vibration/rattle
and mushy PB feel.

Double-sided foam tape is pretty common.  I saw a small roll in the local
supermarket last night, so it's sure to be at any office supply as well.
It typically looks like:

  http://www.stockbuggy.com/3M-Scotch-Foam-Mounting-Tape-p/mmm110.htm

It's about one-sixteenth inch thick before compression, including the
protective film.

This should have been a standard part of the K1 kit, but apparently it
never has been.

73,
Mike / KK5F