[Elecraft] [KX3] 160/80 meter SMT mod

[John Fritze]

I got some time today to look at the back side of the RF board, and yes
it's pretty tight but the mod went well with no problems.  I ordered the
parts (and spares) from Mouser with a couple of smaller tips for my Weller.


Removal of the old parts was accomplished by moving back and forth between
both ends of each part until I could push them off the board. Everything
came off so cleanly that there was very little clean up on the pads.  I
used some extra flux, applied with a wooden toothpick both to the pads and
the new parts.  I put a little solder on one pad, oriented the new parts
and lightly soldered one end.  Holding it in place with another toothpick,
I then final soldered both ends.

Slow, carefully and viola' job done.  Maybe an hour or so total time.  I
don't have any test equipment to prove a difference with the dynamic range
on 160/80 meters, but I regularly have wall to wall noise on those bands so
it will be interesting to see what improvement there is.

For those considering making the change themselves, I have only had minimal
experience with SMT but am familiar with working with tiny stuff in my
business.  I am proficient at home brewing.

-- 
John Fritze Jr
K2QY
AARA president 2013
ACACES secretary 2013
Albany County RACES Radio Officer
ARES ENY DEC Northern District
ARES Albany County EC
Hudson Div. Asst. Director
Twitter: @k2qy