[Elecraft] K1 Kit display back light

[Mike Morrow]

Peter wrote:

> Retrofitting the K1 backlight is exceptionally difficult, and
> installing new is easy.

Phil wrote:

> Thanks, Peter. I have a 4-band K1 I seldom use 
> (S/N #18) and was considering adding the backlight 
> as a "fun project".  Maybe not so "fun" :-)

I confirm Peter's assessment.

I retrofitted the back-light to my K1 #175 after ten years
of use.  It was the **most UN-fun*** several hours I've ever
had in doing electronic work for 50 years (but I don't do
SMT).

OTOH, once installed, it's been a very very useful addition
that consumes negligible power.

I will re-state what I have posted here many times:  The
back-light should be a standard part of every new K1 that is
sold (even at a higher price), due to:
(1) How valuable the back-light is,
(2) How easy the light is to install on new construction, and
(3) How difficult the light is to back-fit.
Elecraft does a disservice to the new K1 customer by making the
back-light optional at time of purchase.

73,
Mike / KK5F