[Elecraft] KBPF3A and KBPF3B

[Wayne Burdick]

They're 0603 size, which is a *lot* easier to handle than 0403. But you'll still need tweezers and good eyesight (or what we fondly call a "Geezer Gazer").

If you have any doubts about your ability to tackle this mod, you might practice with some random SMD capacitors on scrap board, first. Or send your KBPF3 to us to add the new capacitors.

Wayne
N6KR


On Jun 25, 2015, at 4:28 PM, Edward R Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net> wrote:

> I believe Wayne stated the caps on the main board that require replacement are 0403 sized sm "chips".
> 
> If you have never done any sm work you will find them very difficult to handle.  I have built some boards that use that size and had to use a magnifier to be able to see well enough to place them.  You need a very fine chisel-point solder iron and small jeweler's tweezers to handle them.  Also very small diameter solder.
> 
> I would recommend you find a nearby ham that does this kind of work or maybe a local two-way radio shop that does component level repair (though those are becoming rare).  In the end it may be better to send the radio into Elecraft and have all the work done by them.  Ham's in the lower-48 of the US this it not that bad.  For oversea's hams shipping and customs becomes a real hassle/expense.
> 
> I will make my own mods but I regularly build sm equipment and have the necessary equipment.  Saying that, 0403 are still very difficult for hand replacement.
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> the kits I build use 0805 & 1206 chips.
> 
> Message: 22
> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2015 15:18:12 -0400
> From: <ejkkjh at gmail.com>
> To: "Wayne Burdick" <n6kr at elecraft.com>
> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KBPF3A and KBPF3B
> Message-ID: <541B0A7DEB164B95BA75735F144A7F86 at ejhPC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8";
>        reply-type=original
> 
> I think I understand all this now.
> One other question, please.  Will it be possible to just send in the KBPF3
> from my K3 to be modified by Elecraft?  not the whole K3?
> I think I can handle installing the one cap on the RF board but never done
> surface mounts.
> Thank you  73
> Emory  WM3M
> 
> 
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
>    "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
>    dubususa at gmail.com
> 
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