[Elecraft] K1 Initial Build, no LCD, but will display version on power up -- FOUND IT!

[Brian Moran]

The issue turned out to be an OPEN RFC6 on the RF board, so no 6v to the RF board. I suspect that the Key In line (powered through a voltage divider) or some other line was presenting something the CPU couldn't deal with (algorithmically).
Careful measurement of all of the voltages pointed us to it. 

Perhaps this will help someone in the future;
-Brian N9ADG