[Elecraft] (KX1) A Story for a Winter Day in NY

[Bill Frantz]

Let me answer for myself. I want a schematic for both fixing it 
and learning how it works. I don't really think I will learn 
much about how it works from the schematic because most of how 
it works is in the firmware and not the hardware.

As for fixing things, I have made repairs to both my K3 and KX3. 
With Garry Surrency's help (Thanks!) and the schematics, I was 
able to trace a problem in my K3 that boiled down to a poorly 
connected TMP cable. No SMD involved. I do feel comptent to do 
some SMD work. When I did the power mod for the KPOD, I actually 
removed the old SMD resistor and replaced it. It felt more 
professional to do it that way than the other approaches offered 
in the mod kit directions.

On the KX3, I had a problem with the BNC antenna connector after 
it fell on the floor. The schematic showed me the details I had 
to work with to fix the problem.

As to the microwave, I replaced a fried component on the board 
without a schematic. It's been running the fix for over 10 
years. I don't remember how I found out what the replacement 
value was, but it was obvious from looking at the board.

No, I haven't cracked the case on my cell phone. It just works, 
although I saw a tool kit for opening it in the latest Jameco 
catalog. Maybe on my next order. :-)

I noticed in my N8XJK Boost Regulator that they had scraped the 
ID numbers off all the ICs. Now that's cheesy, and will make it 
harder to fix when both they and it are belly up.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 2/10/17 at 10:12 AM, w6fvi at sbcglobal.net (Brian & Cyndi) wrote:

>Mike, I find this a very curious belief. Do you want a 
>schematic to know how the thing works, or how to repair it.
>
>If you only want to know how the radio works, would a block 
>diagram and a fairly detailed explanation from Wayne be enough 
>(given they want to protect their design as much as possible)?
>
>If you want to repair it, are you really skilled enough in 
>soldering SMD's to do this? If so, my hat's off to you, sir! 
>I've spent a lifetime working in the electronics industry and 
>even in retirement I still enjoy restoring vintage electronics. 
>But if I was faced with servicing a PCB full of SMD's, I'd say 
>"Today my jurisdiction ends here"* and send it off to Elecraft 
>for repair.
>
>Just my $0.02, but you seem to be missing out on a wonderful 
>rig by a questionable requirement. Put another way, do you also 
>have a schematic for your microwave oven and cellphone?
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