Tim, you'll install connectors on the RF board that the ATU plugs into when it's built. To operate the KX1 without the ATU, you install a jumper between two pins on one of the sockets to complete the RF path. That's covered in the assembly procedure in the manual.
I recommend building the basic KX1 and then adding the ATU and 30 meter modules one at a time. That makes checkout and troubleshooting much easier. Some people have had trouble with shorting the power transistor to the case while others do not. My KX1 was opened up and the case removed dozens of times while writing the assembly instructions. I never got a short. Others couldn't assemble it once without problems. Corresponding with several of those who did have an issue, the consistent reason seems to be that sometimes the hole in the case for the flat-head screw or the bevel on the bottom of the flat-head screw allows the conical bottom section of the head to 'reach' through the insulator and touch the tab on the transistor when the assembly is tightened. A couple of builders confirmed this pretty well by substituting a pan head screw and finding that the short went away. I've not seen reports recently, so I don't know if a "fix" has been implemented in the form of a different screw or if the initial issues were just with a certain batch of covers with holes slightly too large. If you have any trouble in this area, I suggest trying the same "fix" and see if the short goes away when you substitute a pan-head screw. If it does, contact Gary ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) for a permanent fix. If it goes together right the fist time without any shorts, you should not have any troubles after that. You can open it up easily and add the 30 meter module when you're ready. If you do encounter a short on re-assembling the unit, make sure the insulating thermal pad is in place and that no bits of metal are sticking through it. Some builders have captured on the pad a tiny bit of a lead that was clipped off during assembly. When the screw is tightened, it is forced through the pad to cause a short between the metal tab on the transistor and the case. Keep the work area clean <G>. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim Hodges Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 10:46 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [Elecraft] KX1 modules question Greetings; I am nearly complete with construction of the base KX1. Great kit, my only possible quibble is the whole Q6 issue. But,I now am going to be building the 30M and ATU module. I want to minimize how many times I remove the KX1 main board from the case. Is there any logical order between the 30M module and the ATU as far as which one I should do next? 72 de Tim KD7JZ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
