Quite right, Geoff, when they fit! I've found that is often not the case, especially in situations like the KX1 where the alignment screw is behind another board that has a small access hole in it. Often the access hole isn't big enough to accommodate the larger-diameter tool or the alignment of the screw adjustment isn't exact, putting it near one edge of the hole.
That's where I'm digging for my ceramic tools. But, as you noted, those tools are more robust and the tiny metal 'blade' isn't big enough to detune the circuit. In my experience the worst choice, in terms of potential damage caused by a slip, is a plain metal shaft screwdriver. If I must reach for the screw through other boards or close to other component leads I'll either go for the ceramic tool or wrap some electrical tape around the shaft of a metal screwdriver, leaving only the tip exposed to slip into the slot on the screw. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- The plastic versions which have a small blade poking out at one end and recessed at the other are also useful for tweaking circuits working at HF and low - mid VHF, ceramic better for higher frequencies such as 900 MHz that you mention. The recessed blade makes getting proper alignment dead easy and prevents the blade slipping off while tweaking. 73, Geoff GM4ESD _______________________________________________ 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
