ELECRAFT K1 Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 3)

From March 2001 QST © ARRL

the direct command of a PIC16C77. This

allows for multifunction control keys;

display flexibility; built-in test and

troubleshooting capabilities; an extensive

control and configuration menu; and CW

keyer and memory features. While most

QRP kit transceivers use simple switches,

potentiometers and analog tuning dials—

just like the commercially built amateur

transceivers produced decades ago—the

K1’s processor-based control architecture

is similar to that found in contemporary

factory assembled amateur gear.

The stylish 4-color front panel and the

modular dark gray enclosure provide a

sophisticated look and feel. The com-

pleted K1 even manages to look more like

a commercially assembled transceiver

than a few of the commercially assembled

transceivers!

Front panel controls include a large

-inch diameter) tuning knob; small

(

-inch diameter) AF gain and offset

knobs; and 6 fairly large multifunction

control keys.

The 1 ×

-inch three-digit LCD win-

dow typically displays the more “signifi-

cant digits” of the operating frequency

(more on this later), but these same LCD

segments are also employed to indicate a

wide range of additional data. The infor-

mation appears as either number digits or

the familiar—but somewhat truncated—

set of alpha characters that can be ren-

dered using combinations of the seven

straight segments available in the usual

LCD “figure 8” segment pattern. In addi-

tion to the frequency, the LCD can dis-

play the supply voltage, the RF power

output, the various menu titles and their

settings, and a 6-segment relative signal

strength bargraph.

The rear panel supports a BNC an-

tenna connector, the

ON/OFF switch, a

coaxial-style dc power jack and a

/8-inch

stereo jack for connecting a straight key

or paddles. The paddle sense can be re-

versed using a menu setting.

Available options include an internal

automatic antenna tuner, a noise blanker

and a neat little tilt-up stand. You can even

purchase additional 2-band filter modules

separately—’though the band filter

mounting and connector arrangements

were not designed with incessant mod-

ule swapping in mind.

What You’ll Start Out With

The K1 kit arrives in a surprisingly flat

box. The cabinet is constructed from five

panels that are fastened together as the

kit is assembled. Most of the components,

except this sheet metal and the main PC

board, come packaged in separate, la-

beled, zip-lock bags. Working with the

contents of one bag at a time (even dur-

ing inventory) makes the overall project

seem considerably less daunting.

My first impression of the K1 Owner’s

Manual was very favorable. The booklet

is large, has over ninety 8

/2 × 11-inch

pages in a landscape format, and is spi-

ral bound—allowing it to lie flat on the

workbench. It includes part lists and lay-

outs, block diagrams, circuit details and

schematics, an extensive section on

troubleshooting, the operating instruc-

tions and even a “Quick Reference” page.

The type is large and all of the illustra-

tions and photographs are clear.

The first several pages are devoted to

a tutorial on identifying components, a

list of the tools that you’ll need for as-

sembly, and the all-important lessons on

soldering and de-soldering. You’ll also

find a section with detailed instructions

on the proper way to install transistors,

ICs and capacitors.

Besides the usual basic electronics

hand tools, the only other equipment re-

quired to complete this kit is a digital

multimeter. The K1 features built-in test

capabilities that become available as you

progress through the assembly stages.

These include a wattmeter, a frequency

counter and a battery voltage monitor.

Taking Attendance

Of course the first task when building

any kit is taking an inventory of the parts.

Here, Elecraft has managed to outdo even

Heath. “Appendix A,” the parts list, contains

actual photographs (Heath typically used

line drawings) of every component type to

aid in identification. This is a real plus.

The inventory process begins with a

general breakdown of the contents of the

shipping box—the circuit boards, the

cabinet panels, the knobs, and the vari-

ous bags of parts (“Bag, Filter,” “Bag,

Front Panel,” “Bag, RF Board,” etc). It

then goes on to separate sub-inventories

of the contents of each of the bags.

The specific parts provided for the fil-

ter board will, of course, vary according

to which two bands you have chosen.

Elecraft suggests that you begin this stage

of the inventory process by crossing off

the parts that are listed for the bands you

didn’t order. They then recommend that

you use two different color pens (one for

each band) for checking off the compo-

nents for those that you did. (These folks

have thought of everything.)

I was very impressed with the quality

of the PC boards. They are solder masked

and have plated-through holes, making

soldering easier on the relatively crowded

boards. The silk screening on both sides

of the boards is excellent. The component

outlines are clear and the legends are well

placed. I found no ambiguities as to

where a specific component was to be

installed—a problem that I’ve encoun-

tered building some other kits.

Most of the resistors used in this kit

are “presorted.” They are taped together

in strips in the order in which they are to

be installed. This is a real convenience!

During the inventory process I discov-

ered that I was missing a 0.1 µF mono-

lithic capacitor. In all fairness, there was

an errata sheet packed with the kit ex-

plaining that the value of a capacitor had

been changed. My kit erroneously con-

tained the old value—I can see how that

might happen. In any event, I called

Elecraft the next morning and had the

correct part in hand a few days later.

The Elecraft K1 kit as delivered. The majority of the components are presorted into

plastic bags, making the inventory and assembly processes considerably more

manageable.

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ELECRAFT K1 Owner's Manual Page 3

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