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ELECRAFT K1 User Manual

ELECRAFT K1
91 pages
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E L E C R A F T K 1 T R A N S C E I V E R
O W N E R’S M A N U A L
MSG
REC
+
E L E C R A F T
K 1 T R A N S C E I V E R
DISPLAY
BAND
MENU
EDIT
TX
RX
XFIL
WPM
+
WPM
ATTN
-
1
2
AF GAIN
-
+
RIT
XIT [PF1]
RIT / XIT ATTN
T

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ELECRAFT K1 Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeHF Transceiver
Operating ModesCW, SSB
IF Filter2.4 kHz
Supply Voltage12V
Current DrainReceive: 70 mA
Dimensions2.5" H
Weight2.5 lbs
Tuning Steps1 kHz
Receiver TypeSuperhet
Kit TypeAvailable as a kit

Summary

Introduction

Customer Service Information

Technical Assistance

Information on how to get help with kit construction, operation, or troubleshooting.

Repair Service

Instructions for returning a completed kit for repair, including necessary information.

Elecraft's 1-Year Limited Warranty

Specifications

Preparation for Assembly

Overview of the K1

Describes the modular design, chassis construction, and printed circuit boards (PCBs) of the K1.

Board-to-board Connectors

Unpacking and Inventory

Handling Integrated Circuits and Transistors

Precautions for handling ESD-sensitive components to prevent damage.

Identifying Resistors and RF Chokes

Guidance on identifying resistors and RF chokes using color codes and markings.

Soldering and Desoldering

Soldering

Instructions and recommendations for proper soldering techniques, including heat and solder flow.

Desoldering

Techniques and suggestions for removing components from double-sided PC boards.

Assembly Notes

Filter Board

Relay Installation

Specific instructions for installing and soldering the relays (K1-K3) on the Filter board.

Filter Board (continued)

Capacitor Installation

Step-by-step installation of capacitors for band 1 and band 2 on the Filter board.

VFO Range Selection

Guidance on selecting the VFO range (80 kHz or 150 kHz) and recording the choice.

Filter Board (continued)

Crystal and Resonator Installation

Instructions for installing the crystal resonator (Z1) and grounding crystals (X1, X2).

Identifying Toroid Cores

Filter Board (continued)

Toroidal Inductor Winding

Detailed instructions for winding and preparing toroidal inductors (L9-L12) for the Filter board.

Filter Board (continued)

Connector Installation

Instructions for installing multi-pin connectors (P1, P2, P3) on the Filter board.

IC Installation and Orientation

Guidance on installing the microcontroller U1 and ensuring correct orientation.

Filter Board (continued)

Visual Inspection and Resistance Checks

Procedures for visually inspecting the Filter board and performing resistance checks on components.

Front Panel Board

Connector and Switch Installation

Steps for installing the connector J1 and push-button switch S1 on the Front Panel board.

Front Panel Board (continued)

Switch and Component Installation

Installing remaining switches (S2-S6), resistors, capacitors, and IC sockets on the Front Panel board.

Front Panel Board (continued)

Transistor and IC Installation

Installing transistors (Q1-Q2) and ICs (U2-U5) on the Front Panel board, noting orientation.

Front Panel Board (continued)

Hardware and LED Installation

Installing hardware like standoffs and screws, and LEDs (D1-D2), ensuring correct orientation.

Front Panel Board (continued)

IC Socket Inspection and LCD Installation

Inspecting the IC socket for U1 and installing the LCD display (DS1), noting fragile nature.

Front Panel Board (continued)

Visual Inspection and Resistance Checks

Performing visual checks and resistance measurements on the Front Panel board components.

Front Panel Board (continued)

Potentiometer Installation and Knob Attachment

Installing potentiometers (R1-R3) and attaching knobs, ensuring proper alignment and fit.

Front Panel Board (continued)

Final Assembly and Potentiometer Adjustment

Inserting the Front Panel PC board assembly, attaching covers, and adjusting potentiometers.

RF Board, Part I

RF Board Overview and Fasteners

Locating the RF board, identifying major areas, and installing 2-D fasteners.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

Connector and Relay Installation

Installing connectors (J6-J8) and relay (K1) on the RF board, noting proper orientation and alignment.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

Connector Installation and Resistor/Capacitor Placement

Installing connector P1 and placing resistors and capacitors on the RF board.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

Diode and Varactor Installation

Installing diodes (1N4148, 1N4007, etc.) and varactor diodes, checking orientation.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

Transistor and IC Installation

Installing transistors (Q1-Q11) and ICs (U2-U5) on the RF board, checking orientation.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

DC Voltage Checks

Performing DC voltage checks on various points after installing components on the RF board.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

Component Installation

Installing various components like jacks, switches, crystals, and relays on the RF board.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

Toroid Winding and Installation

Instructions for winding and installing toroidal inductors (L2, T1, T2) on the RF board.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

Side Panel Preparation and Installation

Preparing side panels, installing thermal pads, and attaching them to the RF board.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

Securing Side Panels and Front Panel Assembly

Attaching side panels to the RF board and plugging in the front panel assembly.

RF Board, Part I (continued)

Coaxial Cable Installation

Instructions for preparing and installing the RG-174 coax cable jumper (W1) on the RF board.

Alignment and Test, Part I

Initial Tests

Basic initial tests including power supply connection and LED checks.

Alignment and Test, Part I (continued)

Sidetone Generator and Audio Amplifier

Testing and adjusting the sidetone generator and AF amplifier controls.

Keyer Testing

Instructions for testing the keyer paddle and iambic mode selection.

Alignment and Test, Part I (continued)

Receiver Alignment

Steps for aligning the receiver, including setting BFO and checking signal strength.

Alignment and Test, Part I (continued)

Band-Pass Filter Alignment

Peaking the premix and RF inductors for band-pass filters on the Filter board.

Alignment and Test, Part I (continued)

Coarse BFO Alignment

Aligning the BFO using the trimmer capacitor C20 for approximate signal pitch.

Fine BFO Alignment Using the Sidetone Pitch

Fine-tuning the BFO to match the sidetone pitch for optimal audio alignment.

Alignment and Test, Part I (continued)

Operating Frequency Calibration

Calibrating the operating frequency display by matching it to a known signal.

Alignment and Test, Part I (continued)

AGC and S-Meter Test

Testing the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and S-meter display functionality.

RF Board, Part II

Component Installation

Installing capacitors and resistors on the RF board, noting orientation and values.

RF Board, Part II (continued)

Diode and RF Choke Installation

Installing diodes (1N4753, 1N4007) and RF chokes (RFC2, RFC5) on the RF board.

RF Board, Part II (continued)

Transistor and Toroid Installation

Installing transistors (Q6, Q7) and toroidal transformers (T3, T4) on the RF board.

RF Board, Part II (continued)

Resistance Checks

Performing resistance checks on components of the RF board to verify correct installation.

Alignment and Test, Part II

Preparation for Transmit Alignment

Steps to prepare the K1 for transmit alignment, including connecting dummy load and keyer.

Alignment and Test, Part II (continued)

Band 1 Alignment

Aligning the band-pass and low-pass filters for band 1 using TUNE mode.

Alignment and Test, Part II (continued)

Band 2 Alignment

Aligning the band-pass and low-pass filters for band 2 using TUNE mode.

5-watt Test

Testing the transmitter's 5-watt power output capability on both bands.

Alignment and Test, Part II (continued)

Transmit Offset Adjustment

Adjusting the transmit offset pitch to match the sidetone pitch for proper operation.

Final Assembly

Speaker and Cable Installation

Installing the speaker cable and connecting it to the RF board and speaker.

Final Assembly (continued)

Attaching Top Cover and Feet

Placing and securing the top cover, and attaching self-adhesive feet to the bottom cover.

Operation

Connections

How to connect power supply, headphones, external speaker, and keying devices.

Antenna

Guidance on connecting and using antennas with the K1, including tuner options.

Operation (continued)

Controls and Display

Explanation of the front panel controls, LCD display, and LEDs.

Operation (continued)

Switch Functions

Explains the TAP and HOLD functions for each switch on the front panel.

Operation (continued)

VFO and Potentiometers

Description of the VFO operation and the function of AF GAIN and OFFSET controls.

Using the Menu

Calibration Functions

Crystal Filter Bandwidth Selection (FLx)

How to select different crystal filter bandwidths using the FLx menu.

Calibration Functions (continued)

Band Assignment (Bx)

How to configure the K1 for the installed filter bands using the Bx menu.

Operating Frequency Calibration and VFO Test (CAL)

Procedures for calibrating the operating frequency display and testing the VFO.

Calibration Functions (continued)

S-Meter Calibration (SIG)

How to calibrate the S-meter for zero and full-scale readings.

Basic K1 Operation

Transmitter Setup

Guide to setting up the transmitter, including power output, TUNE mode, and keyer test.

Basic K1 Operation (continued)

Keyer Test Mode

How to use the keyer test mode to practice sending code without transmitting.

RIT and XIT

Keying Device Selection

How to select different keying devices (paddle, hand key, computer) using the INP menu.

RIT and XIT (continued)

Keyer Setup

Configuring the keyer speed, iambic mode, and using keyer test mode.

Recording and Playing Messages

QRP Operating Tips

Advanced Operating Features

AGC Control

How to control the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) for receiver performance.

Advanced Operating Features (continued)

K1 Options

Overview of optional modules like Filter Modules, Tilt Stand, Noise Blanker, Tuner, and Battery.

Circuit Details

Overview

General description of the K1's design, capabilities, and signal path.

Circuit Details (continued)

Front Panel Board

Detailed explanation of the microcontroller, LCD, and other circuits on the front panel.

Circuit Details (continued)

RF Board (Sheet 1)

Explanation of VFO, mixer, and filter circuits on the RF board.

Circuit Details (continued)

Filter Board

Explanation of the filter module's components, band-pass filters, and crystals.

Circuit Details (continued)

RF Board (Sheet 2)

Explanation of transmitter circuits, including driver, power amplifier, and T-R switch.

Appendix A K1 Packing Box Parts List

Appendix A K1 Front Panel Board Parts List

Appendix A K1 RF Board Parts List

Appendix A K1 RF Board Parts List (continued)

Appendix A K1 RF Board Parts List (continued)

Appendix A K1 Misc. Bag Parts List

Appendix A K1 Wire Bag Parts List

Appendix B K1 Schematic Key

Appendix B K1 Front Panel Board Schematic

Appendix B K1 RF Board Schematic

Appendix B K1 RF Board Schematic (continued)

Appendix B K1 2-Band Filter Board Schematic

Appendix C K1 BLOCK DIAGRAM

Appendix D. K1 Assembly Photographs

Appendix E, Troubleshooting

General Troubleshooting Procedure

General steps to follow when troubleshooting K1 problems, including checking power and components.

Troubleshooting Tables

General Troubleshooting (00-19)

Specific troubleshooting steps for general problems like dead unit, LCD/LED issues, or incorrect voltages.

Troubleshooting Tables (continued)

Display and Control Circuits (20-39)

Troubleshooting steps for problems related to the display, controls, and regulated voltages.

Troubleshooting Tables (continued)

VFO and Premixer (40-59)

Troubleshooting steps for VFO and premixer circuit issues, including frequency drift and tuning.

Receiver (60-79)

Troubleshooting steps for receiver problems like low audio, signal loss, or AF amplifier issues.

Troubleshooting Tables (continued)

Transmitter and Keyer (80-99)

Troubleshooting steps for transmitter problems like low power, fluctuations, or keyer malfunctions.

Signal Tracing

RF Probe

Description and schematic for building a simple RF probe for signal tracing.

Signal Tracing (continued)

Receiver and VFO Signal Tracing

Step-by-step guide for signal tracing in the receiver and VFO circuits.

Signal Tracing (continued)

Transmitter Signal Tracing

Step-by-step guide for signal tracing in the transmitter circuits.

DC Voltage Table

APPENDIX F. PARTS PLACEMENT DRAWINGS

ELECRAFT K1 QUICK REFERENCE

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