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ELECRAFT KX1 User Manual

ELECRAFT KX1
96 pages
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E L E C R A F T K X 1 T R A N S C E I V E R
O W N E R’S M A N U A L
E L E C R A F T K X 1
EDIT
MENU
TX
RX
RF GAIN
TAP: 10 HZ / 100 HZ
SPEED
BAND
POWER
HOLD: 1 kHz
ANT.
AF GAIN
CLR
RIT
0.5
FILTER
2.0
1.0
TUNE
DISP
37+S1 5 9
123RF
LAMP
ON
OFF
\
12V
1
2
KEY /
PADDLE
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ELECRAFT KX1 Specifications

General IconGeneral
TuningVFO
TypeQRP Transceiver
ModeCW
Weight12 oz (340 g)
Receiver Sensitivity0.5 uV for 10 dB S+N/N

Summary

Introduction

Customer Service Information

Technical Assistance

How to get help via web, forum, or phone for construction or operation.

Repair Service

Details on returning the unit for repair, including shipping instructions.

Elecraft's 1-Year Limited Warranty

Details warranty coverage, exclusions, and limitations for the product.

Specifications

Preparation for Assembly

Overview of the KX1

Describes the KX1 chassis, printed circuit board, and component layout.

Unpacking and Inventory

Preventing Electro-Static Discharge Damage

Crucial safety and setup information for handling sensitive components.

Inventory

Recommends checking all parts against the provided list.

Identifying Common Resistors and RF-Chokes

Identifying Resistor Packs

Identifying Capacitors

Identifying Toroid Cores

Tools

Soldering and Desoldering

Solder Recommendations

Suggests solder types and warns against corrosive fluxes.

Soldering

Details proper soldering technique for good joints.

Desoldering

Assembly Notes

IC Sockets

Specific instructions on using IC sockets, including warnings.

Assembly - Part I

BEFORE YOU START:

A critical safety and preparation checklist before assembly.

Assembly - Part I

Installing Fixed Resistors

Detailed steps for installing resistors R8, R28, R6, and R7.

Assembly - Part I

Installing Resistor Packs

Steps for installing resistor packs RP5, RP2, RP4, RP3, and RP1.

Assembly - Part I

Installing Diodes

Steps for installing diodes D2 and D3, including orientation.

Installing IC Sockets

Instructions for installing the 28-pin socket for U1.

Assembly - Part I

Installing Fixed Capacitors

Steps for installing capacitors C39 and C31.

Assembly - Part I

Installing Fixed Capacitors

Steps for installing capacitors C30, C6, C37, C12, C25, C24, C32, C33, C55.

Installing Electrolytic Capacitors

Steps for installing capacitor C38.

Assembly - Part I

Installing Electrolytic Capacitors

Steps for installing capacitors C10, C7, C53, C23, C20, and C35.

Installing Crystal

Steps for installing crystal X1.

Assembly - Part I

Installing LED D1

Steps for installing the white LED D1.

Installing DC power connector J1

Steps for installing the DC power connector J1.

Assembly - Part I

Installing two-pin plug P1

Steps for installing the two-pin plug P1.

Installing jack J3

Steps for installing jack J3 on the bottom edge.

Installing pushbutton switches S3, S4, S5

Steps for installing pushbutton switches S5, S4, and S3.

Assembly - Part I

Installing slide switches S1 and S2

Steps for installing slide switches S2 and S1.

Installing Voltage Regulators U8 and U9

Steps for installing voltage regulators U8 and U9.

Assembly - Part I

Installing U9 (77L06)

Specific instructions for installing integrated circuit U9.

Installing Transistor Q7 (2N4124)

Steps for installing transistor Q7.

Install 8-pin integrated circuit U3 (4427)

Steps for installing integrated circuit U3.

Install 3-digit LED display DS1

Steps for installing the 3-digit LED display DS1.

Install encoder Z1

Steps for installing the encoder Z1.

Visual Inspection

Resistance Checks

Lists specific resistance checks to be performed with a DMM.

Alignment and Test - Part I

Microcontroller and Encoder Installation

Covers installing U1 and Z1, including critical ESD precautions.

Initial Power-up and Setup

Connects power, sets switches, and prepares the unit for testing.

LED Tests

Voltage Checks

Lists specific DC and AC voltage checks for critical points.

Frequency Display and Band Change

The Tap/Hold Rule

Explains the dual function of switches activated by tapping or holding.

Accessing the Configuration Menu

Details how to navigate and change unit settings via the menu.

Frequency Display and Band Change

The Tap/Hold Rule

Continues explanation of switch functions and combinations.

Accessing the Configuration Menu

Continues menu navigation and parameter adjustment.

Assembly - Part II

Install Resistors

Steps for installing resistors R19, R21, R14, R18, R29, R5, R20, R15, R25.

Identifying Inductors

How to identify the seven molded inductors by their color codes.

Assembly - Part II

Install Inductors

Steps for installing inductors L4, L5, L6, L7, L10, L8, and L9.

Install Diode D4

Steps for installing diode D4, including correct orientation.

Install Varactor D5 and D6

Steps for installing varactor diodes D5 and D6.

Assembly - Part II

Installing Capacitors

Steps for installing capacitors C50, C51, C52, C16, C4, C8, C2, C21, C17, C18, C19, C22, C27, C47, C54, C49, C48, C46.

Assembly - Part II

Installing Capacitors

Steps for installing capacitors C45, C26, and C1.

Installing Capacitors

Steps for installing capacitors C11 and C13.

Assembly - Part II

Install Capacitors

Steps for installing capacitors C53, C23, C20, and C35.

Install Integrated Circuits U4, U5, U6

Covers installing ICs U4, U5, U6, emphasizing ESD precautions.

Assembly - Part II

Install Integrated Circuit U4

Specific steps for installing integrated circuit U4.

Install Integrated Circuits U5 and U6

Specific steps for installing integrated circuits U5 and U6.

Assembly - Part II

Install Transistors Q9, Q8

Steps for installing transistors Q9 and Q8.

Install JFET transistors Q2 and Q3

Steps for installing JFET transistors Q2 and Q3.

Fold down capacitors

Instruction on folding capacitors for clearance.

Assembly - Part II

Install Trimmer CA, CB, CC

Steps for installing trimmers CA, CB, and CC.

Install Crystal X2

Steps for installing crystal X2, including ground lead.

Assembly - Part II

Install remaining filter crystals

Steps for installing filter crystals X3, X4, and X5.

Install antenna jack J2

Steps for installing the antenna jack J2.

Install headphone jack J4

Steps for installing the headphone jack J4.

Assembly - Part II

Install J8, J7, J6 jacks

Steps for installing connector jacks J8, J7, and J6.

Install potentiometers R2, R1, R3

Steps for installing potentiometers R2, R1, and R3.

Assembly - Part II

Wind and Install Toroidal Inductors L1 and L2

Detailed instructions for winding and installing toroidal inductors L1 and L2.

Assembly - Part II

Strip and Tin Inductor Leads

Techniques for preparing toroid leads for soldering.

Wind and Install L1

Steps for winding and installing toroidal inductor L1.

Install Jumper for ATU

Instruction for installing the ATU jumper.

Visual Inspection

Resistance Checks

Lists specific resistance checks to be performed with a DMM.

Alignment and Test - Part II

Relay Test

Checks if relays K1 and K2 are switching correctly.

Sidetone Generator and Audio Amplifier

Tests audio output and sidetone generator functionality.

Alignment and Test - Part II

Select Sidetone Pitch

Adjusts the sidetone pitch parameter.

S-Meter and Voltmeter Displays

Tests display modes for signal strength and battery voltage.

Keyer

Tests the keyer paddle functionality.

Receiver Alignment

Receiver alignment will be easiest if you use a controlled signal

Advice on using a controlled signal for easier alignment.

Receiver Alignment

Locate screwdriver/tuning tool

Instructions for selecting and preparing a tool for trimmer adjustment.

AGC and S-Meter Test

Tests automatic gain control and S-meter functionality.

Optional Tests

Receive Current Drain Test

Measures current draw in receive mode.

Operating Frequency Calibration

Improves operating frequency display accuracy.

Assembly - Part III

Install Resistors

Steps for installing resistors for transmitter circuitry.

Install Zener Diode D7

Steps for installing zener diode D7.

Install Trimmer Potentiometer R4

Steps for installing trimmer potentiometer R4.

Assembly - Part III

Install Capacitors

Steps for installing capacitors C42, C34, C41, C43, and C44.

Install Transistors Q1, Q5, Q4

Steps for installing transistors Q1, Q5, and Q4.

Wind and Install Toroidal Inductors L3 and Transformer T1

Detailed instructions for winding and installing toroidal inductors L3 and T1.

Assembly - Part III

Install Toroidal Inductor L3

Steps for installing toroidal inductor L3.

Install Standoffs

Steps for installing standoffs for attaching the top cover.

Preparing Top Cover for Installation

Instructions for preparing the top cover for assembly.

Assembly - Part III

Installing Thermal Pad

Steps for installing the thermal pad on the inside of the cover.

Installing Display Filter

Steps for installing the red display filter.

Installing Power Amplifier Q6

Installing Power Amplifier Q6

Resistance Checks

Specific resistance checks for transistors Q4, Q5, and Q6.

Installing Button Caps

Steps for fitting button caps onto switches.

Installing Power Amplifier Q6

Fit the board into the top cover

Final step of fitting the circuit board assembly into the top cover.

Secure the board to the cover

Steps for securing the board to the cover with screws.

Wiring the Battery Holders

Wiring the Battery Holders

Alignment and Test - Part III

Repeat receiver alignment steps

Re-aligning receiver filters after transmitter components are added.

Keying Test

Testing the keyer's audio output for clarity.

Alignment and Test - Part III

20-Meter Transmit Test

Tests transmit power output on the 20-meter band.

40-Meter Transmit Test

Tests transmit power output on the 40-meter band.

Keying Test

Tests keying stability and sound.

Alignment and Test - Part III

TUNE mode (key-down)

Explains operation of TUNE mode for transmit testing.

Final Assembly

Checking Component Clearance

Ensuring all components fit within the case without interference.

Final Assembly

Fitting the Bottom Cover

Final step of closing the transceiver case.

Completing Assembly

Notes on leftover parts and next steps after assembly.

Operation

Connections

Details for connecting internal battery and external power supply.

External Power Supply

Information on connecting and using external power sources.

Headphones or External Speaker

Connecting audio output devices.

Antenna

Advice on connecting antennas.

Keying Device

Connecting hand keys or paddles.

Operation

Controls and Display

Explanation of front panel controls and the LED display.

Power Switch

Instructions for turning the KX1 on and off.

Lamp Switch

How to use the built-in lamp.

LED Display

Details on display functions and brightness.

VFO Knob/Tuning Rate Switch

How to use the VFO knob for tuning and rate selection.

Potentiometers

Explanation of RF Gain, Filter, and AF Gain controls.

Operation

Pushbutton Switch Functions

Explains TAP/HOLD functions and switch combinations.

Switch Combinations

Lists key switch combinations for advanced features.

Menu Functions

Menu Functions

Recording and Playing CW Messages

How to record and play CW messages using the internal keyer.

Receive Mode Selection (CW, LSB, USB)

How to select between CW, LSB, and USB receive modes.

Receiver performance considerations

Notes on signal reception and sideband selection.

Menu Functions

Using Frequency Memories

How to store and recall frequencies and modes in memory.

Audible CW Feedback on Switch Press

How to enable and configure audible CW feedback.

Differences between LED display and CW feedback

Compares LED display features with CW feedback features.

Switch CW: Sending CW using Front-Panel Switches

VFO Lock/Unlock

Operating Frequency Calibration

BFO Calibration

Procedure to compensate for BFO frequency differences.

Operating Frequency Calibration

DDS Calibration

Procedure to compensate for DDS frequency reference errors.

Checking the Firmware Revision

Resetting to Factory Defaults

QRP Operating Tips

SWL (Shortwave Listening) Tips

KX1 Options

30-Meter Module (KXB30)

Description of the 30-meter band option.

Plug-In Keyer Paddle (KXPD1)

Description of the optional plug-in keyer paddle.

Automatic Antenna Tuner (KXAT1)

Description of the optional automatic antenna tuner.

Circuit Details

Receiver

Explanation of the single-conversion superhet receiver design.

DDS VFO

Explanation of the Direct Digital Synthesis VFO.

Transmitter

Explanation of the transmitter stages and power output.

Circuit Details

Microcontroller

Explanation of the low-power microcontroller's role.

KXAT1

Explanation of the ATU interface and information display.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

Capacitors

List of various capacitor part numbers and specifications.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

Capacitors

Continuation of the capacitor parts list.

C26, C19, C44, C7, C23,C35, C10,C20,C38,C53

Specific capacitor types and their part numbers.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

Trimmers CA, CB, CC

List of trimmer capacitor part numbers.

Diodes D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7

List of diode part numbers.

LED Display DS1

List of LED display part numbers.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

ICs U1, U2

List of integrated circuit part numbers.

Crystals X2-X5, X1

List of crystal part numbers.

Encoder Z1

List of encoder part numbers.

Oscillator Module Z2

List of oscillator module part numbers.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

Potentiometers R1, R3, R2, R4

List of potentiometer part numbers.

Resistors

List of resistor part numbers.

Resistor Pack RP1

List of resistor pack part numbers.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

Resistor Packs RP2, RP3, RP4, RP5

List of resistor pack part numbers.

Slide Switches S1, S2

List of slide switch part numbers.

Momentary Contact Switches S3, S4, S5

List of momentary switch part numbers.

Keycap MISC

List of keycap part numbers.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

ICs U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U9

List of integrated circuit part numbers.

Crystals X2-X5, X1

List of crystal part numbers.

Encoder Z1

List of encoder part numbers.

Oscillator Module Z2

List of oscillator module part numbers.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

Hardware HDWR

List of hardware items like washers and screws.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

Hardware HDWR

List of additional hardware items.

MISC Items

List of miscellaneous items like feet, wire, and sockets.

Appendix A - KX1 Parts List

MISC Items

List of miscellaneous items: wrench, sandpaper, PCB, thermal pad.

Appendix E - Troubleshooting

KX1 TOP COVER REMOVAL

Steps to remove the top cover from the KX1.

KX1 TOP COVER INSTALLATION

Steps to install the top cover onto the KX1.

General Troubleshooting Procedure

General steps for diagnosing and resolving issues.

Error Messages

How to interpret and handle error messages displayed on the unit.

Troubleshooting Tables

General Troubleshooting (00-19)

Specific troubleshooting for dead unit, LED, and battery issues.

Display and Control Circuits (20-39)

Troubleshooting for voltages, switches, MCU, and relays.

Troubleshooting Tables

VFO (40-59)

Troubleshooting steps for VFO and DDS related problems.

Receiver (60-79)

Troubleshooting for audio, signal loss, AF amp, and AGC issues.

Troubleshooting Tables

Transmitter and Keyer (80-99)

Troubleshooting for power output, current drain, and keyer issues.

ELECRAFT KX1 QUICK REFERENCE

BAND/SPEED

How to change bands and set keyer speed.

TUNE (key-down)

Explains operation of TUNE mode for transmit testing.

DISP (display mode)

Explains display modes for frequency, S-meter, and battery.

RX MODE (sideband)

How to select receive modes: CW, LSB, USB.

RIT/CLR

Explains RIT function and clear operation.

VFO KNOB FUNCTIONS

Details tuning rate, lock/unlock, and high-priority memory functions.

MENU/EDIT

Explains menu navigation and editing parameters.

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