I have just received KX1 Serial No 2711 and started building. I couldn’t believe just how ‘professional’ the kit is. Apart from the wonderful set of instructions, it contained paper envelopes with the components, each with a label stating who had packed it, and even a sheet of sand paper for stripping the ends of the torroid leads!
The kit as it arrived.
Following the detailed instructions was quite straight forward. I completed Part 1 of the build over two evening sessions.
I use a vice to hold the PCB nice and steady.
Careful attention needs to be paid to ESD precautions as there are a number of static sensitive components in the kit. The three surface-mount components came already installed.
The PCB being populated in an orderly fashion.
At the end of Part 1 of the build process came the first test. A series of resistance tests with a DMM were done and when readings obtained indicated there were no short circuits or other mistakes, power was supplies and voltage checks done. Then it was time to access and test the configuration menu and the digital display.
The PCB positioned next to the top cover of the enclosure so that the legends identifying the switches and their functions can be seen.
Everything tested according to plan, so now it’s time for Part 2 of the build; the receiver circuit.
Nice – I’ve had my eye on these so it is nice to see one being built.
Tim VK4YEH
Very nice shots of the build, I build the KX1 about 3 years ago and it’s a great little rig. I took it over to Europe while on vacation and had a blast with it. I did end up parting with it so I could gather some funds for the Elecraft KX3. Sorry to see it go but I still have the K2, KX3 and K3 rigs to play with.
Keep us posted of the build.
Mike
VE3WDM
Mike, you sure have a great lineup of Elecraft gear. Must be testament to a great company. I have built many kits in my time and Elecraft are in a league of their own. Just about to complete Part 2 of the build and do the dreaded smoke test. I’ll post my findings soon.