Ken, I prefer a narrow chisel tip, but a conical tip will do the job fine, many like them better than the chisel tip. I would suggest the 1/32 inch because it will transfer heat better do to its larger mass. Use a temperature of 750 degF or higher for best results. You will do more damage by "heat-soaking" with a too cold soldering tip that you will with high temperatures. You should be able to have the solder flow out onto both the lead and the solder pad in a 2 to 3 second period.
You may install the power mod resistors during the initial build - but be cautioned, the KX1 PA output circuit has components that will not stand much more than 4 watts for a substantial time. If your power output goes to 5 watts or more, you may want to back off the power mod and install the original resistors. When building and installing the KX3080 low pass filter board, follow the instructions very carefully. If your assembly does not look exactly like the diagrams, it will be wrong and will cause you problems - that is the area which gives builders the most grief. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/15/2011 4:41 PM, Kenneth Race wrote: > > From Hamvention, I ordered the KX1 with the ATU, the paddles and the 3080 > mod kit. They arrived a couple of weeks ago. This is going to start a line > of firsts for me: first major kit, first time learning CW (in a serious > fashion), first time into qrp, etc. I'm excited to start, but a bit > intimidated at the same time. However, I have a need for some advice as I > go forward. > > > > I've started the parts inventory and, when I got to the 3080 mod kit, I also > found the power output mod kit. My question is: can I install the power > output mod while I am building the KX1 basic radio since it replaces only > two resistors? Or, should I wait until after the KX1 is assembled? Does it > change any of the checkout readings? > > > > A number of years ago, I bought a XYtronics soldering station. I've had > some minor difficulties getting replacement tips for the iron. I ordered > and received several different sizes, but I'm not sure any are optimum for > this kit. I have a 1/16" chisel, a 1/64" conical, and a 1/32" conical tip. > They apparently have a 1/32" semi-chisel, but I haven't found one anywhere > yet. Is it possible to grind a small chisel surface on the 1/64" conical > tip? Does this cause any issues with the tip or with the soldering > operation? Is the 1/16" chisel small enough to do this kit? > > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
