Elecraft K1 - Manual (Page 42)

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LECRAFT 41
Operating Frequency Calibration
The operating frequency display may be off by up to 10 kHz until
calibrated, due mostly to variations in the crystals on the Filter
board. Accuracy of +/- 100 Hz can be obtained.
Note: The approximate lower band edges in MHz are as follows:
3.50, 7.00, 10.00 or 10.10 (selected earlier), 14.00, 18.05, 21.00.
Select the lower-frequency band using B A N D . Also select the
narrowest filter (F L 3 ) by holding X F I L .
Tune in a signal at a known frequency, centering the signal in
the crystal filter passband. Use a signal from a known-accurate
signal generator, or check the signal’s frequency using a second
receiver.
To access the operating frequency calibration display, locate
C A L in the menu, then hold E D I T . You’ll see O P F briefly, then
the operating frequency will be shown, with the 100-Hz digit
flashing. (If you see E 4 2 , the VFO is not functioning.)
Tap W P M + or W P M - until the displayed frequency matches
the frequency of the known signal. In the case of the internally-
generated signal, tap
W P M + or W P M - until the display reads 9 9 . 7 .
Tap M E N U twice to return to the normal display.
Tap B A N D twice quickly to switch to band 2.
Repeat the calibration procedure on this band. If you have a 4-
band Filter board installed, repeat the procedure for bands 3 and 4.
i
You can calibrate the dial on transmit rather than receive if
desired, after completing Alignment and Test, Part II. In this case
you ll need either a frequency counter or a calibrated ham-band
receiver to verify the actual transmit frequency. You ll then use the
C A L menu entry, as described above, to check and adjust the
operating frequency after each transmission.
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) and S-Meter Test
Turn the K1 on and connect an antenna or signal generator.
S-meter display mode provides a bar graph to indicate
approximate received signal strength. To select this mode, hold
D I S P L A Y . You should see a brief bar-graph test pattern, then the
display may go blank or show one or more bars.
Tune in a strong signal. (Anytime you are actually moving the
VFO, the S-meter bargraph will be replaced with the frequency
display.) Once the signal is tune in, the AGC should be activated, as
indicated by an increase S-meter reading.
2 The S-meter zero point
and scale can be adjusted (page 53). AGC can also be turned off if
necessary (page 57).
Note: Since the K1 uses audio-derived AGC, the initial code
element from a very strong station may be heard at louder volume.
This is due to the time it takes for the AGC detector capacitor to
charge up. If this is objectionable, the attenuator can be used.
Turning on the attenuator adds one bar to the S-meter reading to
roughly compensate for the loss in signal strength.
Receive Current Drain Test (Optional)
Typical current drain for the K1 in receive mode is approximately
55 mA (with all LEDs off). If the current drain is significantly
lower or higher than this, it could indicate a problem.
To check the current drain, set your DMM for DC milliamps and
temporarily insert the DMM in series between the K1 and the
power supply. Turn the K1 on and note the current: _____ mA.
This completes receiver alignment.
2 Each bar corresponds to roughly two S-units, so that 4 or 5 bars indicates
about an "S-9" signal.