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Preparing for assembly, Overview of the kit, Tools required – Elecraft XV Assembly Manual for XV432 MHz User Manual

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Preparing for Assembly

Overview of the Kit

The Elecraft XV transverters use modular construction, both physically
and electrically. This concept extends to the chassis. Any chassis element
can be removed to provide access for troubleshooting.

Figure 1. XV Transverter Modular Cabinet Parts.


There are two printed circuit boards (PCBs) in the transverter: the front
panel PCB, which sits vertically behind the front panel, and the large RF
PCB.

The PCBs are interconnected using board-to-board connectors which
eliminates the need for a wiring harness. Gold-plated contacts are used on
these connectors for reliability.

Tools Required

You will need the following tools to build this kit:

 Fine-tip temperature-controlled soldering station with 700 or

800

F tip (370-430C). Do not use a high-wattage iron or gun

with small components since this can damage pads, traces, or the
parts themselves.

 IC-grade, small-diameter (.031”) solder (Kester #44 or

equivalent).

 Desoldering tools and supplies are invaluable if you make any

modifications or need to do any repairs. Narrow solder wick or a
good vacuum desoldering tool such as the Soldapullt® model
DS017LS are recommended. See Soldering, Desoldering and
Plated-Through Holes
, on page 8 for more information.

i

DO NOT use acid-core solder, water-soluble flux solder,

additional flux or solvents of any kind. Use of any of these will void
your warranty.

 Screwdrivers: a small, #2 Phillips and a small flat-blade for

slotted screws.

 Needle-nose pliers.
 Small-point diagonal cutters, preferably flush cutting.
 Digital Multimeter (DMM) for voltage checks and confirming

resistor values. A DMM with capacitance measurement
capability is desirable, but not required.

 Noise generator (Elecraft N-Gen or equivalent

1

) or signal

generator with output in the RF frequency range of the
transverter.

 RF power meter capable of measuring RF power levels up to 25

watts at the RF frequency used by the transverter.

 50-ohm dummy load capable of handling 25 watts, minimum,

suitable for 500 MHz.

Refer to www.elecraft.com for tool sources and solder recommendations.

1

Check

www.elecraft.com

for availability.

BACK PANEL

LEFT
SIDE PANEL

TOP

COVER

FRONT

PANEL

BOTTOM
COVER

(RIGHT SIDE
PANEL NOT
SHOWN)