Elecraft T1 Assembly Manual - Manual (Page 12)

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Locate the 15 relays and carefully remove them from the carrying tube(s). Check the relays for bent
pins. Carefully straighten any bent pins using needle-nose pliers.
Locate a small book or other smooth, flat object somewhat larger than the PC board that is easy to
handle. You will use this to hold the relays in place on the PC board before soldering them.
Hold the PC board in one hand and drop the relays into the spaces shown for K1 through K15. Note
that the pin spacing only allows them to go in when oriented properly. Do not use force. They should
simply drop into place. Don’t miss K12 that sits between the two long rows of relays.
Place the book against the top of the relays and then, holding the book and PC board together to keep
the relays from falling out, flip the whole assembly over and set it down.
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Relays K9 through K15 have small SMD capacitors between their pins. Take care soldering.
Do not create solder bridges between the relay pads and the SMD pads.
On each of the 15 relays, tack-solder only one corner pin to hold it in place.
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Do not touch the plastic relay covers with your soldering iron. Even a small burn or melted
spot may jam the relay mechanism inside.
Re-heat the soldered pin on each relay while pressing down on it to ensure that it is squarely against
the PC board. The relays should be aligned in neat rows with the tops level.
When you are satisfied with the position of the relays, solder the remaining pins.
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Do not trim or bend the relay pins after soldering. Trimming or bending the pins introduces
mechanical stresses that may cause premature relay failure.
Check all fifteen relays carefully to ensure that every pin is soldered and that there are no solder
bridges between pins.