Vectronics VEC-1320K User Manual

IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION! PLEASE READ

Return Policy on Kits When Not Purchased Directly From Vectronics: Before continuing any further with your VEC kit check with your Dealer about their return policy. If your Dealer allows returns, your kit must be returned before you begin construction.

Return Policy on Kits When Purchased Directly From Vectronics: Your VEC kit may be returned to the factory in its pre-assembled condition only. The reason for this stipulation is, once you begin i nsta lli ng a nd sol deri ng pa rt s, you essenti al ly tak e over the rol e of the devic e's manufacturer . From this point on, neither Vect ronics nor its dea lers can reas onably be held accountab le for the qua lity or the outcome of your work. Because of this, Vectronics cannot accept return of any kit-in-progress or completed work as a warranty item for any reason whatsoever. If you are a new or inexperienced kit b uilder, we urge you to read the manual carefully a nd determine whether or not you're r eady to tak e on the job. If you wish to c hange your mind and return your ki t, you may--b ut you must do i t before you begin c ons tr uc ti on, a nd within ten (10) working days of the time it arrives.

Vectronics Warrants: Your kit contains each item specified in the parts list. Missing Parts: If you determine, during your pre-construction inventory, that any part is

missing, please contact Vectronics and we'll send the missing item to you free of charge. However, before you contact Vect ronic s, please look carefully to c onf ir m you haven't misr ea d the marking on one of the other items provided with the kit. Also, make certain an alternative part hasn't been substituted for the item you're missing. If a specific part is no longer available, or if Engineering has determined that an alternative component is more suitable, Vectronics reserves the right to make substitutions at any time. In most cases, these changes will be clearly noted in an addendum to the manual.

Defective Parts: Today's electronic parts are physically and electrically resilient, and defective components a re r a re. However, if you disc over a n it em duri ng your pr e- c onst r uct i on inventory that's obviously broken or unserviceable, we'll replace it. Just return the part to Vectronics at the address below accompanied with an explanation. Upon receipt, we'll test it. If it's defec tive and appear s unused, we'll ship you a new one right away at no charge.

Missing or Defective Parts After You Begin Assembly: Parts and materials lost or damaged after construction begins are not covered under the terms of this warranty. However, most parts supplied with VEC kits are relatively inexpensive and Vectronics can replace them for a reasonable charge. Simply contact the factory with a complete description. We'll process your order quickly and get you back on trac k.

Factory Repair After You Begin Assembly: Kits-in progress and completed kits are specifically excluded from coverage by the Vectronics warranty. However, as a service to

customers, tec hnicia ns ar e availa ble t o evaluate a nd repai r malf unctioni ng kits for a minimum service fee of $18.00 (½ hour rate) plus $7.00 shipping and handling (prices subject to change). To qualify for repair service, your kit must be fully completed, unmodified, and the printed circuit board assembled using rosin-core solder. In the event your repair will require more than an hour to fi x (or $36.00, subject to change), our technicians will contact you in advance by telephone b efore p erforming t he work. Def ective unit s should b e shipp ed prep aid to:

Vectronics 300 Industrial Pa rk Road Starkville, MS 39759

When shipping, pack your kit well and include the minimum payment plus shipping and handling charges ($25.00 total). No work can be performed without pre-payment. Also, provide a valid UPS return address a nd a day time phone number where you may be reac hed.

VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual

INTRODUCTION

This inexpensive transceiver kit provides a great first introduction to QRP operation, one of the hottest and fastest growing activities in amateur radio. When you build it, you'll discover what thousands of QRP enthusiasts already know--it doesn't take a degree from MIT to "homebrew" a rig that works! Indeed, all it takes are a few simple tools and a couple relaxing evenings of your time. And, once you complete it, you'll quickly unseat another myth--that it takes a $1000 radio to work DX. The VEC QRP-CW Transceiver Kit is simple to build and even easier to align. VXO frequency control and broadband transmitter circuitry eliminate the need for costly alignment equipment or tricky calibration procedures. Connect an antenna, peak the receiver's front-end trimmer, and you're ready to go! You'll get microvolt sensitivity and a solid QRP CW signal with shaped keying. Best of all, you'll experience the excitement of working other stations using a simple home-built rig you made with your own two hands!

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

Construction Area:

area where you can easily organize and handle small parts without losing them. An inexpensive sheet of white poster board makes an excellent construction surface and provides protection for the underlying table or desk. Well-diffused overhead lighting is a plus, and a supplemental high-intensity desk lamp is especially helpful for close-up work. Safety is always important! Be sure to use a suitable high-temperature stand for your soldering iron, and keep the work area free of combustible clutter.

Universal Kit-building Tools:

additional items for completion, virtually all construction projects require a work area outfitted with the following tools and supplies.

30 to 60 Watt Soldering Iron

High-temperature Iron Holder with Moist Cleaning Sponge

Rosin-core Solder (thin wire size preferred, .031”)

Needle Nose Pliers or Surgical Hemostats

Diagonal Cutters or “Nippy Cutters”

Solder Sucker (squeeze or vacuum pump type), or Desoldering Braid

Bright Desk Lamp

Magnifying Glass

Kit construction requires a clean, smooth, and well-lighted

Although your particular kit may require

VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual

Additional Items:

RF power meter or VSWR bridge (or LED--any color)

50-ohm dummy load (or 1-watt 47 ohm carbon-film resistor)

Telegraph key outfitted with a 1/4" monaural phone plug

Headphones or extension speaker outfitted with a 1/4" monaural phone plug

13.8-v dc power source

Antenna cut for band of operation

BEFORE YOU START BUILDING

Experience shows there are four common mistakes builders make. Avoid these, and your kit will probably work on the first try! Here's what they are:

1. Installing the Wrong Part:

and a 10K resistor may look almost the same, but they may act very differently in an electronic circuit! Same for capacitors--a device marked 102 (or .001 uF) may have very different operating characteristics from on marked 103 (or .01uF).

2. Installing Parts Backwards:

capacitors to make sure the positive (+) lead goes in the (+) hole on the circuit board. Transistors have a flat side or emitter tab to help you identify the correct mounting position. ICs have a notch or dot at one end indicating the correct direction of insertion. Diodes have a banded end indicating correct polarity. Always double-check--especially before applying power to the circuit!

3. Faulty Solder Connections:

bridges. Cold solder joints happen when you don't fully heat the connection-or when metallic corrosion and oxide contaminate a component lead or pad. Solder bridges form when a trail of excess solder shorts pads or tracks together (see Solder Tips below).

4. Omitting or Misreading a Part:

Always double-check to make sure you completed each step in an assembly sequence.

Soldering Tips:

professional soldering. Before you install and solder each part, inspect leads or pins for oxidation. If the metal surface is dull, sand with fine emery paper until shiny. Also, clean the oxidation and excess solder from the soldering iron tip to allow maximum heat transfer. Allow the tip of your iron to contact both the lead

Cleanliness and good heat distribution are the two secrets of

It always pays to double-check each step. A 1K

Always check the polarity of electrolytic

Inspect for cold-solder joints and solder

This is easier to do than you might think!

VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual

and pad for about one second (count "one-thousand-one") before feeding solder to the connection. Surfaces must become hot enough for solder to flow smoothly. Feed solder to the opposite side of the lead from your iron tip--solder will wick around the lead toward the tip, wetting all exposed surfaces. Apply solder sparingly, and do not touch solder directly to the hot iron tip to promote rapid melting.

Desoldering Tips:

these instructions carefully! First, grasp the component with a pair of hemostats or needle-nose pliers. Heat the pad beneath the lead you intend to extract, and pull gently. The lead should come out. Repeat for the other lead. Solder may fill in behind the lead as you extract it--especially if you are working on a double-sided b o ar d with plat e-thr o ugh hol es. Sho uld this ha pp e n, tr y heat ing the pad again and inserting a common pin into the hole. Solder won't stick to the pin's chromium plating. When the pad cools, remove the pin and insert the correct component. For ICs or multi-pin parts, use desoldering braid to remove excess solder before attempting to extract the part. Alternatively, a low-cost vacuum-bulb or spring-loaded solder sucker may be used. Parts damaged or severely overheated during extraction should be replaced rather than reinstalled.

Work Habits:

instructions and, in many cases, to perform new and unfamiliar tasks. To avoid making needless mistakes, work for short periods when you're fresh and alert. Recreational construction projects are more informative and more fun when you take your time. Enjoy!

Sorting and Reading Resistors:

a color code (shown below). You don't have to memorize this code to work with resistors, but you do need to understand how it works:

If you make a mistake and need to remove a part, follow

Kit construction requires the ability to follow detailed

The electrical value of resistors is indicated by

Resistor Color Code

Blue = 6 Violet = 7 Gray = 8 White = 9 Silver = 10% Gold = 5%

1st Digit 2nd Digit Multiplier

Tolerence

(gold or silver)

Black = 0 (tens) Brown = 1 (hundreds) Red = 2 (K) Orange = 3 (10K) Yellow = 4 (100K) Green = 5 (1Meg)

When you look at a resistor, check its multiplier code first. Any resistor with a black multiplier band falls between 10 and 99 ohms in value. Brown designates a value between 100 and 999 ohms. Red indicates a value from 1000 to 9999 ohms, which is also expressed as 1.0K to 9.9K. An orange multiplier band designates 10K to 99K, etc. To sort and inventory resistors, first separate them

VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual

into groups by multiplier band (make a pile of 10s, 100s, Ks, 10Ks, etc.). Next, sort each group by specific value (1K, 2.2K, 4.7K, etc.). This procedure makes the inventory easier, and also makes locating specific parts more convenient later on during construction. Some builders find it especially helpful to arrange resistors in ascending order along a strip of double-sided tape.

Some VEC kits may contain molded chokes which appear, at first glance, similar to resistors in both shape and band marking. However, a closer look will enable you to differentiate between the two--chokes are generally larger in diameter and fatter at the ends than resistors. When doing your inventory, separate out any chokes and consult the parts list for specific color-code information.

Reading Capacitors:

value identification. Instead, the value, or a 3-number code, is printed on the body.

Value Code

10 pF = 100 100 pF = 101 1000 pF = 102

.001 uF = 102*

.01 uF = 103 .1 uF = 104

As with resistors, it's helpful to sort capacitors by type, and then to arrange them in ascending order of value. Small-value capacitors are characterized in pF (or pico-Farads), while larger values are labeled in uF (or micro-Farads). The transition from pF to uF occurs at 1000 pF (or .001 uF)*. Today, most monolithic and disc-ceramic capacitors are marked with a three-number code. The first two digits indicate a numerical value, while the last digit indicates a multiplier (same as resistors).

Electrolytic capacitors are always marked in uF. Electrolytics are polarized devices and must be oriented correctly during installation. If you become confused by markings on the case, remember the uncut negative lead is slightly shorter than the positive lead.

Diodes:

Always look for the banded or cathode end when installing, and follow instructions carefully.

Diodes are also polarized devices that must be installed correctly.

Unlike resistors, capacitors no longer use a color code for

ectrolytic

1 uF

1uF

35V

Multilayer

(270 pF)

271

Ceramic Discs

(.001 uF) (.1 uF)

102

104

VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual

Cathode

(shorter Lead)

Diode

Transistors:

power is applied. Transistors in metal cases have a small tab near the emitter lead to identify correct positioning. Semiconductors housed in small plastic cases (TO-92) have an easily-identified flat side to identify mounting orientation. Many specialized diodes and low-current voltage regulators also use this type packaging. Larger plastic transistors and voltage regulators use a case backed with a prominent metal tab to dissipate heat (T-220). Here orientation is indicated by the positioning of the cooling tab.

Emitter

Integrated Circuits:

marking located on one end of the device. A corresponding mark will be silkscreened on the PC board and printed on the kit's parts-placement diagram. To identify specific IC pin numbers for testing purposes, see the diagram below. Pin numbers always start at the keyed end of the case and progress counterclockwise around the device, as shown:

If transistors are installed incorrectly, damage may result when

Metal Can Device Plastic Device Tab-cooled Device

Flat Side

Proper IC positioning is indicated by a dot or square

8 7 6 5

LED

Metal Tab

Installation

Key

1 2 3 4

Pin Numbers

Installation

Key

PARTS LIST

The parts list for your kit is presented in two parts. First, you'll identify and inventory the generic par ts--those items common to all VEC QPR transceiver

VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual

kits regardle ss of band. Then you'll i nventory a bag which contains frequencycritical parts that determine the specific band of operation.

If any parts are missing or damaged, refer to the manual's warranty section for replacement instructions. If you can't positively identify an unfamiliar item on the basis of the information given, set it aside until all other items are checked off. You may then be able to identify it by process of elimination. Finally, your kit will go together more smoothly if parts are organized by type and arranged by value ahead of time. Use this inventory as an opportunity to sort and arrange parts so you can identify and find them quickly during constructio n.

First, locate and identify the generic parts bags. These items are common to all four models of the VEC QRP-CW Transmitter Kit:

Capacitors:

Qty Part Description Designation VEC P/N

7 .01 uF ceramic disc (103) C17,C19,C21,C22,

2 .05 uF ceramic disc (503) C6,C12 200-2500

5 .1 uF ceramic disc (104) C3,C8,C20,C30,C32 200-3100

3 1 uF electrolytic C4,C5,C11 270-4100-2

1 10 uF electrolytic C7 270-5100-1

2 100 uF electrolytic C9,C10 270-6100-1

1 12-100 pF trimcap C1 280-2100

1 multisection cap C16 281-4010

1 tuning shaft for C16 715-2520-

C26,C29,C31

200-2100

0500

Resistors:

Qty Part Description Designation VEC P/N

2 100 ohm (brown-black-brown) R7,R11 100-2100

1 270 ohm (red-violet-brown) R12 100-2270

1 470 ohm (yellow-violet-brown) R4 100-2470

2 1K ohm (brown-black-red) R3,R8 100-3100

2 3.3K ohm (orange-orange-red) R2,R10 100-3330

3 10K ohm (brown-black-orange) R5,R6,R14 100-4100

2 47K ohm (yellow-violet-orange) R9,R13 100-4470

1 1K ohm potentiometer R1 153-3100-1

Diodes:

Qty Part Description Designation VEC P/N

2 1N4148 silicon switching diode D1,D2 300-4148

1 1N4007 rectifier diode D3 300-4007

VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual

Semiconductors:

Qty Part Description Designation VEC P/N

1 2N3904 NPN transistor Q1 305-3904

1 PN2222 NPN transistor Q2 305-2222-1

1 2N3053 NPN transistor Q3 305-3055

1 2N3906 PNP transistor Q4 305-3906

1 SA602A IC U1 325-0602

1 LM386 IC U2 324-0386

Other:

Qty Part Description Designation VEC P/N

2 T50-2 toroid (½" OD red) T1,L4 403-1003

1 coaxial-type power jack J1 601-6021

1 RCA jack J2 600-0011

2 DPDT switch SW1,SW2 504-0022

1 6" length of hookup wire 871-2499-

1 24" length of #22 wire 870-3022R

1 TO-5 heat sink for Q3 750-0194

1 VEC-13xx Printed Circuit Board 861-1320

1 double-sided tape 781-6312

0600

Now, to complete the inventory, select the list below for the specific model of your kit--and check off those items:

VEC-1320K 20-Meter Parts Package:

Qty Part Description Designation VEC P/N

1 2.2 pF ceramic disc (2.2) C13 200-00022

1 22 pF multilayer (22 or 220) C15 200-0022

2 47 pF multilayer (47 or 470) C2,C18 220-0047

1 68 pF multilayer (68 or 680) C25 220-0068

3 220 pF multilayer (221) C14,C27,C28 220-0220

1 330 pF multilayer (331) C24 220-0330

1 470 pF multilayer (471) C23 220-0470

2 1.8 uH choke (brown-gray-gold) L2,L3 401-3180

1 3.3 uH choke (orange-orange-gold) L1 401-3330

1 14.060 MHz crystal Y1 414-06000

VEC-1330K 30-Meter Parts Package:

Qty Part Description Designation VEC P/N

1 3.3 pF ceramic disc (3.3) C13 200-00033-1

1 22 pF multilayer (22 or 220) C15 220-0022

2 47 pF multilayer (47 or 470) C2,C18 220-0047

1 100 pF multilayer (101) C25 220-0100

VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual

3 330 pF multilayer (331) C14,C27,C28 220-0330

1 470 pF multilayer (471) C23 220-0470

1 680 pF multilayer (681) C24 220-0680

2 2.2 uH choke (red-red-gold) L2,L3 401-3220

1 3.3 uH choke (orange-orange-gold) L1 401-3330

1 10.108 MHz crystal Y1 410-10800

VEC-1340K 40-Meter Parts Package:

Qty Part Description Designation VEC P/N

1 3.3 pF ceramic disc (3.3) C13 200-00033-1

2 47 pF multilayer (47 or 470) C2,C15 220-0047

2 100 pF multilayer (101) C18,C25 220-0100

1 270 pF multilayer (221) C14 220-0270

1 330 pF multilayer (331) C23 220-0330

2 470 pF multilayer (471) C27,C28 220-0470

1 1000 pF multilayer (1000) C24 220-1010

3 4.7 uH choke (yellow-violet-gold) L1,L2,L3 401-3470

1 7.040 MHz crystal Y1 405-04000

1 24" length of #24 wire 870-3024G

VEC-1380K 80-Meter Parts Package:

Qty Part Description Designation VEC P/N

1 4.7 pF ceramic disc (4.7) C13 200-00047-1

1 68 pF multilayer (68 or 680) C15 220-0068

1 100 pF multilayer (101) C18 220-0100

1 180 pF multilayer (181) C2 220-0180

2 470 pF multilayer (471) C23,C25 220-0470

4 820 pF multilayer (821) C14,C24,C27,C28 220-0820

3 10 uH choke (brown-black-black) L1,L2,L3 401-4100

1 3.5795 MHz crystal Y1 405-0107

1 24" length of #24 wire 870-3024G

Once again, if any parts are missing, consult the warranty page on the inside cover for specific replacement instructions. If your parts inventory is complete, you're ready to star t buil ding. Re member, o nce c onstr uctio n begins, you may no longer return your kit.

Many builders find it helpful to make a Xerox copy of the parts-placement diagram and the schematic diagram . These may then be posted in your work area for reference. A parts-placement layout is also printed on the circuit board to help you locate where to install each part.

PARTS PLACEMENT

VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual

STEP-BY-STEP ASSEMBLY

Your transceiver kit will be constructed in three stages. First, you'll install the smaller generic parts (resistors, capacitors, etc.) that are common to all four models. Next, you'll mount frequency-determining components--those parts that determine the specific band of operation for your particular kit. Finally, you'll complete the project by installing larger generic parts such as jacks and switches--things that might get in the way if installed first.

In these instructions, when you see the term install, this means to locate, identify, and insert the part into its mounting holes on the pc board. This includes prebending or straightening leads as needed so force is not required to seat the part. Once a component is mounted, bend each lead over to hold it in place. Use sharp side-cutters to clip off excess lead length before soldering. Make sure trimmed leads don't touch other pads and tracks, or a short circuit may result:

Good

The term solder means to solder the part's leads in place, and to inspect both (or all) solder connections for flaws or solder bridges. Nip off excess protruding leads with a sharp pair of side cutters.

Notice the directions use two sets of check boxes. Check one when a step is complete and use the other for double-checking your work before operation.

Stage 1

This kit contains 13 fixed-value 1/4 watt resistors. Begin construction by mounting these first, starting with the smallest value and moving to the largest. Before installing each one, carefully bend both leads to form right-angles, as shown below:

When installing resistors, save a few of the clipped-off lead ends--you'll need these for pc board jumpers later on.

: Small Generic Parts

Not Good

.4"

Find two (2) 100 ohm resistors (brown-black-brown).

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