Vectronics VEC-1330K, VEC-1340K, VEC-1380K Owner's 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 inst all ing a nd s olderi ng p ar ts, you essent ial ly ta ke over the r ole of t he device's
manufacturer. From this poi nt on, neither Vectroni cs nor its dealer s can reasona bly be held
accountable f or the quality 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 i nexperienced kit buil der, we urge you to read the manual
carefully and det ermine whet her or not you're ready to ta ke on the j ob. If you wis h to change
your mind and return your kit, you may--but you must do i t before you begi n c onst r uct i 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-c onstruction inventory, that any par t is
missing, pleas e contact Vectronics and we'll send the missing item to you free of charge.
However, before you contact Vec troni cs, please look carefully to confi r 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 r e ra r e. However, i f you disc over a n it em during your p r e-c ons t ruc t ion
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 defecti ve and appears 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 t he terms of this warra nty. 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 track.
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, technic ians are avai lab le to evalua te and rep air ma lfunct ioning ki ts 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 fix (or $36.00, subject to change), our technicians will contact you in
advance by telephone bef ore perf orming the work . Defect ive units s hould be shi pped p repai d
to:
Vectronics
300 Industrial Park 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 retur n address and a day time phone number where you may be reached.
VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual
1
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:
Kit construction requires a clean, smooth, and well-lighted
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:
Although your particular kit may require
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 Ir on Holder with Moist Cle aning 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
VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual
2
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:
It always pays to double-check each step. A 1K
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:
Always check the polarity of electrolytic
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:
Inspect for cold-solder joints and solder
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:
This is easier to do than you might think!
Always double-check to make sure you completed each step in an assembly
sequence.
Soldering Tips:
Cleanliness and good heat distribution are the two secrets of
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
VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual
3
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:
If you make a mistake and need to remove a part, follow
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 oa rd with pl ate -thr ough ho le s. Sho uld t his hap p en, tr y heati ng 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:
Kit construction requires the ability to follow detailed
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:
The electrical value of resistors is indicated by
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:
1st Digit
2nd Digit
Multiplier
Tolerence
Black = 0 (tens)
Brown = 1 (hundreds)
Red = 2 (K)
Orange = 3 (10K)
Yellow = 4 (100K)
Green = 5 (1Meg)
Blue = 6
Violet = 7
Gray = 8
White = 9
Silver = 10%
Gold = 5%
Resistor Color Code
(gold or silver)
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
4
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 ba nd 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:
Unlike resistors, capacitors no longer use a color code for
value identification. Instead, the value, or a 3-number code, is printed on the
body.
Multilayer
271
(270 pF)
Ceramic Discs
|
|
1uF
35V
+
-
104
E
l
ectrolytic
1 uF
10 pF = 100
100 pF = 101
1000 pF = 102
.001 uF = 102*
.01 uF = 103
.1 uF = 104
Value Code
102
(.001 uF) (.1 uF)
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:
Diodes are also polarized devices that must be installed correctly.
Always look for the banded or cathode end when installing, and follow
instructions carefully.
VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual
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Cathode
Diode
LED
(shorter Lead)
Transistors:
If transistors are installed incorrectly, damage may result when
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
Flat Side
Metal Tab
Metal Can Device Plastic Device Tab-cooled Device
Integrated Circuits:
Proper IC positioning is indicated by a dot or square
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:
1 2 3 4
8 7 6 5
Installation
Key
Key
Installation
Pin Numbers
PARTS LIST
The parts list for your kit is presented in two parts. First, you'll identify and
inventory the generic part s--those i tems common to all VEC QPR transceiver
VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual
6
kits regardless of b and. Then you'll invento ry a bag which contains frequency-
critical 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 ident i fy and find them quickly during construction.
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,
C26,C29,C31
200-2100
!
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-
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
7
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-
0600
!
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
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
8
!
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 start bui lding. Remember, once constr uctio n be gins, 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
10
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
Not 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
: Small Generic Parts
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:
.4"
When installing resistors, save a few of the clipped-off lead ends--you'll need
these for pc board jumpers later on.
Find two (2) 100 ohm resistors (brown-black-brown).
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