7
Two different crystals,
X1A
and
X1B
, are supplied for the highest-frequency band, which can be
either 15 or 17 meters (21.0 or 18.05 MHz, respectively)
2
. Identify the desired crystal using the table
below, and store the unneeded crystal.
(X1 will be installed in the next step.)
Band Crystal
15 meters
X1A (29.000 MHz)
17 meters
X1B (26.050 MHz)
Install the four crystals at X1-X4, but do not solder yet (crystal locations are shown in Figure 2). Be
sure to use the correct crystals at X1 and X3 based on your selections in the two previous steps. Orient the
crystals so that the marked frequencies can be read on all four. Bend the leads to hold them in place.
Figure 2
Re-check the crystal frequencies, then solder and trim the leads.
Cut four 1/2" (12 mm) bare wires. Solid hookup wire or discarded component leads can be used.
Referring to Figure 2, insert bare wires into the grounding holes provided near each crystal. Fold each
wire over the top of the crystal and solder it on top. Keep soldering time below 5 seconds at a time; if it
takes longer, your iron may not be hot enough, or your iron tip may not be making good contact with the
crystal can. Solder and trim the wires on the bottom of the board.
2
Both bands are excellent choices for QRP operation. 15 meters is a low-noise, long-haul DX band with a
large CW segment, and is popular during contests, including Field Day. 17 meters is also excellent for DX
work, although it has a smaller CW segment. Like the other WARC bands (30 and 12 m), 17 m cannot be
used during contests.
