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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 installing and soldering parts, you essentially take over the role of the device's
manufacturer. From this point on, neither Vectronics nor its dealers can reasonably be held
accountable for 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 inexperienced kit builder, we urge you to read the manual
carefully and determine whether or not you're ready to take on the job. If you wish to change
your mind and return your kit, you may--but you must do it before you begin construction, and
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 Vectronics, please look carefully to confirm you haven't misread
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 are rare. However, if you discover an item during your pre-construction
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 defective and appears unused, we'll ship you a new one right away at no charge.
Missing or Defective Parts After You Begin Assembly:
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 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, technicians are available to evaluate and repair malfunctioning 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 fix (or $36.00, subject to change), our technicians will contact you in
advance by telephone before performing the work. Defective units should be shipped prepaid
to:
Vectronics
300 Industrial Park Road
Starkville, MS 39759
Parts and materials lost or

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Summary of Contents for Vectronics VEC-1320K

  • Page 1 From this point on, neither Vectronics nor its dealers can reasonably be held accountable for 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.
  • Page 2 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 and a day time phone number where you may be reached.
  • Page 3: Tools And Supplies

    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.
  • Page 4 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...
  • Page 5: Resistor Color Code

    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.
  • Page 6 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.
  • Page 7: Parts List

    VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual Cathode (shorter Lead) Diode 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.
  • Page 8 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual kits regardless of band. Then you'll inventory 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.
  • Page 9 861-1320 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 2.2 pF ceramic disc (2.2)
  • Page 10 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual 330 pF multilayer (331) C14,C27,C28 220-0330 470 pF multilayer (471) 220-0470 680 pF multilayer (681) 220-0680 2.2 uH choke (red-red-gold) L2,L3 401-3220 3.3 uH choke (orange-orange-gold) 401-3330 10.108 MHz crystal 410-10800 VEC-1340K 40-Meter Parts Package: # Qty...
  • Page 12 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.
  • Page 13 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual ! ! 1." Install a 100 ohm resistor at R7 and solder. ! ! 2." Install a 100 ohm resistor at R11 and solder. ! ! 3." Find the 270 ohm resistor (red-violet-brown). Install at R12 and solder.
  • Page 14 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual ! ! 20." Install .01 uF at C31 and solder. Locate two (2) .05 uF disc ceramic capacitors (marked 503). ! ! 21." Install .05 uF at C6 and solder. ! ! 22." Install .05 uF at C12 and solder.
  • Page 15 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual to installation, as shown below. The approximate distance between mounting holes is given for each to help you pre-form them. When installed, each jumper should lay flat against the PC board. discarded lead end span ! ! 34." Form a .275" jumper and install at JMP1.
  • Page 16 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual Locate two (2) 1N4148 diodes. The 1N4148 has a small glass body with a black band at one end. When installing, position this band to correspond with the marking on the pc board. ! ! 43." Install a 1N4148 at D1, observing the position of the band. Solder.
  • Page 17 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual This concludes the first phase of construction (small generic parts). Next, you'll install frequency-determining components. However, before you start, this might be a good time to take a well-deserved break! Be sure to check transistor and diode positioning and polarity before moving on.
  • Page 18 VEC-1320K 20-Meter Transceiver Kit ! ! 1." Find the 2.2 pF disc ceramic capacitor (2.2). Install at C13 and solder. ! ! 2." Find the 22 pF multilayer cap (marked 22 or 220). Install at C15 and solder.
  • Page 19 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual Locate two (2) 1.8 uH chokes (brown-gray-gold-silver or gold). ! ! 11." Install a 1.8 uH at L2 and solder. ! ! 12." Install a 1.8 uH at L3 and solder. ! ! 13. Find the 3.3 uH (orange-orange-gold-silver or gold). Install at L1 and solder.
  • Page 20 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual This completes stage 2 construction of the VEC-1320K 20-meter kit. After checking for errors, you may now move on to the final stage of construction. VEC-1330K 30-Meter Transceiver Kit ! ! 1. Find the 3.3 pF disc ceramic capacitor (3.3). Install at C13 and solder.
  • Page 21 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual Install at T1, laying flat--as shown below. Save unused portion of insulated wire--you will need 4" of insulated wire later. Primary Link ! ! 17. Solder T1 in place. ! ! 18. Wind 12 turns of #22 enameled wire on a T50-2 toroid form. Spread windings for 80% coverage, and install at L4 in an upright position.
  • Page 22 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual Locate two (2) 470 pF multilayer capacitors (471). ! ! 8. Install a 470 pF at C27 and solder. ! ! 9. Install a 470 pF at C28 and solder. ! ! 10. Find the 1000 pF (or .001 uF) multilayer capacitor (102). Install at C24 and solder.
  • Page 23 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual ! ! 19. Solder L4 in place. ! ! 20. Locate the 7.040 MHz crystal (metal can, two wire leads). Install at Y1 and solder. This completes stage 2 construction of the VEC-1340 40-meter kit. After checking for errors, you may now move on to the final stage of construction.
  • Page 24 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual ! ! 16. Wind a three-turn secondary link of hook-up wire over the center portion of the primary winding (two turns passing through the center). Install at T1, laying flat--as shown below. Save unused portion of insulated wire--you will need 4" of insulated wire later.
  • Page 25 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual ! ! 2. Install a DPDT switch at SW2 and solder in place. ! ! 3. Locate the 100 pF trimcap. Install at C1 and solder. ! ! 4. Locate the RCA pc mounted jack. Install at J2 and solder all tabs in place.
  • Page 26 ! ! 16. Identify the free end of the "key" hook-up wire. Connect to the center- connection terminal of one 1/4" jack. ! ! 17. Identify the free end of the "speaker" hook-up wire. Connect to the center-connection terminal of the other 1/4" jack. Congratulations--this concludes construction your Vectronics QRP transceiver.
  • Page 27: Testing And Alignment

    VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual You deserve a well-earned break! When you come back, give your work a thorough "QC" quality-control check before moving on to the testing and alignment section. TESTING AND ALIGNMENT PC Board Inspection: Before applying power to your kit, give it a thorough QC (quality control) inspection.
  • Page 28 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual ! Finally, check the electrolytic capacitor and diodes for correct polarity. Does the plus (+) polarity symbol on the part agree with the pictorial and with the pattern on the PC board? How about the diode bands? Were Q1- Q4 all installed correctly? Are the ICs installed the right way? Be sure to correct all errors before moving on.
  • Page 29: Dc Power Supply

    VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual 4. Power Supply: Use any well-regulated 12-14 volt 500-mA DC (or 0.5 A) power source. Avoid using poorly-regulated or inadequately-filtered 12-volt wall-adapters. These can generate ripple on the CW note, and may even damage your kit if the unloaded output exceeds 15 volts. A fully-charged 12- volt battery is also a suitable power source, although transmitter output may be reduced slightly (RF output is specified at 13.8 volts).
  • Page 30 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual To test your transceiver, set up as shown in the following diagram. Make sure the pc board is on a clean non-metallic surface free of lead-clippings, hardware, and other conductive debris that could get underneath and cause a short circuit.
  • Page 31 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual 6. Press the key. The power meter (or LED) should indicate output of 1 watt or more. 7. Release the key--the output power should drop to zero. If you have a station receiver available, tune it to the transceiver's operating frequency.
  • Page 32 Also, it may be possible to lower the sounder's pitch by partially covering the sounder hole with masking tape. VEC-1300KC Enclosure: Vectronics makes a custom enclosure especially drilled, punched, and labeled for your kit. If you purchased the VEC-1300KC, now is a good time to install it.
  • Page 33 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual 8. Key Jack: 1/4" jack accepts manual keys and most electronic keyers. Antennas: QRP operation requires a good antenna, but you don't need stacked beams at 100' to get the job done! Most QRP enthusiasts use modest wire antennas that have been carefully installed and tuned for minimum VSWR.
  • Page 34: In Case Of Difficulty

    VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual may simply have poor transmitting antennas! You'll soon discover world-wide QRP contacts are routine. A growing legion of CW operators have QRP-DXCC certificates hanging on the wall to prove it! IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY Your VEC QRP-CW Transceiver has been thoroughly field-tested and is known to be reliable and "forgiving"...
  • Page 35 If, despite your best effort, you cannot solve a problem with your radio, kit repair services are available through Vectronics. See the warranty on the inside front cover for complete instructions.
  • Page 36 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual forces a frequency shift for CW offset. D1 and D2 isolate Q1's +T and +R voltage sources. The RF input and AF output ports of unidyne detector U1 are configured for differential-mode to enhance common-mode noise rejection and provided highest gain.
  • Page 38 VEC-1320K/1330K/1340K/1380K Owner's Manual ENCLOSURE To install your transceiver in the VEC-1300KC matching enclosure follow these instructions (read all instructions before beginning ... take your time): 1. Find the front panel decal and rear panel decal; separate using scissors. Be sure to leave excess decal material around the edges.

This manual is also suitable for:

Vec-1330kVec-1340kVec-1380k