K1EL WinKey User manual

WinKey USB SMT Assembly and Operation Guide - Version 1.5 12/26/2017 Pg 1
WinKey USB SMT Assembly Guide Version 1.5 12/26/2017
This document describes the assembly and testing of the K1EL Winkey USB Keyer Kit with a
version 01 SMT PCB. In this new design, surface mount components were used where ever
possible. These parts are pre-soldered to the PC board and tested at the factory. Assembly is
fairly simple and consists of soldering a few switches, connectors, and two wires. The builder
then performs final assembly and testing. Please read instructions before starting, there are
several steps that must be followed exactly as described.
WinKey SMT PCB Bill of Materials
QTY Ref Designator Value Description Package Chk
4 S1, S2, S3, S4 SPST Pushbutton Switch PC mount THS
3 Plastic Push Cap Pushbutton Cap Black Square OB
1 Plastic Push Cap Pushbutton Cap Red Square OB
1 J1 1/8 phone jack Connector Paddle Input THS
1 J3 4 way RCA Jack Connector Key/PTT Out THS
1 J6 USB connector Connector USB_B THS
1 SP1 Piezo Speaker Plastic Can THS
1 RX1 10K Potentiometer OB
1 KX1 Knob Speed pot knob OB
1 WK-USB SMT PCB Rev 01 PC Board Pre-assembled
2 WK_USB Enclosure Aluminum Box
1 Misc 3xAAA Battery holder OB
4 Screws 4-40 by ¼ inch Bare metal Attach PCB OB
4 Screws 4-40 by ¼ inch Black Enclosure OB
4 Rubber Feet Push in type OB
1 Piece Velcro Tape Adhesive OB
OB = Off Board, THS = Through hole soldered by builder

WinKey USB SMT Assembly and Operation Guide - Version 1.5 12/26/2017 Pg 2
Kit Assembly
1) All of the surface mount components are pre assembled and tested so all that remains for
the builder to do is add several connectors, pushbuttons, and a mini speaker. Then the
battery holder and speed pot are wired to the board followed by enclosure assembly.
2) Even though the WKUSB PCB has a solder mask, it’s easy to inadvertently bridge two
pads together. Please solder carefully, most kits returned for repair have soldering errors.
Figure 1 – WKUSB PCB as shipped with kit

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3) Install the paddle connector J1, make sure it sits flat on the PCB and that the front of the
connector is lined up with the front edge of the PC board. Be sure to hold it in place while
you solder.
4) Install the USB connector J6. Bend over the holding tabs and make sure it is flush to the
board before soldering. It helps to tack solder one of the tabs first to hold it in place. The
signal pins on this connector are very easy to bridge together if you use too much solder.
5) Install and solder piezo speaker SP1, observe polarity and align speaker + to silkscreen +
There are four holes, two pairs with different spacing. Rotate the speaker to find the pair
that fits. Peel off the protective film covering the top of the speaker.
Figure 2 – J1, J6, and SP1 installed

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6) Now install four pushbutton switches on the !! BOTTOM !! side of the PC board as
shown in figure 3. Make sure the switches are flush to bottom of the board before
soldering from the top of the board. After soldering, attach the square push-button caps,
with red on S1, which is on the left when the phono jacks face away from you, switches
facing up. Press firmly until they snap in place, just a small amount of force is required.
SWITCHES MOUNT ON THE BACK OF THE PCB !!!
Figure 3 – Pushbutton switches installed correctly
7) Now install the four-way RCA phono jack block at J3. Don’t solder the pins yet !! We have
had several reports of problems with this connector. It is very easy to install the connector
hastily and have one or more of its pins bend under and not make it through the PC
board. Here is a bottom view of such a connector showing five pins soldered and one not
because the pin did not go through the board. Don’t let this happen, it is very difficult to
recover from this mistake.
Figure 4 – Watch out !! Bent pin on RCA connector block

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Make sure the connector is fully seated on the board so that it cannot flex back and forth
after soldering. No go ahead and solder the pins. We recommend placing a small dab of
super glue or epoxy at the places shown below. This will greatly improve the stability of
the connector. Don’t forget to trim the connector leads after soldering.
Figure 5 – Put a dab of glue here
Figure 6 – And a dab of glue here