[Elecraft] re Building a K2

[Ron D' Eau Claire]

Bob, AA4PB, wrote:

> I believe the key to building the K2 without errors is to take your
> time and enjoy the process. Start by inventorying, sorting, and
> labeling parts. Check and re-check each part before you solder it in
> place. Read and re-read each instruction. Don't work when you are
> tired or blurry eyed...

Absolutely true. My K2 went together without needing any rework. It was
assembled over about a month during which I spent a couple of hours most
evenings sitting at a temporary workspot in the living room and chatting
with my wife, sometimes watching TV and just enjoying the process. (I have
the luxury of no kids or other animals around to get into things).

But my procedure is methodical (some have said it is maniacal):

Read the instruction.

Find the part and identify it.

Place part on board.

Check the instruction again.

Check the part again (it's amazing how parts will transform themselves into
a different part or a different value between step 2 and this step).

Check the placement of the part again (it's equally amazing how parts will
move from one place to another on the board all by themselves).

Solder the part in place (I solder each part separately.)

Carefully check the quality of the solder joints.

Check off the step in the manual.

Next step...

Some folks consider the process absurdly methodical, but it produced a
working K2 after a number of relaxed evenings. That was my goal...

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289