[Elecraft] K2 Options, Soldering Station

[Tom Hammond NØSS]

Jason:

>I was thinking about purchasing the Circuit Specialists soldering station
>for the price (I am currently saving up for a K2, so saving some money
>helps).  Does it come with the extra tips?  If not, which one should I
>get to build the K2?  If you have this station, please let me know what
>you think off list...

It doesn't 'come' with extra tips, but they are available for <$5 each.

A young local ham just bought one (a couple days ago) and was told that a 
number of the available tips are currently backordered, but should be 
available shortly. They sent him those they had in stock, and said they'd 
ship the remaining tips as soon as received.

I think I'd suggest the following:

   976-T-3D   3.0mm (.118") chisel/screwdriver tip
   976-T-BC   1.0mm (.039") chisel/screwdriver tip
   976-T-D    0.5mm (.029") chisel/screwdriver tip

And possibly...

   976-T-3D   0.3mm (.012") chisel/screwdriver tip

But this is probably only going to be really useful for SMT component 
mounting AND for helping to clean out plated-thru holes filled with solder. 
Which isn't all that bad a use for it, to be truthful.

>Also, I was thinking of getting the SSB and 160Meter option boards before
>I get my K2 to get me started.  Do I need to have the K2 in order to
>build them properly?  It's the impatient ham in me :)  This way, I can
>get some practice in...

Nope... they're all separate. And, then, you can install the 
option-specific components AS you build the K2.

>BTW... It seems that Outlook Express 6 seems to "attach" your text even
>when you turn off HTML Formatting.  This email has bounced a couple of
>times.  I hope that using Pine in Linux works this time ;-)

Then there's something ELSE that's either set wrong, or being done wrong. 
We have MANY users who are using OE6 with no problems.