[Elecraft] 1st Time Kit building

Tue Jul 23 13:29:00 2002

   Hello Simon,
I just finished K2/100 #2737 and all the trimmings, I also assumed that I
needed to build something else first so a few months before I got the k2, I
built the k1. The K1 is not easier to build, just fewer parts. I would just
build one of the inexpensive options for the k2 like the noise blanker,
160RX,  the AF/RTC or ATU  but not the SSB option (it is very dense with
components).   The best advice I can give you is: before you start, take a
look at the soldering tutorial on the Elecraft website and purchace or
borrow the following items. For about $200 you can outfit yourself with all
the special tools needed to tackle any kit for a long time. Having the
correct tools for the job will be just as valuable as any ammount of
soldering experience.

1) Magnifying lamp ($15)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F005%5F012%5F000&product%5Fid=910%2D4944
2) Variable output soldering station ($120) (recomended but not required,
you can get a good 750 degree f Iron for under $30, use a small ~2mm flat
tip) 
http://www.jensentools.com/product/group.asp?parent_id=52065
3) Wire strippers ($8)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F005%5F009%5F000&product%5Fid=64%2D1922
4) Flush cutting nippers ($4)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F005%5F009%5F000&product%5Fid=64%2D18335
5) Round nose pliars for lead forming ($3)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F005%5F009%5F000&product%5Fid=910%2D3713
6) Silver bearing solder (recomended by Elecraft. Clean, looks good but hard
to desolder so be careful) (get 2 rolls just in case ($4)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F006%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=64%2D013
7) Desoldering tool ($7)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F006%5F003%5F000&product%5Fid=64%2D2098
8) Anti static wrist strap ($10)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F005%5F019%5F000&product%5Fid=910%2D3772
9) Precision hobby knife ($4)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F005%5F016%5F000&product%5Fid=64%2D1804
10) Needle nose pliars ($7)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F005%5F009%5F000&product%5Fid=910%2D3730
11) Digital Multimeter ($20)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F008%5F002%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=22%2D810
12) Soldering flux (use sparingly and only on hard to solder surfaces like
when grounding crystal housings or coax connectors) ($3)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT
LG%5F005%5F006%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=64%2D021
13)" TORCH" TYPE butane cigarette lighter and fine grit sand paper for
striping enamel wire. There are several ways to do this but this method
works best for me.

I hope this helps out and good luck with your K2, Take your time and double
check everything before soldering. I also have two kids 5yrs +4months. It
will be hard but try
to find time to work on the kit when and where you won't be distracted. I
worked a couple of hours each night out in the shack. 

73 and hope to hear you on the air
-Larry AE6CP

Larry Hagood
AIT Retrofit Engineer
Wafer Inspection Group
K
Phone: 925-245-8643
Pager:  1-877-205-9042 
e-Page: [email protected]
[email protected]