[Elecraft] Option and building

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

> While building most of the options first may be an OK thing to do - other
> than they cannot be fully tested until the basic K2 is complete, and I
> personally don't recommend it, I would caution anyone contemplating
building
> the SSB module before the basic K2.
> Why you ask? - IMHO, the SSB option is the most compact option for the
K2 -
> the board space is very cramped and requires careful soldering in tight
> places - making the K2 a good practice kit for the SSB module <G>.
> Don Wilhelm  - Wake Forest, NC   W3FPR

I did not find the module manuals up anywhere near the same level of
instruction detail for the builder as the basic K2 manual either. They are
okay, but if someone is having their first crack at a complex kit building
job, the basic K2 is a far better "first step" than any of the modules due
to the better documentation and as Don says, more room on the PCB!

Also, the basic K2 book has you run some checks just about the time one is
absolutely certain he/she must have made a mistake that is going to keep the
thing from working. You run the resistance tests or you actually power the
partially-complete K2 up and run checks of the circuits built so far. It is
a GREAT reinforcement to see things work "as advertised".

If you build the modules first, you have NO way to tell if you did it right
until you have completely assembled and tested the K2!

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289