[Elecraft] New Rev B K2

[k6se@juno.com]

W5YR wrote:

"Is the soldering quality not the same?"
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I'm sure that anyone inspecting the soldering quality would say that it's
impeccable, including the mods.
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"Are the added parts not placed and aligned with the same eye to
neatness?"
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Placed exactly as the photos included with the mod instruction show"
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"What changes the "appearance" of the rig when parts are replaced and
perhaps a few parts are added?  Especially when they are concealed
underneath the boards such that they do not show when the covers are
removed for "viewing" - i.e., showing off the innards to visiting
firemen."
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I get together with a bunch of local hams each morning at a local
restaurant for coffee.  After I completed my K2, I brought it with me to
show it off.  I took off the covers to proudly display my workmanship. 
This was before I did any of the mods.

Now, as soon as the bottom cover is off, the first thing the eye focuses
on is that small group of components that is obviously out of place (the
2nd xtal filter mod).  With the top cover off, some of the wire jumpers
which are part of the other mods can be seen.

IMHO, these mods detract from the impeccable appearance of my
workmanship.  Also, I feel that if I show the radio off to my friends
that I shouldn't have to explain to them that the out-of-place-looking
components are mods to make the radio play better, because some of them
that may have been considering the purchase of an Elecratft kit and might
have second thoughts when they see these "necessary" mods.
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"I don't know about you, but I manage to make mods that appear to be of
the same construction quality as the original work. Takes a little extra
time and effort, but worth it to me.

"If modifying the K2 amounted to just tossing in a collection of junky
point-to-point wiring of components, then I could understand the
problem."
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I resent this implication that my workmanship on performing the mods is
not as good as my workmanship in building the kit.
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"What am I missing about this?"
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I guess what you're missing is the fact that all individuals do not think
like W5YR does.

I'll say it again -- To each his own.

It's amazing that there's so much commentary (both pro and con) because I
expressed my opinion about mods and what I feel they do when you want to
show off your workmanship to friends.

To each his own!

73, de Earl, K6SE