[Elecraft] K2 #2862 is Alive

[Bill Magruder]

Hi

Lots of torrids to wind during Part III of the assembly process but I made
it through and the alignment was straight forward, got power output on all
bands.  So it appears #2862 is alive and I don't have to do any trouble
shooting :)

I received the kit on September 20 and got it working on October 25 so from
my kit building skill level (or lack thereof) a month worth of spare time is
a reasonable estimate to get the kit up and running.

What is the hardest thing about building the kit?  Staying focused and
paying attention to details.  I made serveral goofs when my mind wondered
after working to long on it.  One example is Torrid Transformer T1.  I was
going to get everything soldered that night.  I carefully checked the parts.
I had 3 torrid cores left, one 1/2" diameter and two 3/8" diameter.  OK,
that appears to be correct.  I look at the manual, wind two windings on T1.
OK, I grab the 1/2" core and start winding.  I insert T1.  Boy that seems to
be a tight fit, but I continue and solder it in.  Done with T1.  Next step,
"wind T2 using the same size core as T1".  Whoops I don't have another 1/2"
diameter core only two 3/8" cores, whats wrong.  Well I had to pull T1,
rewind it on the correct size core and continue on.  A half hour or more of
time was wasted when I didn't pay attention to details.

Thanks for all the help on building #2862.  So now I have a CW radio that
seems to be working, but I have make a choice before I get it on the air, 1)
buy a paddle or key and learn morse code again, or 2) Start soldering on the
SSB option.

I think I'll pick option 2 and start solding on the SSB board.

Thanks
Bill
KD7KST