[Elecraft] New Ham & First Time Builder

[Don Wilhelm]

Dan,

I agree completely with Bob - the parts go in one at a time, just don't put
more in at one time than you can handle.

In my opinion, the K2 is actually easier to build than the K1.  While there
are fewer parts in the K1, there are many places where the soldering space
is tighter than for the K2 (even though the SSB option for the K2 is REALLY
tight - so don't try that option until you get some experience).

While I am on the subject - by all means use a slender soldering tip for any
of the modern kits - I prefer a 1/16 inch chisel tip because the flat
surface provides better heat transfer to the joint and minimizes the dwell
time necessary to complete the soldering than a conical tip would do.  And
by the way, a hotter tip temperature should mean quicker soldering joints.
The way to fry components is to heat them for a long time - strive for a
soldering time of 2 to 3 seconds - if it takes longer, the usual reason is
that the tip is not hot enough.  I use a tip temperature between 700 and 800
degrees F with larger pads and component leads needing the higher
temperatures.

Just take your time and you can do it.

73,
Don W3FPR

----- Original Message -----
> To paraphrase former president Franklin Roosevelt, the only thing you have
> to fear is fear itself.
>
> Yes, the K2 is a radio with a lot of parts, but that's all they are, just
> parts.  You put them on a board one at a time.  You check the directions
and
> the description of the part, and go on.
>