[Elecraft] Builder

[James Hammons]

> I want to buy a K2100DSP but not confident in my building skills.<

I am sure there are many valid reasons for having a K2 built, however
I think anyone who is physically able to construct a kit should
consider the pride you will derive from knowing " I built it myself ".
If you have any kids who show any interest it would be great to build
it  together.

You could order the noise blanker or the 160 meter option and build it
first.  they are small and you will find out that you can do it, in
almost every case.  I know there is much talk about fancy desoldering
equipment and such on the board, the fact is all you need is a
temperature controlled solder station and some quality solder.  you
need a small pair of flush cutting diagonal cutters. a small pair of
tong nose pliers and a magnifier. If you have old tired eyes get a
powerful pair of generic reading glasses from the drugstore.  A
kitchen table covered with newspaper will serve as a workspace. Two
piles of books will hold the board up nearly as well as a fancy
Panavise. You will have to remove parts at some time for that you will
need a roll of high quality solderwick.  A small cheap pocket size
multimeter will be a great investment and will be useful even if you
decided to get something fancy in the future.

If you ask around at a Club meeting or in QSO with local hams I would
bet you can find someone who is interested enough that they would like
to help you get started and perhaps loan you the tools.

There is always the possibility that you might have problems. You
always have lots of support and don't forget Elecraft is there to fix
it if you can't.  I have learned a few things over building many kits
over the years.

Triple check your work.  Do a few steps and then go back over the work
you did, check the markings on the parts and your workmanship with the
magnifier, as you go through each step again put a second check mark
by the instruction. Then do it again. Be sure you examine the solder
on both sides of the board. Try to use as little solder as you can.
Your solder joints should be concave not rounded blobs.  If you make a
rounded blob remove the excess with the solder wick. This will insure
you don't make a hard to find mistake and though it takes time It will
insure you have a first class kit when you finish.  Take your time and
enjoy it. If you don't understand anything ask here or call Elecraft.=20

I know Elecraft does not recommend it but I would use the low residue
solder a source is www.morsex.com Its not a X rated site but dedicated
to morse code, I think, hi hi. The low residue makes it much easier to
see your work.  Also Elecraft doesn't recommend it but pure 100%
alcohol, not the stuff from the drugstore, but the stuff sold to clean
tape heads, or Pure grain alcohol from the liquor store. and a old
toothbrush will clean off the flux and I have never found any
electronic part it would harm. Use very sparingly and only do the
bottom of the boards.

James AI4CQ =20