[Elecraft] Builder

Wed Dec 3 17:50:01 2003

Hi

I agree with all of this except - one or two of the Elecraft micro kits =
or the OHR WM2 QRP watt meter would be a better choice for for the first =
kit to learn on. Building the 160 or noise blanker would let you get the =
experience of soldering but they will not work until the K2 is built so =
you would not know if you built it right because you could not test =
them.=20

One of the major design features of the Elecraft radios is the build and =
test each section so the builder gets the satisfaction and feedback of a =
working unit, reinforcing the skills. You will need a Dummy Load to test =
and align the K1/2/X1 and a Noise Generator to align the K2 so why not =
build them first so you will have them when needed. The Elecraft dummy =
load has a built in RF probe so the power out can be measured with a DVM =
and the conversion chart in the manual. The micro kits are inexpensive =
and easy to build.=20

The WM2 is a little more complex but not by much. It has two torroids to =
wind and some IC's to install so it is good experience in that area and =
it is a very nice piece of test equipment. You will still need a dummy =
load to use with the WM2 so the Elecraft dummy load kit will be useful =
with it also. You will also need two PL239 to female BNC adapters and =
the BNC male to BNC male adapter from Elecraft and a BNC to BNC 50 ohm =
coax cable to connect everything up.

If you are going to build the K2/100 then you may want to build the OHR =
100 watt dummy load. This load has 20 5 watt resistors in a small metal =
box and is also easy to build. This dummy load can be easily modified to =
work with the WM2 to indicate 0-100 watts on the 0-1 watt scale on the =
WM2.

If you are a little more confident with your skills and willing to spend =
a little more money then I would recommend building a KX1 as a warm up =
for a K2. I found the KX1 easy and quick to build even though some of =
the parts are a little bit of a tight fit. The manual is so good it made =
it easy to build even for a novice builder. You should be able to build =
a KX1 in 10 to 20 hours and it is a really cool radio. I found the KX1 =
easier to build than the K1 and that is why I would recommend it over =
the K1 for a first timer.

Don Brown
KD5NDB

13 K2's
3 K1's
1 KX1
1 XV50
2 XV144
6 KPA100's
3 KAT100's
1 KRC2
all of the micro kits
all of the options many times

  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: James Hammons=20
  To: [email protected]=20
  Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2003 2:48 PM
  Subject: [Elecraft] Builder

  > 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. =20

  SNIP

  James AI4CQ =20

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