[Elecraft] Problems related to basic construction techniques:

[Francis Belliveau]

Bruce,

You have seen a number of very good answers.  I have a few things to say in
addition.

1.  Do not let the volume of email lead you to believe that building this
kit is fraught with problems.  It is not.  A majority of them have to do
with expectations and desires to improve the finished product.  The K2 is a
fine radio but with thousands of users come thousands of differing opinions.

2.  I have not done a true demographic analysis, but from memory I would say
that construction problems and 'it stopped working right' problems are by
far in the minority.

3.  The two most important pieces of advice you have gotten so far I will
repeat: Take your time, and use proper tools.  Soldering iron, well pointed
cutters and magnification are very important.

4.  With regard to take your time I have more gut feel demographics for you.
    a.  By far the most often source of "It doesn't work" and yes "It
stopped working" seems to have been a connection that never gor soldered at
all.  This is definately prevented by tasking your time, being meticulous
and not working when tired.

    b.  Next on the list is poorly tinned toroid leads.  This is the source
of some hard to troubleshoot problems.  Youy can ask for more advice on this
topic or order the completed set from the toroid guy.

    c.  Last there is email from the confused.  This one may belong higher
on the list.  I myself have been in that category (twice this month I
believe).  Again you cannot write anything perfectly for thousands from
differing backgrounds to understand perfectly.  When you find something that
you are not sure you understand just ask here.

        Now for the confusion question that I think comes up most often.  A
various points during the construction you will be asked to measure the
resistance between a number of points.  This is done to help detect many of
the wrong assembly problems.  You will be measuring circuit paths with
active components.  To measure resistance you apply voltage and not all
meters apply the same voltage.  Add to that the purposfull existance of
capacitors and auto-ranging meters usually get confused.  I was confused by
this also.  In my case, and I think most, the correct thing to do is to set
the meter on the lowest range that will provide the answer and close is good
enough.

Well that's another long answer to add to your collection.  Download the
manual and read ahead while waiting.  You will see that it is very clear and
well done.  Some things will be clearer when you can see the components and
others will be less but I think that we all expect you to enjoy the building
experience.

As for practice, I put my noise blanker together first because if I ruined
the board I could afford to do without or replace it.

73,
Fran, KA4FRH
K2 s/n 314