[Elecraft] for the ham considering building a K2 now

[Steve Jackson]

I read a few comments about building a K2 and just had to throw in a few
additional observations (some of these I've posted before, back in the Days
Of Nils).  All the comments made so far were great.  I'd add these three:

1.  The K2 isn't a 'new' radio anymore, even though some folks are just now
finding out about them.  I built mine in December 1999, and I wasn't
anywhere near an early builder.  The K2 is so well-proven now, that it is
right there with the most venerable kits of all time, besting even Heath's
HW-series.  (That's no faint compliment.)  And, there are now THOUSANDS of
these things out there!  Even for the relatively novice builder, the K2 has
a solid track record, well-earned; your risk is exceedingly low.  This is in
addition to the fact that the K2 RX boasts specs rivaling radios that cost
2-3 times as much.  I can attest to this ... I have been licensed and active
for 24 years, have spent well into 5-figures on gear in that time, and my K2
is the best performing radio I have ever used, no exceptions.  I also have a
K1, for those times when I decide to get very portable... but the K2 goes
easily ... my K2 has been to Hawaii, Newfoundland, British Columbia, and
Puerto Rico.

2.  It's rarely mentioned, but, a key element in the successful build for
many people is a dedicated area in which to work.  To me this is as
important as having good tools ... well, almost; you'll pry my 26 year old
Weller WTCPL out of my cold, dead fingers.  Since building time can easily
be two or three weeks at a pace of 1-2 hours per session, the radio's
construction is best done in an area where the process can be left without
being disturbed.   I am a veteran builder since age 10 and I did nearly a
non-stop K2 building-marathon of 38 hours! and it was STILL great that I
could leave the thing to go sleep, which I did reluctantly.  Having to move
parts around, and so forth, during construction is not a show-stopper for
your kit building experience.  But if at all possible, try VERY HARD to find
a spot other than the kitchen table ;-)

3.  Others will talk about magnifying glasses and so forth, and that is good
advice for and from those who need it - but few talk about lighting.
Working in the dark, or nearly so, is a non-positive idea.  A bright
incandecsent / halogen work light is a real bonus to have.  For $14 at
Lowe's, you can buy a clip-on aluminum worklight and a nice Philips 50W
halogen mini-spot bulb.  I can't even get a half-tank of gas for $14
anymore.

Sorry for the extra bandwidth for you guys who already know this stuff.  I
am just providing the written version of advice I give to the locals I
Elmer.  I wish I had somebody to tell me this stuff when I was a kid, so I
didn't have to find out the hard way... ;-) ... today, we have the Internet.

/steve  KZ1X
K2#771