[Elecraft] K2 #3021 -- Press On or Not:

[k4wtf@ENTERZONE.NET]

On Sat, 4 Jan 2003, Martin AC6RM wrote:

> Howdy;
> 
>    I'm at the point in the assembly manual where I'm about to begin
> "Alignment and Test Part II."  A good chunk of the RF board is
> complete.  There are a few caps missing from the kit, though (all 4 of
> the 47pf and all 4 of the 56pf).  While I hunt those up and wait for
> them to come in (or for Abletronics to open on Monday), can I plow on
> ahead with the installation of the rest of the components?  My
> girlfriend says I should wait.  My daughter's retort is always
> "Patience is Waiting Without Complaining."  I'm kinda anxious to press
> on while the iron's hot.
> 
>    73, Martin


Hi Martin,

I would personally wait for the "MoJo Injected" components to arrive from
Elecraft.  I'm sure that tons of other elecraft builders/owners will agree
with me that at least 1/2 of the fun of the Elecraft experience is the
"craft" portion or put more bluntly, building the rig.

The component installation steps in the manual are ordered such that they
are installed when it is most appropriate. IE; When they are needed and
before some other component will block your iron from soldering the leads
or the component from actually being placed on the pcb.

As was said so well earlier this week, "Soldering is FUN -- DEsoldering
is...NOT FUN!!!"  It will take a while to heal from all of the self
beatings you'll give yourself if you have to DE-solder some components to
install the caps when they arrive. (If you're anything like me that is!)

So, if I were you, I'd wait and simply enjoy the added anticipation.  It
will make you appreciate the rig even more once it is completed and on the
air!

73 de John - K4WTF