[Elecraft] Problems related to basic construction techniques:

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Hi Bruce!

I've been around this reflector since I started building my K2 about
three years ago. I was just thinking the other day that the bulk of the
posts seem to have NOTHING to do with the construction of the basic K2
itself. 

We've always been a tinkerin' bunch, ready to try this or that (or try
to talk Wayne and Eric into offering this or that accessory, mod or
"improvement" as an add-on kit). Everything from knobs to transverters.
Fancy filters to funky features. Also, the K2 and K1 are very much
"learning experiences" for everyone. They are so versatile and offer so
many opportunities to tinker that we get a LOT of questions about
everything from basic electronic theory to antenna concepts to operating
practices and new modes of operation. 

It seems to me that lately that's been the vast bulk of the chatter on
here. I would take it to mean that the builders out there aren't having
much in the way of trouble.

If you have never constructed a radio, are you comfortable with
soldering? I would strongly recommend a good soldering station. Some of
us old phar... er... OTs still live on with simple unregulated soldering
irons, but believe me when I say that for someone new the investment in
a soldering station makes learning to do good joints and NOT damage the
printed circuit boards is well worth it. The most expensive part of your
rig is the PCB, btw. Consider what it would cost you if you have all the
parts installed in it and then you did something that make the board
itself useless? Take care of that board. Parts are easy to replace. 

Take your time. Be sure you know what parts you are handling. The
Elecraft documentation is wonderful. It's up there with the best of the
best over the 50 years that I've been building kits. Use it, and be sure
you  are following the instructions to the letter. Ask questions here or
directly to Elecraft if you aren't sure. There's literally "centuries"
of Elecraft experience on this reflector, adding all the time the active
participants here have been building and tinkering with our rigs.  Do
that, and you can expect total success. 

73,

Ron AC7AC

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-----Original Message-----

My question to the group as a hesitant newbie constructor is: are the
majority of these postings related to the basic construction of the
stock K2 and thus reflecting the difficulty of assembling it or are we
talking enhancements.  Never having constucted a radio it is somewhat
intimidating to read about all of these various issues and believe that
my success rate is going to be very high without it being a real
struggle. Comments please !!

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