[Elecraft] Problems related to basic construction techniques:

[Vance Huntsinger]

Bruce,

"I feel your pain," as they say. You are thinking of investing some 
hard-earned cash and you're wondering if the project will turn into a 
monumental screwup. Let me try to put your mind at ease. I had built a 
couple of kits back in the 60's, but had been pretty inactive, ham-wise, 
for twenty years before my retirement in 1998. Newly retired, I had the 
time to get back into the hobby. Trouble is, I hadn't picked up a soldering 
iron for all that time. I had the same anxieties that you are expressing. 
However the lure of the K2 was too much; I bought a temperature-controlled 
soldering station, sent my money to Elecraft, and never looked back. 
Building it, and the enhancements, was a lot of fun. I had a couple of 
moments of not being sure I was proceeding correctly, but Tom Hammond 
(N0SS) and others on this list gave me the reassurance that I needed. You 
will see it stated time and time again on this list, but it's true: take 
your time, read the manual carefully before you plunge ahead, and don't 
work too long at one sitting, because fatigue tends to lead to mistakes. 
The Elecraft rigs are extremely well-engineered, and the manual is second 
to none. Ask a question of this list if you're not sure. You will succeed. 
This list is a tremendous resource and can guide you through any tough 
spots. Also, you won't find better customer support than Elecraft provides. 
I have never had so much fun with a rig! This was my first time operating 
QRP, and I was amazed at the results (and I have a very modest antenna). So 
put your worries aside, enjoy the build, and get ready to enter a love 
affair with your new rig, which you now know on an intimate basis!

73,
Vance Huntsinger, WA9YDJ
K2 #1145

At 02:52 PM 1/31/03 , Bruce Bodine wrote:
>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.