[Elecraft] taking the plunge

Fri May 9 10:40:03 2003

Dear Rick,
I too debated long and hard prior to my K2 purchase.  The last "serious" 
thing I built was back in the early 80's during the Heathkit era.

The K2 is no more difficult than the K1  --  unless you measure difficulty 
solely by the number of parts that need to be placed and soldered.  The 
skills are the same.  Tools same.  One might argue (and probably 
correctly) that as the number of parts goes up, the chance for error 
increases.  However, the detailed instructions, and "build and test in 
sections" aspect help to eliminate potential problems.  And the results -- 
a K2 -- have higher utility than the K1.

(The only potential exception is the KSB2 -- SSB -- module, which is 
packed more tightly in terms of part density.  Some have expressed that 
this module as more challenging.)  I might add that constructing the 
options depend on skills taught and learned in constructing the base unit, 
be it a K1 or K2.  The option construction manuals are a bit more terse, 
so, jump in on your choice of base radio before building options!

The keys to success:
- deliberate, careful following of the instructions (which are excellent, 
leaving nothing to the imagination)
- good soldering iron
- good soldering skills

So, in my opinion there's no need to "warm up" on a K1, unless the K1 has 
value to you.  Although after completing my K2 (it worked first time) I 
purchased a K1 (for some other reasons, mostly portability).

BTW, much has been written about toroid winding.  Again, there's nothing 
to fear.  Wind them.  Double check.  Strip the leads (this process has 
been covered ad nauseam here, and instructions are in the manual). Install 
them.  Actually it's sort of a pleasant diversion as you actually 
"construct" the part!

And finally, if you get stuck, there's the excellent Elecraft support -- 
and this group.  You are never alone!

GL,
Steve
aa8af

"Rick Bennett" <[email protected]>
Sent by: [email protected]
05/09/2003 09:54 AM

        To: 
        cc:     [email protected]
        Subject:        Re: [Elecraft] taking the plunge

All this talk is drawing me in.  I have been pondering a K2, but haven't 
"taken the plunge".  I have built a number of kits, but nothing nearly 
this 
complicated.  Or should I start with a K1?

Rick
KC0PET

>From: "Dave" <[email protected]>
>To: "Andy Bullington" <[email protected]>
>CC: <[email protected]>
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] taking the plunge
>Date: Wed, 7 May 2003 18:59:20 +0100
>
>You'll need more than luck Andy... you'll need the phone number of
>Elecrafter's Anonymous!
>
>These things are addictive and should carry a government health warning. 
I
>bought my K2 well over a year ago and still keep adding to it, the last 
>item
>being the thermistor modification (that will be included with yours). The 

>K1
>is a little less addictive as there are less options and accessories.
>
>The K2 (basic version) takes around 40 hours to construct.
>
>Dave, G4AON
>K1 #1154, K2 #1892
>
>www.astromag.co.uk/k2/
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Andy Bullington" <[email protected]>
>To: <[email protected]>
>Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2003 6:46 PM
>Subject: [Elecraft] taking the plunge
>
>
>This morning I called Elecraft and ordered up a K2 and noise blanker and 
>I'm
>sore afraid. This will be the first kit I will have built since 1971 when 
I
>put together an Eico stereo amp so I could listen to my Santana records.
>Hope this wasn't a foolish thing to do, but with all the guys I've been
>working on 40 meter cw raving about their K2s, I was powerless to resist.
>Wish me luck, guys.
>
>                         Andy W1AWB
>