[Elecraft] Building the K2

[Harry Yingst]

I got my K2 kit on Monday I made the appropriate errata changes to the
manual and preformed the Inventory.

Although it is time consuming it is worth doing the inventory.  Not
only so you know if your missing anything, but it also gives you a
chance to inspect and get familiar with the various parts before
assembly actually starts.


I had opted to change out the Stock IC Sockets with Machine Tooled IC
Sockets (With Permission from Gary at Elecraft).

I only changed out the 4 sockets (two 28 pin, and two 40 pin) I did not
add any other IC sockets.

As per Gary at Elecraft: "We don't recommend IC sockets for any other
IC's other than the ones we provide sockets for (the PICs). It can
result in reliability or RF problems in some cases."


Last night (Tuesday) I actually got to start building.

My impression so far is that this is a very nice kit, The manual is
excellent.

I almost completed the control board (just need to add the ICs),
working at a comfortable pace even stopping to take a break here and
there.

I would have to attribute a lot of the quick build time to a well
written manual and good tools.  A good quality soldering iron is a
must, and a PanaVice sure makes the task a lot easier.

Tip: For good and cheap flush cutters check out your local radio shack
store they have a nice pair of 5" Nippy Cutters for $3.99 I usually get
a new pair about every 6 months and then use the old pair for other
household uses.  They also have a nice set of 6" Narrow-Jaw Needle-Nose
Pliers for $5.99 that are great for forming transistor leads, etc.

All in all this looks like a very nice kit (once you get over the
"Dang, those toroids I have to wind sure are small).

Harry - AB2PN



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