[Elecraft] Building the K2

[Tom, W6WW]

Harry,

Talk about coincidence!  I started my K2 last weekend.  Now about to finish
up the front panel board.  And I went to Radio Shack and bought the same
clippers and pliers. (I think I will upgrade later to something a little
smaller, but these have worked pretty well.  I also invested in a good
soldering station after the control board, and as you say it makes a huge
difference.  I also bought a PanaVise, and it already has become
indispensible - how did we do these things without one?

I agree the instructions are generally very well done and understandable.
From time to time there are some things that are a little unclear, but I
have sorted them out OK with a little analysis.  (One thing I can't recall
is how to tell which pin of a transistor is the collector - the base is the
middle, but which way do you look at it to find the collector?)

This brings back my Heathkit days, and I am enjoying it.  Now I understand
why K2ers are so hungry for more things to build.  Can't wait to get back on
the air, but that will require a power supply and antenna....

73
Tom, W6WW


----- Original Message -----
From: "Harry Yingst" <ab2pn@yahoo.com>
To: "Elecraft_Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2003 9:51 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Building the K2


> 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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