[Elecraft] Building the K2

[Harry Yingst]

My only problem is that it is getting done too fast.....

I guess I'll just have to buy more





--- "Tom, W6WW" <tom@cwx.com> wrote:
> 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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> 
> 
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=====
Harry - AB2PN

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