[Elecraft] Building the K2

[Tom, W6WW]

I agree it seems to be going much faster than I anticipated.  One good thing
is that when the basic K2 is done we have it to play with and still lots
more to build in the options.

73
Tom, W6WW

----- Original Message -----
From: "Harry Yingst" <ab2pn@yahoo.com>
To: "Tom, W6WW" <tom@cwx.com>; "Elecraft_Reflector"
<elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2003 1:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Building the K2


> 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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