[Elecraft] Beginner's build question

[Phil Wheeler]

akern@haverford.edu wrote:

>Hello all,
>
>I just ordered a K2 kit with KPA100, KAT100, DSP, the works.  
>

Jumping in big time .. good deal.  But do take your time (if you can 
have self control); spreadign it over time makes it more fun and 
instructive.

>What items would you all wanted to have had, in retrospect, to aid in
>building the K2?  (I do not already have a workshop and am starting
>almost from scratch.)  For instance, what kinds of desoldering pumps, if
>any, should I get?
>

Definitely good to have.  I think the Hakko 808 (around $175) is the 
best. But a very recent msg said:

>Well to get to my point.  A few weeks ago I got some advice from fellow Elecrafters on the GC Solder Popper.  I picked up one of these babies from Jameco (# 19254) for $26.95 US.  I have nothing but rave reviews on this item. 
>

and at that price, what's not to like?  However, I have not tried that one.


>  Board holders?  
>

I've never used a Panavise.  I do have one of those Radio Shack things 
with two alligator clips which I use from time to time.

>Magnifying loops?
>

I have a 2 inch hand magnifier I use most.  A bit of nostalgia there: 
I'm 66 and it belonged to my father (very nicely made).  I do have a 
tri-lens pocket loupe which I use rarely (and mainly when I'm not in the 
shack and not for ham radio)

>  Grounding wrist
>straps?  
>

Absolutely!  I use one I bought from WASCO, but I'm sure you can find 
them many places.  Definitely worth having.

>I saw recommendations for soldering irons and solder on the
>website, but I'm lost on the rest of this stuff. 
>

I've built all the current Elecraft kits (K2 #380 and K1 #18) and all 
the options.  And, except for the Hakko 808 (perhaps a luxury) and my 
Weller WPCPT iron (700 deg temp control tips), no special equipment.  I 
did use a high wattage Weller gun to solder the fins on the KPA100 PA 
transistors.

I would add that good quality, small, spring-loaded needle nose pliers 
and side cutters are good to have .. and a hemostat is sometimes a 
useful thing.

Finally, patience, inspection of all solder joints (main use of the 
maginfier), good light, and careful reading of the instructions are most 
vital.

73, Phil