[Elecraft] Beginner's build question

[Ted Buckley]

At 11:11 PM 5/25/03 -0400, akern@haverford.edu wrote:
>Hello all,
>
>I just ordered a K2 kit with KPA100, KAT100, DSP, the works.  I've been
>trying to follow the email reflector for a bit to keep track of what
>other tools and items people have found helpful in building the K2, but I
>haven't been able to keep up recently.
>
>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?  Board holders?  Magnifying loops?  Grounding wrist
>straps?  I saw recommendations for soldering irons and solder on the
>website, but I'm lost on the rest of this stuff.  Manufacturer names and
>model numbers of recommended items would be greatly appreciated!!!
>
>Thanks alot.  I can't wait to start building!
>
>-Adam, N1KO
Hi Adam,
Here is my list.
Soldering Station. . .went for the cheap one recommended on the Web 
page,  Solomon SR-76.  Buy an extra standard tip.
1# Spool of Kester 44 rosin core solder 63/37 .025 diameter core 66 (Mouser)
5' Spool of SODER-WICK #3 or similar
Xcelite flush cutting diagonal cutters, MS54-3J (Mouser has these) The 
Radio Shack flush cutters cost a lot less and work fine as long as you 
don't overtax them. . .don't try to cut a paper clip with them though. . 
.that will destroy them.  You pays your money and you takes your choice.
Needle nose pliers, mine are Swanstrom S324.  Smooth jaws are best for 
holding and bending component leads.  Small is good.
If you know someone at the hospital/doctors office, get a hemostat, very 
handy for holding small parts.  I understand they throw these away after a 
single use these days. .  I paid a King's ransom for mine in the "good old 
days".
Flat Blade and Cross Point (Phillips) screwdrivers You'll wear out the 
Phillips assembling and dissembling the mechanical parts on the K2 before 
you are done. ;<)
Reading Glasses w/2.75 or 3.0 rating.  Whatever lets you see fine detail 
when inspecting the many solder joints you'll be making.  I've acquired a 
device called OptiVisor, a headband mounted magnifier w/binocular 
capability. . works great. . wish I'd had it when I started the 
project.  Young eyeballs may not need the help.
A grounded panel of some kind on your work bench is advised.  This can be a 
large sheet of aluminum, antistatic mat, ect.  The ground connection should 
be made to earth ground via a 1 meg resistor.  A wrist strap from Radio 
Shack is a good addition for handling the ICs and mosfets in the K2.  I'm 
sure others will have some good advice on this topic.
Anyway, have fun! Building a K2 and all the neat options is close to the 
most fun you can have with your clothes on!
73, Ted WA7DFD K2 3202