[Elecraft] Tools and construction

[Robert Cochrane]

John Veach is right, you CAN build a K2 with a minimum of tools, in quick 
time and on the coffee table.

After all, that's how most of us built our Heathkit rigs and hi fi 
amplifiers years ago.

But when you return to the hobby years later, the parts are smaller, the 
eyes are weaker, the co-ordination is not so good and running the rest of 
life seems to take a lot of time and energy.  So we oldies need to get more 
organised and (in most, but not all, cases) take our time.

Investing in light and vision plus a few good tools is not as expensive as 
it used to be (relative to income, anyway) and it definitely helps.   A 
temperature controlled iron with interchangeable tips is no longer 
expensive and is one of the best investments I have ever made.  I would not 
(personally) have had the courage to attack the K2 RF board without one.

Guys have built K2s in a week working full time and that's 
fine.  Impossible for some of us.  But it is equally possible to take your 
time and enjoy the experience over a winter.  It all packs away easily into 
a couple of boxes once you get organised.  My electronics bench is 2ft 
square, on the left of my business desk.  It doubles up as extra space when 
drafting reports, as well as reminding me there is another side to life.

I agree with John - don't let's put anyone off trying either approach.

Now back to that report....

Rob
M0RAC
VR2ARC

Robert A Cochrane
7 Lawn Terrace
Blackheath
London SE3 9LJ   UK

Tel (44) 020 8297 1978
Mob (44) 07764 197 701