[Elecraft] What tools to build kx1

Mon Apr 19 14:06:01 2004

I know you have gotten a lot of good replies, but being in the latter stages I
will do my best to tell you what I have used:

Antistatic Wrist Strap
o  the importance of this can not be overstated when working with modern
electronics (I don't care how much anecdotal evidence to the contrary any
number of people will heap upon you).  I wrap mine around my leg just above my
ankle (you may have to shave a little off for a good connection), so it is out
of the way (just remember to unsnap it when you get up away from the bench)

Temp controlled soldering station
o  As you have been told, this is an investment in the future of your kit
building.  I just got mine for the KX1 build, and it is a dream.  I am partial
to the Hakko 936-12 ESD (http://www.kiesub.com/hakko936.htm)

Solder
o  I would go with Kester 44 multicore flux at .025 diameter 63/37 solder with
no silver (http://www.contacteast.com/product/product.asp?pn=111-292).  But
this is just what I have come to from reading and asking questions.  Read the
soldering tips paper that comes with the kit, as it has good advice.

Board Vise
o  Not necessary, but so nice to have.  Again, another investment.  I am
partial to the 350 combo from Panavise
(http://www.lashen.com/vendors/panavise/vises/combos.asp#350), but I also have
the board holder (http://www.lashen.com/vendors/panavise/vises/combos.asp#350)
which is super nice before you start filling up the edges of the board with
components.

DMM (preferably true RMS)
o  If you dont' have one yet, then the Meterman 37xr is the most affordable
True RMS DMM I was able to find with the best accuracy short of buying a fluke
and can measure anythign you should need for quite a while
(http://www.tselectronic.com/meterman/37xr.html).  But I believe even a simple
one from HobbyTron (http://www.hobbytron.net/product850.html) or RadioShack
will do just fine.

Tools
o  Any 4-in-1 or 6-in-1 screwdriver set you can buy at Sears will be all the
screwdriver you will need (using mostly the #1 or #0 phillips (I forget
which)), but you do need one.
o  You will need a pair of wire cutters: flush cutters are best
(http://www.mtechnologies.com/tools/#nipper), and I have a pair of small
diagonal cutters I got from Sears as well for the tougher cutting jobs, as you
want to keep the edge on the flush cutters sharp.
o  You will need a pair of needlenose plyers:  I have a medium set with knurled
jaws and a small set with smooth jaws (for tight spaces) which I bought at
Sears.
o  I find a set of wire strippers quite useful, though you can get by without
them (http://www.mtechnologies.com/tools/#pstrip).
o  You can do without one, but an allignment tool is a good tool to have.  I
own the set (http://www.mtechnologies.com/tools/#alignset), but think you can
get by with this just the 2mm one
(http://www.mtechnologies.com/tools/#alignset), but I could be wrong, as I
don't recall which size adjustor I used.
o  A pair of those Helping Hands allegator clip vice from Radio Shack also
comes in handy at times for holding connectors and wire while soldering.
o  I also bought a few of those 4"x4" antistatic component mats from Radio
Shack and use them for sorting components safely.

Desoldering gun
o  This is nice but (hopefully) not necessary.  But is is, again, an investment
in the future of your kit building.  I am partial, again, to the Hakko 808
(http://www.kiesub.com/hakko808.htm).  A desoldering pump
(http://www.mtechnologies.com/tools/#spump) does sorta work, but on
double-sided plated-through holes it is less desirable.  I have had to use one
on the KX1, but wish I had my 808 then.

If I could remember what else I used I would tell you.

I could also go into methodology of kit building and such, but you did not ask
that.

Hope this helps.

dt
.

--- [email protected] wrote:
> Can you tell me what tools I will need to build a KX1
> 
> Rob
> NV7F
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list: [email protected]
> You must be subscribed to post to the list.
> To subscribe or unsubscribe see:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Elecraft Web Page: http://www.elecraft.com
> Also see: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm