[Elecraft] What tools to build kx1

Mon Apr 19 14:40:00 2004

oh, 2 other things I found handy
(http://www.elecraft.com/mini_module_kits/mini_modules.htm):

XG1 Receiver Test Oscillator / S-Meter Calibrator
o  for adjusting S-meter calibration

DL1 Wideband 20W Dummy Load
o  for dummy load and power meter (when used in conjunction with DMM)

--- David Toepfer <[email protected]> wrote:
> 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
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