[Elecraft] New K2 kit

Tue Apr 27 09:39:24 2004

Get a pair of high quality tweezers.  If you get the angle type
with sharp points, you will also be able to do SMT.  Using 0.015"
Kester solder.  IThe solder, almost by itself, will prevent you
from applying too much solder.  You only need enough to attach
the parts to the plate through, not to load up the pads, where this
is applicable.  Whatever amount of solder wick you have, double it.
;-).  Get a head magnifier.  The type has flip lenses and a loop.
They are dirt cheap (~$10) on Ebay.  The magnifying lamps that are
worth having cost hundreds of dollars.  Every nickel I have spent
on one of less expensive models at Staples, etc. has been a complete
and total waste.  The $12 (inclusive of shipping) I spent on the
plastic head manifier, has paid itself off by a factor of 10!

At least twelve times I complained that parts were missing and
then they have magically appeared.  I completely and totally
agree with the plastic cup model.  I have about a hundred of
the things I purchased in the large economy size from Target;
this is the kind manufactured by and sold by the dozens in
assorted sizes by Glad ware.  They are cheap and each comes with
a squeeze on lid that really can save the day when my climsy oafish
self knocks them off or over. I have built in the past twelve
months many projects and the rest of your equipment were my
first purchases, and over time, I got better and better and
included the stuff I recommend as necessities.  You should see
these fat fingers put on 20 mil pitch SMT IC's now that I have
a great pair of tweezers, the magnifying head piece, and tiny
solder AND THE RIGHT TIP.  Whatever you do, don't scrimp on the
tools.  After ruining a couple of cheap kits (under $50 type from
QRP groups) I learned a lot.  I graduated slowly to more complex
types winding up at the Elecraft K2, and an all SMT DB6NT
transverters.

Anyone want a cheap magnifying lamp from Staples?   ...  ;-)

Bob
N4HY

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Stan Rife
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 2:41 AM
To: Elecraft
Subject: [Elecraft] New K2 kit

	I just received my K2 kit s/n 4216 today. Elecraft recommends an
inventory of the kit. I figured I would inventory each bag as I needed it.
Looks like a daunting task to inventory the entire kit at once, and I really
would rather not open a bag unless I am starting the assembly of that
section, or need parts out of it as in the case of the Miscellaneous parts
bag. I have already discovered that C38 (Control board) is missing from my
inventory. My work/assembly bench is in the garage and I don't want any more
parts lying around unpackaged than is necessary. I can just see my cats
playing with the transistors and IC's.
	Everything I have opened so far (Control and Misc) is inventoried
and sorted in small plastic measuring cups. I've used these in the past,
when I was building remote control models, to mix up epoxy and balsa fillet
material. They are just about the right size for the small parts.
	Just wondering what your thoughts were on this and any other
suggestions on construction/assembly would be greatly appreciated. I have
put together a couple of kits in the past, but nothing quite this ambitious.
I do have a Weller WESD51 station that I bought just for this project, so I
am ok in that respect. Ordered the right solder, wick, desoldering pump and
all the usual essentials. I never had a temp controlled station before. In
the past I just used a 23 or 33 watt Ungar iron. It is going to be nice
using the Weller station. I also have a Panavise Quick Assembly circuit
board holder, which looks like it is going to be a real time saver.
	I guess I am pretty well set unless you all think of anything I have
not. All input is welcomed.

Thanks,

Stan Rife
WD5EWA
Houston, TX

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