[Elecraft] New Build K2/100

[W3FPR - Don Wilhelm]

Tom is correct on checking everything as you go.  Even after building many 
K2s, I still do it the same way - I sort the components and place them in 
order for easy 'part picking' (I use the corrugated cardboard edge of a slit 
USPS shipping box).  Then as I insert each part, I read its value.  This 
gives me 2 checks; 1) I selected from the proper component location, and 2) 
I have verified the value on the part I have in my hand.  Yes, I even do 
this with the resistors even though they are correctly mounted in insertion 
order on the strip - I did find an incorrect value in one kit I built (but 
only one incorrect out of approximately 800 resistors - pretty good quality 
control there at Elecraft).

Unsoldered component leads are another frequent cause of failure.  There are 
folks who choose to put in one component, solder it and go on to the next, 
but I stuff components in groups (sometimes large groups), and almost never 
miss soldering a component - I achieve that by following my own rule 'NEVER 
TRIM AN UNSOLDERED CONNECTION'  I do a thorough inspection of each solder 
joint at the same time I am trimming its lead.  If I spot one unsoldered, I 
finish trimming the others and go back to solder any that are still sticking 
above the board.  If a component (like ICs) have short legs, I put one in 
and solder it (one at a time).  These are the 'rules' I have developed for 
myself, and they work for me, but I do suggest that any builder develop his 
own method of 'orderliness' to help prevent construction errors.

73,
Don W3FPR

----- Original Message ----- 

> May I offer a word of advice.  Don't get into a Zen like state as you put
> the caps in etc.   Read and check EVERY step.   Don't think to yourself
> "Ok..I'm running .047 caps right now".
>