[Elecraft] Lessons I have learned from my first K-2

[George A. Thornton]

I thought I would share some comments concerning my personal experiences
in building my first K-2.  Perhaps this will help someone starting out.

 

I am not a skilled electronics technician, and I am a bit of a klutz
with mechanical stuff.   Many years ago I built a Heathkit hi-fi stereo
amp.  I remember that I learned nothing about testing or troubleshooting
from that experience.

 

In general I really enjoyed putting the K-2 together.  I learned a lot.
I now feel I know this radio and can solve problems on my own.

 

I made a few mistakes during construction.  

 

First, I did not really understand capacitor identification codes when I
started.  As a result, I misidentified a couple capacitors and installed
them in the wrong locations.  I recommend that anyone new to this stuff
take the time to read carefully page 9 of the manual, as well as
material from the ARRL handbook on component identification.  When in
doubt, ask.

 

Second, I was a bit timid in my soldering technique.  I was afraid of
burning something, so I was gentler than I needed to be.  Fortunately, I
was able to have a friend with 40 years experience in aircraft
electronics look over my work.  I have followed his suggestions and
things have gone better.  If you, like me, are new to soldering, get
some advice from an elmer; it can save you considerable turmoil later.

 

Third, I wound my own toroids.  I generally did not find that hard to
do.  Kind of like sewing a button; it was relaxing.  I did however have
problems with preparation of toroid leads.  I did not realize the
toroids were nonconducting, so I was afraid of bare wires near the
toroid surface.  Some of my first leads were not stripped close enough
to the toroid body.  

 

I also tried different techniques to strip the leads.  I eventually
reached the conclusion that the approach recommended by the manual is
the best.  I used a heavier soldering iron, got a bulb of solder going
on it, and ran the toroid wire through the ball.  This worked the best
and left a good, tinned surface.

 

Finally, I made a couple of mistakes due to fatigue.  This is really a
nit-picky process, and it is really easy to space things out when you
are tired.  

 

IN solving problems, I found it good to proofread parts placement,
especially after building the RF board.  I went through the manual and
checked off every component for the proper number and orientation.
That gave me confidence that I had done it right.

 

Anyway, I hope these comments help someone.

 

IF I CAN DO THIS YOU CAN DO THIS.