[Elecraft] Seapac Elecraft Booth Staffing

[Don Wilhelm]

Kevin, Joe and all,

Yes, I have a 'snippet' --- minimize the tool list that is necessary to the
bare bones - soldering station, and dummy load - that IS all that is
REQUIRED because the K2 has a built-in voltmeter that can be used if the
builder has none.  The dummy load is important and is often forgotten when
we talk of required tools (and one can talk up the Elecraft DL1 as a
preliminary kit for those unsure of their soldering ability).  A DVM is a
very nice addition to this package and allows one to double check the 1%
resistor values to be certain they are the correct resistor (resistor color
codes are beconming more and more difficult to read as the years go by), but
even that is not a necessity.

SOOO - show a progression of tools - first the required (soldering iron,
GOOD solder and a dummy load) then add the DVM (only).  If you want to show
the next in importance, do a demo of alignment using Spectrogram.  I build
many K2's and those are the main tools.  Yes, I also use a 'scope as a fast
reading indicator when aligning bandpass filters, SSB carrier balance and
several other things, but the K2 metering or my DVM will also do the job
just fine (but a bit more patience is required to find the peaks).  Noise
generators and other tools do make the job easier and quicker (assuming one
knows how to use these tools), but an antenna wire placed near a flourescent
lamp will produce sufficent wideband noise for aligning the filters on the
K2.

If you have a large array of tools to construct Elecraft gear, it may
intimidate potential buyers who do not yet have these tools.  The Elecraft
designers have done a lot to minimize the tools required for assembly of
Elecraft kits - please do not dimish their efforts by showing a wide array
of 'tools'.

The most important 'tools are 1) the ability to make a good solder joint,
and 2) the ability to follow written instructions.  Be certain to point out
the availability of the Elecraft reflector which is a great 'tool' should
the builder run into any confusion or problem areas.

73,
Don W3FPR

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

>     Good idea, I think I will incorporate it into our presentation.  Does
> anyone else have any other snippets of wisdom which may enhance the
> building experience for the curious?
>     73,
>