[Elecraft] Re:Troubles with kits - reply to Herb

[alanchilds at prodigy.net]

Hi Herb and I echo the sentiments of all the other Hams, Welcome to Amateur 
Radio.  I have been a Ham over 50 years getting my novice license in 1953. 
At that time, even Heathkit was emerging but I must tell you I had so much 
fun and excitement building all those kits.  There were many available 
throughout the years but Heathkit went to the top of the heap among Hams all 
over the world.  Even today, I still have my SB102 Transceiver.  Bottom line 
is that all of them were NOT only fun to build but one learned a whole lot 
about their rigs.  How to build it, how to trouble shoot it and best of all, 
something we put together ourselves.

With the evolution of the Elecraft K2 and their other products, the age of 
kit building has been brought to the 21st century.  The design of the rig is 
superb and Elecraft has introduced many features found only in the latest 
modern rigs.  I personally visited a Ham about 2 weeks ago near my home who 
built his K2/100 rig and it was outstanding.  In addition, there are many 
add-ons available and other bands you can add such as 6 meter transverter, 
etc.

Getting down to the nuts and bolts of the rig, you won't have any problems 
if you just follow the simple steps and go slowly.  I downloaded the entire 
manual and it is extremely detailed Herb with plenty of pictures and 
component parts as well.  The manual is simple to understand and each step 
is very detailed.  Questions you may have at the time of purchase will be 
answered by Lisa, who is in Sales.  She understands every aspect of the K2 
and will help you decide which features you may want.  You can get ALL the 
bells and whistles or just start with the basic unit and add as you go.  The 
K2 is extremely versatile as you can use it at home or away.

Don't get discouraged by the building phase.  A little practice in soldering 
technique is all you need.  You don't need a lot of technical experience 
either.  The rig contains checkpoints as you go with its built in test 
equipment.  Even the coils can be wound very simply if you follow the 
diagrams and wind the exact number of turns as specified.

Now, I must tell you  I haven't purchased my K2 just yet, but NOT due to any 
problems that I would have trouble building it but the fact I already have 
an FT1000D.  However, I love to build kits, so just the idea of putting 
together my own rig after all these years is an exciting idea.  The K2, as I 
mentioned previously works as well or better and has the nicest features of 
the most modern rigs.  You can't go wrong, Herb.  So roll up those sleeves, 
get a good Weller Soldering Station and jump in.  You will be absolutely 
thrilled with the results.

Finally, the reflector as many have told you, is a forum to express ideas, 
troubleshooting, etc. and gives support from others who have the same rigs. 
Its much like any of the forums ie: Yaesu, Icom, Eham, that you might see on 
line.  Rigs may develop problems and this is a great forum to get ideas from 
others who have been there before you.  You will get fast turnaround from 
Elecraft should you need their expertise and they will also troubleshoot 
your rig if things get that desperate.  They generally don't because you 
learn as you go and you will be able to detect which part of your rig is 
causing the problem should you have one.  Most of us are our own worst enemy 
and once you have done it, you will tell yourself, that wasn't very 
difficult.

Take care Herb and many thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.  Again, 
congratulations on getting your ticket.  You will have a tremendous amount 
of fun with this wonderful hobby.  The very best of 73' to you.

Alan, K6IPM