[Elecraft] K2 Options - when?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Fred, N3CSY asked:

I'm wondering as I start on RF Board - just how much REWORK is it to add
NOISE BLANKER and SSB OPTION to my K2, after the base K2 is completed?

Is it a major take-apart operation, to add these options after the base K2
is up and running and all buttoned up in its case, etc.?

I guess I'm fearing having to disassemble circuit boards, and take all stuff
back apart - just to add options.  I can't imagine having to take the RF PCB
back out - once its all in and running.

How hard will it be OR should I add the complexity of NOISE BLANKER and SSB
OPTION, now as I build the basic K2?

--------------------------------------

Build the basic rig, make sure everything works FB, then add the options. 

NOTHING requires pulling the RF board out. The Elecraft enclosures let you
get at everything by just pulling individual enclosure panels. The most
complicated disassembly is in the front panel where the control and
front-panel boards are stacked, and it comes off as a unit. 

The SSB and Noise Blanker only require removing one part of the bottom
cover. Very easy.  

The only disassembly anyone has grumbled about that I've seen is in removing
the part of the bottom cover used for the final amplifier heat sink, since
some hardware is attached to it. I have done it many times without any
bother, but some folks find it intimidating. The only options that requires
you remove that part of the cover is to install the 160 meter option board
and, if I recall correctly, the K60XV interface that provides coverage of
the 60 meter frequencies available for Ham SSB and an optional low-level
interface for the XV50, XV144, XV222 or XV432 transverters. 

Ron AC7AC