[Elecraft] Re: K2 Modifications

[John Sims]

Scott--

Unpack the box and build the kit; you'll be glad you did.

Your posting included excellent questions posed by many first-time 
Elecraft builders, and it's provided an opportunity for the Elecraft 
community to assure you you've made a wise purchase.

I was the perfect example of a novice kit builder when my K2 arrived 
last year.  After enjoying construction of the rig and several options, 
I've never been happier with a rig.  If I buy a second rig it's going to 
be another K2/100.

I've had no trouble with my rig, and no modifications have been 
necessary.  I was concerned when the recent KPA100 modification was 
announced.  However, I learned it isn't necessary for most K2/100's, 
only for those who've experienced particular symptoms.  That speaks 
volumes for Elecraft support--they've responded to user needs; some need 
the mod, others don't.  Furthermore, one of the guys responsible for the 
mod responded to my query and convinced me I don't need it--yet another 
example of Elecraft reflector support.

Sometimes reading the reflector is like opening a medical textbook and 
becoming convinced you have every disease known to man; everything that 
_can_ happen to an Elecraft rig shows up on the reflector.

You expressed concern over the rework necessary when installing 
options.  With the full K2 construction under your belt, the one or two 
components that typically need taken out and the addition of a connector 
on the K2 RF board are easy.  Option installation isn't so much a 
re-work as it is just another construction step of the basic rig.  It's 
a lot simpler to do than it may appear in the manual.

Read and re-read the manual.  That way no aspect of construction will 
surprise you and you'll be aware of any potentially difficult portions 
of construction.  It'll usually turn out that what appears daunting in 
the manual turns out to be no problem at all.

With Elecraft technical staff and reflector experts just an e-mail away, 
you have a tremendous support staff available both before and after you 
open the box.  Just follow the instructions, don't work while tired, and 
perform all tests.  You'll end up with a top-of-the-line rig.

73,

John, N7ON K2/100 #5023 + noise blanker, SSB module, 160m module + more 
to come

P.S.  I'm not technically inclined, but I took lots of photographs 
during construction.  Let me know if you need to see anything.