[Elecraft] It's ALL Built!

[Jim Brassell]

Hey, All.

I put the KAT100 in line this evening and that completes the build.  A K2 with KDSP2, KNB2, K160RX, and KSB2, a KPA100, a KAT100, an XG2, and a DL1.  All working FB.  Boy, that little rig is nice.  My compliments to the owners and staff at Elecraft.  Special thanks to the marketing folks and Gary Surrancy at Elecraft and Don Wilhelm.  To all you new to Elecraft and/or building radios, listen to what Don says.  I think he told me at least 23 times to check my soldering when I was having a problem with the thermister board.  I looked at everything else but the thermister board.  After two weeks and constant prodding by Gary, I pulled the thermister board, resoldered all the components, built new leads, and put it back on the RF board.  Guess, what .... problem was gone.  Could have saved my self two weeks if I had listened.  As Don says, '.. check your soldering.  Then check your soldering.  Finally, check the soldering.'  I developed a technique of installing each component, one at a time.  When I trimmed the leads, I went back and reheated the joins and checked them with my magnifier.  I had exactly zero problems with all the options, the KPA100, and the KAT100 using that technique.  And, I followed Don's advice.  Believe me, taking special care the first time will result in a lot fewer (if any) problems and a lot quicker build.  Final observation:  SPECTROGRAM is worth every penny.  It is $49.95 now, but it will make a real difference with your filters.

See you on the air.

73

Jim, K4ZMV