[Elecraft] Conception of a K2

[Don Wilhelm]

John,

Congratulations on your decision.

Equip yourself with a set of flush cutters if you don't already have 
them - while diagonal cutters will be OK for the K2, flush cutters are 
required in a few areas of the KPA100 and several other options - 
overall they make a neater finished product.

If your eyes require it, get a god magnifier.  You will likely need at 
least a magnifying glass to read the markings on the small capacitors - 
I use a small lighted handheld magnifier for that, but I do not like 
using a magnifier for soldering - I am fortunate that my eyes will allow 
that, yours may prove otherwise.

A good #1 Phillips screwdriver, a small flat bladed screwdriver and 
small long nose pliers are good things to have.  There are many other 
'helper' tools, but most of my building is done with just the soldering 
station, a couple screwdrivers, my flush cutters and small longnose 
pliers.  a hemostat type clamp is handy for securing small objects  
(like crimp pins) while they are being soldered.

I suggest that you get an anti-static mat and a wrist strap if you do 
not have one already.  ESD is a 'sneaky' thing that can reduce the 
useful life of active solid state components.

Above all, have fun, use what works best for you, and don't stress about 
the rest - each of us has our own way of working, and while we can say 
what works for us, you will have to develop your own techniques - many 
folks really like board holders, but I find them cumbersome.

73,
Don W3FPR

John Huggins wrote:
> OK so I have decided to buy the base K2 kit and build it along with my
> son; He needs to see a process like this unfold.
>
> I have read the various FAQs, tips, etc.
>
> I am not new to kit building.
>
> We have a good soldering station.
>
> If the K2 works out well we will use it on CW for a while and then add
> enhancements: SSB first then others (perhaps DSP, 160M, 60M-Xvrter,
> 100Watts)..
>
> Are there tools or tips I am missing before I drop the coin?
>
>