[Elecraft] Conception of a K2

[John Huggins]

Thank you all for the comments.  A rough summary includes:

- Think ESD for the parts (no worries there... I am the ESD promoter at 
our electronics lab at work)
  - No parts in non ESD foam
  - No parts in cardboard, etc.
  - Small anti-static mat with wrist straps, etc.
  - Keep active parts in their black ESD foam
- Seriously consider the re-work eliminators and other nifty things from 
http://www.unpcbs.com/
- Consider a good Cap/Inductance meter
- Seriously consider using flush cutting snips
- Certainly use a thermo controlled soldering iron with good assortment 
of tips
- Use small diameter solder
- Get a new #1 Phillips screwdriver
- Seriously consider an illuminated magnifier or, perhaps, a mag. visor
- On the same topic, have good lighting
- Reference the example toroid images available from the K2 community
- Use headers where possible
- Dental pick and other assorted fiddling tools
- Reserve a good amount of table space for the project
- Consider pre-wound toroids
- When inventorying parts, leave the resistors in their tape
- Seriously consider starting with the XG2 and DL-1 dummy load to spin 
up on soldering skills
- Seriously consider making the XG2 because it will be handy during the 
K2 build

Excellent tips.  Thank you all.

The tip I am acting on first is the purchase and building of the XG2 as 
I think it is a wonderful plan to start small and work up.  One of the 
main purposes is to ensure the 12 year old acquires some understanding 
of that "stuff" in the box is not magic.  Anything I can do to notch up 
the technical aptitude of a future tax payer should hopefully yield 
benefits later.

Thanks again all... onward...

John KX4O
http://www.cosjwt.com/