[Elecraft] building a K-2 compared to HW-9

[David Wilburn]

I have not built a Heathkit.   I have a background in electronics, I 
have done plenty of soldering, but I have not built many kits.  The 
directions, the way the parts are stored, and the support makes a big 
difference with this kit.  Plugging components in, soldering them, and 
following the instructions is very simple.  I have been working on my 
kit, off and on since the end of January.  With a wife and three kids, I 
do not always get the time to focus on it that I would like.

There are resistance checks, and test steps along the way.  When 
readings and their suggested values did not completely make since, I 
pulled out the schematic and made sense out of them.

There are three boards in the basic kit, the control board, the front 
panel and the RF board.  The first two went together quickly and easily 
for me.  The only struggle was a back panel mod.  Something that is a 
weakness in my skill set.  I have gotten some great advice from Don and 
Ron on how I can make the task much simpler next time.

Toroids were a bit of a challenge for me.  I have VERY large hands, and 
I had NEVER done toroids before.  None the less I have gotten through 
the first 5 and learned quite a bit.  I get a little better at each one 
I do, thanks to a lot of good advice that has been imparted here.  I do 
not look forward to them, but I can get them done.  Sewing them and 
tinning the ones that stand upright, I have gotten a handle on.  Tinning 
the ones that lay down flat, are still a bit of a trial.

I have learned much in the short time I have worked on the kit.  It 
seems very daunting at first, but like so many tasks in life, when taken 
a bit at a time, all of a sudden you look back and think, "wow, I'm 
almost done".

You shouldn't have any trouble with the kit.  Take your time.  If you 
run into troubles, or get confused or frustrated, sit it down and come 
back to it.  If it still gives you trouble ask for advice either 
publicly here on the list, or privately to specific folks.  There is a 
fountain of information here, just waiting for you to take a sip.  Good 
luck.

David Wilburn
dave.wilburn at verizon.net
K4DGW


Chip Hood wrote:
> I am trying to get a feel for the difficulty to build a K-2 (w/SSB and tuner options) compared to a Heathkit HW-9:  difficulty, time to complete, troubleshooting, etc.
> 
> My last kit was a good while back - an HW-9 with band pack.  I'd like to build the K-2 myself but don't want to bite off more than I can handle or have time to complete.
> 
> Thanks for any input.
> 
> 73,  KM4AF -- Chip
> 
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