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

[Vic K2VCO]

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.

It has more parts, but in many ways it's easier. You don't have to cut 
and strip many wires and almost all of it is stuffing components onto a 
board in precise locations and soldering them.

The technique of soldering is slightly different, but if you have or get 
a temperature-controlled soldering iron with the appropriate tip it will 
be easy to do a good job. You might want to build something smaller as 
practice if you don't have experience with this type of construction.

Winding toroids is easy and non-critical. You should learn how to tin 
the leads properly; this has been a common problem. You can buy the 
toroids pre-wound and tinned, but I would only do that if saving time 
were important.

Troubleshooting is aided greatly by this reflector! Other builders will 
hold your hand until you get it working.

The main thing is to take your time, follow the instructions, and when 
you are not sure of something -- ask.

Also I hope that this doesn't start another thread, but doing the 
inventory at the start as the instructions tell you to helps avoid the 
kind of mistake where you mix up parts; identifying parts can be tricky. 
It does not take extra time to do the inventory because then you don't 
have to search for each part as you need it!

I built mine a number of years ago so I've forgotten howlong it took!
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco