[Elecraft] K102 AUX I/O Module toroid question

[Sam M]

On my K102 AUX I/O Module,
I'm at the step that says:
"wind 12 turns of #26 red enamel wire (7", 18 cm) on the FT23-43 toroid core (L5)"

1st question) is the 3/16 diameter dark gray ring really the toroid?
I've always seen toroids with a color band on them, this one has none.

also I was at about turn #6 when I skinned the wire while snugging it on the core
so I will have to start again with another piece of wire,
it seems I had only used about 2.5 inches of wire by turn 6's completion....

so again I'm now wondering if what I thought was the toroid,
is not really the correct item
no, I don't see any other round thingies in there,
and yes I counted it as the toroid when I did the parts inventory.

also any tips on how to not skin the wire while winding?

I have wound many toroids b4,
but they all had a glazed looking surface
and didn't have the rather sharp edges that this core seems to have.

it's way to small to try to sand the edges  <-- my first thought

I'll stop babbling now and wait for ya'lls replies.

-- 
GB & 73
KA5OAI
Sam Morgan
http://linuxbasics.org
Linux, the lifetime learning experience.