[Elecraft] K2 #6358 Build Begins

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Hi, Tony:

I built my K2, SN 1289, in 1980 and have thoroughly enjoyed it ever since. I
was first licensed in 1952 and have always had an HF transmitter I  built
myself, either from a kit or scratch. I was about to give up and go after my
first "factory built" rig when I ran into a guy using a K2 on the air.  

It is true that time has done us a dirty trick twice: first it caused all
the parts to get smaller and, second, it caused our eyes to see less
clearly.

I use an "Optivisor" now almost all the time when I'm working at the bench.
It goes with my reading glasses or bifocals to give me the vision I took for
granted when building rigs back in the 50's, Hi!

I found mine in a hobby shop 20 years ago now, but they're readily-available
on-line from many sources. Here's their manufacturer's web page:

http://www.doneganoptical.com/optivisor.php

They easily fit over existing prescription eyeglasses, if you wear them, or
you can add some drug-store reading glasses to give you a range of
magnifications with one unit. Mine have #4 lenses which have served me all
these years in conjunction with my prescription glasses (which keep getting
a big stronger with each passing exam...). 

Note the knob to adjust the headband. I've tried cheaper versions without
the knob and find they work loose. 

Also, the Optivisor has high-quality lenses. I don't like lenses in any sort
of magnifier that show obvious  distortion around the edges. 

No, I don't work for Donegan Optical. Don't even own stock in the company
(dang!).

Ron AC7AC


-----Original Message-----
Hello Elecrafters!

I began the build of K2 s/n 6358 today.

I have been QRT for the last 25+ years due to career and family.  Now  
that
both are at the stage where I have more free time, it seemed like the  
perfect
time to get active again.

Since I have been mostly a cw operator since first licensed in 1967,   
I began
looking for a no compromise cw radio.  After much googling for radio  
reviews,
the K2 stood out due to the feature set and the passion of the owners. The
K2 seemed like a can't miss (especially considering the price/ 
performance).

My initial impression is that this isn't your father's Heathkit: They sure
shrunk the parts!


Tony

ke6g