[Elecraft] K2 - getting ready to build

[Don Wilhelm]

John,

You can add the options in any order, and the desoldering is not 
extensive for any of them.

The inexpensive kit that you refer to is the "Rework Eliminators", and 
while beneficial to many, there is one shortcoming related to the K60XV 
that you should be aware of.  The Rework Eliminators would have you 
change the value of C71 and set the K2 menu D19 parameter to ON.  That 
precludes you from finally setting the VCO voltages (voltages at R30) 
until you actually install the K60XV.  In other words, the K2 cannot be 
fully tested for VCO voltages with the rework eliminators in place.  Is 
this a major problem? - yes, maybe, no.  If you are aware of this 
situation and follow the directions in the rework eliminator 
instructions carefully, it will not be a problem - but this part of the 
rework eliminators is not exactly 'plug and play' because you will have 
to re-visit the R30 voltages again after you add the K60XV.

Other than that, enjoy the build.  As I have stated, I do not believe 
that adding the options later is any great deal (with or without the 
rework eliminators) - the number of components to de-solder is quite 
small for any particular option - just follow the instructions provided 
by Elecraft.

Enjoy your Minnesota winter - I am quite happy here in North Carolina. :-)

73,
Don W3FPR

John Hoaglun wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am getting ready to start my K2 project (after this weekend's VHF 
> contest is done.) I have the base K2 kit + KAT2, + KSB2 for my initial 
> build. I am planning to add a couple more pieces in the future (KIO2, 
> K160RX, K60XV.)  I know that some people have used some sort of 
> inexpensive kit to allow to for the future upgrade path.
>
> Are there any opinions one way or the other on that? My main concern 
> being any parts that I might need to desolder in the future if I don't 
> plan for the options now.
>
> After building my XV222 (for this weekend's contest) I am looking 
> forward to starting the K2 project. The dead of winter has arrived in 
> Minnesota so it is a good time of year to melt some solder.
>
> 73
>