Aspiring ham!
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Hey all! I just purchased a kit and options on the recommendation of a
good friend, and I am just now getting into radio. My plans are: 1. Build my new radio and options 2. Finish studying Morse and stuff to get my license 3. Start operating! Problem is, I am currently stationed in Afghanistan, which makes this a little complicated. My question is: since I have lots of time to study here, can I take more then one test element and skip a license class or two? Meaning, can I go straight to General, or do I need to get Technician first? My other question is: since I purchased a "loaded" radio with all the options in a 20W configuration, is there a recommended sequence of assembly? Anything anyone can tell me would be greatly appreciated! When I take over the world, you shall be granted a fiefdom in your name. Good deal, yes? :-) -- Justin "C++12" Croonenberghs No more Geek Code... _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In a message dated 9/17/06 4:40:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[hidden email] writes: > since I have lots of time to > study here, can I take more then one test element and skip a license > class or two? Meaning, can I go straight to General, or do I need to > get Technician first? > You can take all of the test elements. There's no requirement to start with any particular license class - if you can pass the tests for General or Extra, you can start with those licenses. 73 de Jim, N2EY _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Justin Croonenberghs
Justin,
Build the basic K2 first - follow the instructions in the manual in order, front to back, no skipping around unless you have built at least 10 K2s and know what you are doing. If you do not understand any instruction, ask - this reflector is great resource. Use good soldering practices, and use a small diameter solder so you can control the amount applied - too much is NOT better, just enough to fill the thru-plated holes is plenty. Be certain your soldering temperature is high enough (650 to 700 degrees F) to allow solder to flow in about 2 seconds. Make certain all connections are soldered - unsoldered connections is a common cause of failure. Strip and tin the toroid leads well. Work carefully and do not work when you are tired - doing so causes incorrect components to jump into wrong holes! You may install the headers and the RF Board parts for your options during the build process, the manual tells you when to do that. Do not install the parts for the K60XV option until you have completed and tested the basic K2. You will need a good dummmy load to test the transmit functions of the K2 - the Elecraft DL1 is a good choice. The options may be built and installed in any order, but here is my recommended order: K160RX, KSB2, KNB2, K60RX, and either the KAF2 or KDSP2. Those options that fit into the QRP cover can be added at any time - if you have the KAT2 and want to operate as soon as possible (no transmitting until you have your license) with a non-resonant antenna, build it right after the basic K2. The KIO2 and KNB2 can be installed after the KAT2. Good luck with your build, and keep working on that code. You can take your exams all at once provided you are able to pass the tests for all elements, you can go straight to Extra Class. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > Hey all! I just purchased a kit and options on the recommendation of a > good friend, and I am just now getting into radio. My plans are: > > 1. Build my new radio and options > 2. Finish studying Morse and stuff to get my license > 3. Start operating! > > Problem is, I am currently stationed in Afghanistan, which makes this > a little complicated. My question is: since I have lots of time to > study here, can I take more then one test element and skip a license > class or two? Meaning, can I go straight to General, or do I need to > get Technician first? > > My other question is: since I purchased a "loaded" radio with all the > options in a 20W configuration, is there a recommended sequence of > assembly? > > Anything anyone can tell me would be greatly appreciated! When I take > over the world, you shall be granted a fiefdom in your name. Good > deal, yes? > > :-) > > -- > Justin "C++12" Croonenberghs > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Justin Croonenberghs
Justin,
First, thank you for your service! Second, I would personally build some and study some. Alternating to keep both from getting tedious. Third, you MUST take all the tests to get to Extra. However, if you have studied enough to pass the Extra, you should be able to pass the other two tests also. On the written tests you must take them in the order Technician, General, Extra; but you make take them all at one VE session if you like. After you have passed the General or Extra written tests, you will have 365 days to pass the CW 5wpm test. Say you do just as I have described, you will have a Technician license and privileges until you pass the CW within 365 days. If you do not pass the CW within 365 days you will LOSE the credit for the General and Extra written and have to retake them. Of course, if the FCC removes the CW requirement within that 365 days (don't bank on it) then you would you would be an Extra. 73 and May God Bless, Bill Allen WA5PB -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Justin Croonenberghs Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 3:40 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] Aspiring ham! Hey all! I just purchased a kit and options on the recommendation of a good friend, and I am just now getting into radio. My plans are: 1. Build my new radio and options 2. Finish studying Morse and stuff to get my license 3. Start operating! Problem is, I am currently stationed in Afghanistan, which makes this a little complicated. My question is: since I have lots of time to study here, can I take more then one test element and skip a license class or two? Meaning, can I go straight to General, or do I need to get Technician first? My other question is: since I purchased a "loaded" radio with all the options in a 20W configuration, is there a recommended sequence of assembly? Anything anyone can tell me would be greatly appreciated! When I take over the world, you shall be granted a fiefdom in your name. Good deal, yes? :-) -- Justin "C++12" Croonenberghs No more Geek Code... _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.4/449 - Release Date: 9/15/2006 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Justin Croonenberghs
Wow! I can see I made a wise choise in Ham, with so many friendly
people responding! I've got an avalanche of email to get through to thank you all for your advice...I hope I don't forget any. If I do, sorry! TOO MUCH EMAIL! At least it's not spam. I think I will probably build a K1 after the K2, because I'm really digging this Morse thing. I sat down with a Morse training program and learned 4 letters this afternoon at 15WPM, so I'm feeling cocky and stuff. That, and kits are fun. Anyway, gotta get back to work. Thanks again! On 9/17/06, Justin Croonenberghs <[hidden email]> wrote: > Hey all! I just purchased a kit and options on the recommendation of a > good friend, and I am just now getting into radio. My plans are: > > 1. Build my new radio and options > 2. Finish studying Morse and stuff to get my license > 3. Start operating! > > Problem is, I am currently stationed in Afghanistan, which makes this > a little complicated. My question is: since I have lots of time to > study here, can I take more then one test element and skip a license > class or two? Meaning, can I go straight to General, or do I need to > get Technician first? > > My other question is: since I purchased a "loaded" radio with all the > options in a 20W configuration, is there a recommended sequence of > assembly? > > Anything anyone can tell me would be greatly appreciated! When I take > over the world, you shall be granted a fiefdom in your name. Good > deal, yes? > > :-) > > -- > Justin "C++12" Croonenberghs > No more Geek Code... > -- Justin "C++12" Croonenberghs No more Geek Code... _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Justin Croonenberghs
I currently have the bare bones KX1. I also have but have not
built/installed the 3080 kit. I'm planning on getting/building/installing the ATU. Question: Does it matter what order these are done? Should one be done before the other? Michael N4NMR -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.4/449 - Release Date: 9/15/2006 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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I think it's easier to fit the 30/80 board after building the ATU than to
make the ATU work around an existing 30/80 board. So I would build the ATU first. Craig NZ0R -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Michael Bower N4NMR Sent: Monday, September 18, 2006 4:16 PM To: [hidden email]; Randy Allen Subject: [Elecraft] Option building question I currently have the bare bones KX1. I also have but have not built/installed the 3080 kit. I'm planning on getting/building/installing the ATU. Question: Does it matter what order these are done? Should one be done before the other? Michael N4NMR -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.4/449 - Release Date: 9/15/2006 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: Option building question
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In reply to this post by Michael Bower N4NMR
Michael N4NMR asked:
I currently have the bare bones KX1. I also have but have not built/installed the 3080 kit. I'm planning on getting/building/installing the ATU. Question: Does it matter what order these are done? Should one be done before the other? --------------------------- No, it does not matter at all. Ron AC7AC - _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Michael Bower N4NMR
Michael,
While the order does not matter if you follow the KXB3080 instructions 'to the letter', be aware that there are some close clearances between the tuner parts and the low pass filter board on the KXB3080. This situation requires that the Low Pass Filter board be positioned 'just so' - yes, the instructions call things out perfectly, but it is easier to detect mispositioning of the LPF board if you have the tuner built and do a trial installation as the KXB3080 instructions call out. Build the tuner first just because there is less chance of error when you build the KXB3080. This is high density construction, so work carefully. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > I currently have the bare bones KX1. I also have but have not > built/installed the 3080 kit. > > I'm planning on getting/building/installing the ATU. > > Question: > > Does it matter what order these are done? Should one be done before the > other? > > Michael N4NMR > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Michael,
I think it would also be easier to build and install the ATU first and make sure that is working, then you can trouble shoot. I am prejudiced because I was a tester from the start on the original and the updates. Watch the tolerances and take your time. This is not difficult if you take your time. You can screw it up no matter what your experience, but it is easy to fix. Mine works just super! Bill K9YEQ K2-35 & 5279; KX1-35/3080 ___________________________________ -----Original Message----- While the order does not matter if you follow the KXB3080 instructions 'to the letter', be aware that there are some close clearances between the tuner p[WJ] .............. Build the tuner first just because there is less chance of error when you build the KXB3080. This is high density construction, so work carefully. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > I currently have the bare bones KX1. I also have but have not > built/installed the 3080 kit. >[WJ] ................ > > Does it matter what order these are done? Should one be done before the > other? > > Michael N4NMR _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: Option building question
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In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-3
Yep, I was thinking of the 30 meter board. I retract my original statement
and wholeheartedly concur with Don It's easier if the KXAT1 is installed first so you can check the fit as Don observed. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Monday, September 18, 2006 2:56 PM To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]; Randy Allen Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Option building question Michael, While the order does not matter if you follow the KXB3080 instructions 'to the letter', be aware that there are some close clearances between the tuner parts and the low pass filter board on the KXB3080. This situation requires that the Low Pass Filter board be positioned 'just so' - yes, the instructions call things out perfectly, but it is easier to detect mispositioning of the LPF board if you have the tuner built and do a trial installation as the KXB3080 instructions call out. Build the tuner first just because there is less chance of error when you build the KXB3080. This is high density construction, so work carefully. 73, Don W3FPR _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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