Elecraft

Conception of a K2

Classic

List

Threaded

44 messages Options

123

John Huggins

Conception of a K2

OK so I have decided to buy the base K2 kit and build it along with my
son; He needs to see a process like this unfold.

I have read the various FAQs, tips, etc.

I am not new to kit building.

We have a good soldering station.

If the K2 works out well we will use it on CW for a while and then add
enhancements: SSB first then others (perhaps DSP, 160M, 60M-Xvrter,
100Watts)..

Are there tools or tips I am missing before I drop the coin?

John
_______________________________________________
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

Robie Elms

Re: Conception of a K2

John,

I suggest that you obtain a good lamp with a magnifying glass attached.
Mine has a round florescent lamp that fits around the lens. This provides
plenty of light and the magnification really improves you productivity. I
am not saying that the K2 is too small - just that time has taken a toll on
my eyes!! Another item that may help is a vice to hold the circuit boards
while you are installing components and soldering. I do not consider this
as important as the magnifying lamp.

Robie - AJ4F

K2 s/n 6165

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Huggins" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 11:08 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Conception of a K2

> OK so I have decided to buy the base K2 kit and build it along with my
> son; He needs to see a process like this unfold.
>
> I have read the various FAQs, tips, etc.
>
> I am not new to kit building.
>
> We have a good soldering station.
>
> If the K2 works out well we will use it on CW for a while and then add
> enhancements: SSB first then others (perhaps DSP, 160M, 60M-Xvrter,
> 100Watts)..
>
> Are there tools or tips I am missing before I drop the coin?
>
> John
> _______________________________________________
> 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

Mark, KJ7BS

RE: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by John Huggins

John,

Welcome to the Elecraft ranks. I know you will enjoy building the K2 and
enjoy operating it even more.

I built my K2 S/N in 1998 and have used it a lot, mostly portable.

If you are even contemplating adding modules to it, get the rework
eliminators. Some of the add-in modules require the removal of components.
With the rework eliminators, those components go on plug-in boards that are
"place holders" for the add-in modules, so when you are ready to install an
add-in, you simply unplug the rework eliminator and plug in the add-in
module. The parts to be removed are located on the rework eliminator.

K2 Rework eliminator http://www.unpcbs.com/

Mark, KJ7BS
Glendale, AZ
Editor, The SKCC Centurion
Elecraft K2 S/N 0539
Fists # 2972 CC 1806
SKCC # 2240 C56
QRP-ARCI # 12647
AZ ScQRPions
-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John Huggins
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 9:09 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Conception of a K2

OK so I have decided to buy the base K2 kit and build it along with my
son; He needs to see a process like this unfold.

I have read the various FAQs, tips, etc.

I am not new to kit building.

We have a good soldering station.

If the K2 works out well we will use it on CW for a while and then add
enhancements: SSB first then others (perhaps DSP, 160M, 60M-Xvrter,
100Watts)..

Are there tools or tips I am missing before I drop the coin?

John
_______________________________________________
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

Brett gazdzinski-2

RE: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by John Huggins

I always find a DMM that measures capacitance and inductance
very handy to check parts. I have a wavetech that cost about $80.00
about 5 years ago that does that.

I did NOT do a parts inventory, I had no patience for one, was
missing no parts, but had a few places where I had trouble identifying
the part...inductors mostly.

The caps I tried to organize in piles on the desk with the values
written in pencil on the desk, there are a LOT of caps and a LOT
of different values....a LOT of piles....

Otherwise, its all soldering (a lighted magnifier is great, staples
sells them, along with other places).

I had zero real issues when done, but trouble shot the power output
circuitry for a while, as its VERY subject to swr in the base radio.

Building is incredibly fun, you want to get done and try the rig,
but once its done, you miss the building....

Brett
N2DTS

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John Huggins
> Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 12:09 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Conception of a K2
>
> OK so I have decided to buy the base K2 kit and build it along with my
> son; He needs to see a process like this unfold.
>
> I have read the various FAQs, tips, etc.
>
> I am not new to kit building.
>
> We have a good soldering station.
>
> If the K2 works out well we will use it on CW for a while and then add
> enhancements: SSB first then others (perhaps DSP, 160M, 60M-Xvrter,
> 100Watts)..
>
> Are there tools or tips I am missing before I drop the coin?
>
> John
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>

dave.wilburn

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by John Huggins

Must haves
==========
Good light
Magnifying glass
Dental pick
Negative lock tweezers (big ones do not send parts flying)
Good Multi-meter

Handy items
===========
Frequency counter - or you can wait till all is complete and use
WWV/Spectogram
Capacitance meter - not required, but it helped me with identifying parts

The rework eliminators are useful, as mentioned. Also some of the
Elecraft mini-modules are big help in filling out some of your test
equipment for alignment. I have the noise generator and the one for
setting the S meter, but I wished I had picked up the dummy load and a
couple of others.

K2 is a great project. Real straight forward, and great think tank here
to ask questions to. Best of luck to you.

David Wilburn
[hidden email]
K4DGW
K2 #5982

John Huggins wrote:

Will-69

RE: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by Brett gazdzinski-2

On Tue, 14 Aug 2007, Brett gazdzinski wrote:

> The caps I tried to organize in piles on the desk with the values
> written in pencil on the desk, there are a LOT of caps and a LOT
> of different values....a LOT of piles....

....ergo, a nice big, clean table space for all the piles is ideal. If
you are more organized, a fishing tackle box or something similar with
lot's of little compartments to label also helps.

> Building is incredibly fun, you want to get done and try the rig,
> but once its done, you miss the building....

Thank goodness for the add-ons! :-)

Good luck with the build!

Will, part way done his K2.
_______________________________________________
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

dave.wilburn

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by dave.wilburn

Yes, plastic organizer boxes did help. In the craft section at
Wal-Mart. Sorted and inventoried parts and put caps, diodes, resistors
in one, and misc hardware in the other. Helped out quite a bit.

David Wilburn
[hidden email]
K4DGW
K2 #5982

David Wilburn wrote:

> Must haves
> ==========
> Good light
> Magnifying glass
> Dental pick
> Negative lock tweezers (big ones do not send parts flying)
> Good Multi-meter
>
> Handy items
> ===========
> Frequency counter - or you can wait till all is complete and use
> WWV/Spectogram
> Capacitance meter - not required, but it helped me with identifying parts
>
> The rework eliminators are useful, as mentioned. Also some of the
> Elecraft mini-modules are big help in filling out some of your test
> equipment for alignment. I have the noise generator and the one for
> setting the S meter, but I wished I had picked up the dummy load and a
> couple of others.
>
> K2 is a great project. Real straight forward, and great think tank here
> to ask questions to. Best of luck to you.
>
> David Wilburn
> [hidden email]
> K4DGW
> K2 #5982
>
>
> John Huggins wrote:
>> OK so I have decided to buy the base K2 kit and build it along with my
>> son; He needs to see a process like this unfold.
>>
>> I have read the various FAQs, tips, etc.
>>
>> I am not new to kit building.
>>
>> We have a good soldering station.
>>
>> If the K2 works out well we will use it on CW for a while and then add
>> enhancements: SSB first then others (perhaps DSP, 160M, 60M-Xvrter,
>> 100Watts)..
>>
>> Are there tools or tips I am missing before I drop the coin?
>>
>> John
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by John Huggins

John,

Congratulations on your decision.

Equip yourself with a set of flush cutters if you don't already have
them - while diagonal cutters will be OK for the K2, flush cutters are
required in a few areas of the KPA100 and several other options -
overall they make a neater finished product.

If your eyes require it, get a god magnifier. You will likely need at
least a magnifying glass to read the markings on the small capacitors -
I use a small lighted handheld magnifier for that, but I do not like
using a magnifier for soldering - I am fortunate that my eyes will allow
that, yours may prove otherwise.

A good #1 Phillips screwdriver, a small flat bladed screwdriver and
small long nose pliers are good things to have. There are many other
'helper' tools, but most of my building is done with just the soldering
station, a couple screwdrivers, my flush cutters and small longnose
pliers. a hemostat type clamp is handy for securing small objects
(like crimp pins) while they are being soldered.

I suggest that you get an anti-static mat and a wrist strap if you do
not have one already. ESD is a 'sneaky' thing that can reduce the
useful life of active solid state components.

Above all, have fun, use what works best for you, and don't stress about
the rest - each of us has our own way of working, and while we can say
what works for us, you will have to develop your own techniques - many
folks really like board holders, but I find them cumbersome.

73,
Don W3FPR

John Huggins wrote:

Darwin, Keith

RE: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by John Huggins

Rework Eliminators - They're great provided you are willing to spend the
time to make sure they get installed right. They represent a departure
from the normal build process and if you mess things up, then debugging
may be tougher. I went with them, and was careful. I had only one bad
solder joint and the rig worked just fine. I love my rework eliminators
as they've allowed me to plug and unplug various options at will.

Prewound toroids. I like building but winding toroids is something I
chose to not do. I went with prewound toroids on all my Elecraft kits
and highly recommend them. They are done in a very professional way.

Tools I found useful:
- Magnifying ring light
- Circuit board vise
- anti-static mat grounded to the outlet ground screw.

I did not do an inventory ... until I got to the caps. There are a lot
of them and they're easy to confuse. I spread them all out and put them
in piles. Getting them all out helped me separate the small differences
and correctly ID the various types. I arranged the piles so I could
easily find the part I needed.

- Keith N1AS -
- K2 5411.ssb.100 -

-----Original Message-----

Are there tools or tips I am missing before I drop the coin?
_______________________________________________
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

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by dave.wilburn

Just a comment here - keep the ICs and transistors in their black foam
(or pink plastic bags) ESD safe holders. Remember that many plastics
can build a static charge. I suggest that you ignore any thoughts
about sticking the components into styrofoam - that does generate static.

As another personal taste note, I find that digging into a cup-like or
box-like container to extract parts is a pain - I line up leaded parts
by value and stick their leads into the edge of corrugated cardboard. A
USPS Priority Mail box cut in half makes 2 good trays for holding the
hardware parts and lots of cut corrugated edges to stick the parts
into. Old time Heathkit builders will recognize this method.

73,
Don W3FPR

David Wilburn wrote:
> Yes, plastic organizer boxes did help. In the craft section at
> Wal-Mart. Sorted and inventoried parts and put caps, diodes,
> resistors in one, and misc hardware in the other. Helped out quite a
> bit.
>
_______________________________________________
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

Solosko, Robert B (Bob)

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by Robie Elms

John,

There's lots of good advice here - I used a small pocket
magnifier to read the markings on some of the components. At some point
I bought a magnifying lamp from the local office supply store - it
worked fine for reading component values and for lighting the work, but
the range of the magnifier was much to close to actually build the K2
under it. These lamps are intended for reading, so they focus quite
close to the page. If you need a magnifying lamp for building, I
understand that you can order lamps with a longer range magnifier that
focus further away from the circuit board. Check the archives as this
subject has been discussed in the past.

My approach to managing components is to stick all components of
the same type and value on a strip on masking tape wrapped over the end
of the leads, and then write the value on the tape. As I need a
component, I just pull it out of the tape.

Good luck.

Bob W1SRB

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Robie Elms
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 12:45 AM
To: John Huggins; [hidden email]
Subject: [SPAM?] Re: [Elecraft] Conception of a K2

John,

I suggest that you obtain a good lamp with a magnifying glass attached.
Mine has a round florescent lamp that fits around the lens. This
provides plenty of light and the magnification really improves you
productivity. I am not saying that the K2 is too small - just that time
has taken a toll on my eyes!! Another item that may help is a vice to
hold the circuit boards while you are installing components and
soldering. I do not consider this as important as the magnifying lamp.

Robie - AJ4F

K2 s/n 6165

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Huggins" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 11:08 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Conception of a K2

_______________________________________________
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

KK7P

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

> Tools I found useful:
> - Magnifying ring light

I find an Optivisor works much better for me. A ring light magnifier
gives me a headache, besides being bulky and hard on whatever it is
clamped to...

73,

Lyle KK7P

_______________________________________________
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

k0wa@swbell.net

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by John Huggins

John,

Everyone has great ideas. Here are mine. I like the visor as well. I got one for five bucks. Very good to have. I also use ice cube trays (Plastic) for a parts bin. Sometimes things do not fit will, but it does work quite well. You can use muffin tins as well, but I would not put ICs or transistors in the muffin tin.

You can get ice cube trays at the Dollar General Store....or other small plastic containers as well.

Enjoy....it is a fun time

Lee - K0WA

In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine?
_______________________________________________
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

David King-11

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by Will-69

[hidden email] wrote:
> On Tue, 14 Aug 2007, Brett gazdzinski wrote:
>> The caps I tried to organize in piles on the desk with the values
>> written in pencil on the desk, there are a LOT of caps and a LOT
>> of different values....a LOT of piles....
> ....ergo, a nice big, clean table space for all the piles is ideal.
> If you are more organized, a fishing tackle box or something similar
> with lot's of little compartments to label also helps.

I found Ice Cube Trays to be the best way to organize the parts....took
me four of them. You'll definitely need to sort your caps out by
numbers. I also made a tilting vise by using those pistol grip
expanding jaw clamps used in woodworking, mounting it on a pedestal (the
one I found came out of a sporting goods store and is for mounting on
the edge of a boat to hold a fishing rod...that in turn was mounted to a
piece of board...and I had a perfect tilting vise for about 20 bucks
total. At 54, I second the round magnifying light...mine was from
Office Depot for about 35 bucks...lots of other places had them for
90+....and, I found using that magnifying light/lamp it worked as a
solder-smoke deflector so it wasn't drifting directly into my face as I
worked.

David King
_______________________________________________
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

Craig Rairdin

RE: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

> If your eyes require it, get a god magnifier.

God magnifiers are also good for spotting the devil, who is said to be in
the details. Either way a good god magnifier is worth the investment.

Craig
NZ0R
KX1 #1499
K1 #1966
K2/100 #4941
K3/100 coming soon, right?

_______________________________________________
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

Craig Smith

RE: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by David King-11

Congratulations on your decision to build a K2 with your son. I concur with
the advice you are getting about having good lighting, ESD protection, vice,
etc.

If you don't already have them, I think a great way to introduce your son
into the kit building process would be to have him build the XG2 signal
generator and the DL-1 dummy load before starting on the K2. These are
easy and fast kits and the end result will be very helpful as you test and
align your new K2.

Have fun!

73
... Craig AC0DS

_______________________________________________
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

Tom Hammond-2

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

At 08:28 08/14/2007, Don Wilhelm wrote:

>As another personal taste note, I find that digging into a cup-like
>or box-like container to extract parts is a pain - I line up leaded
>parts by value and stick their leads into the edge of corrugated
>cardboard. A USPS Priority Mail box cut in half makes 2 good trays
>for holding the hardware parts and lots of cut corrugated edges to
>stick the parts into. Old time Heathkit builders will recognize this method.

For an illustration of what Don's referring to, I direct your attention to:

http://www.n0ss.net/index_general.html

... about 2/3 of the way down the page, just below the photo of the
Hakko 936 Soldering Station.

A setup like this makes it very easy to arrange leaded components for
easy sorting and selection.

73,

Tom N0SS

_______________________________________________
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

n6wg

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by John Huggins

John
When the K2 is finished and it's time for alignment,
many of us use a noise generator to feed the receiver,
the Spectrogram audio spectrum analyzer program
to set the filters up for the best results, and an
oscilloscope to display the resulting filter passbands.
I believe the free version of Spectrogram is still available
on N0SS' web page. There are several noise generator
kits around, not very complicated at all. I believe Elecraft
also has one. It would be an easy kit for your son to knock
out along the way.
Good luck and 73
Bob N6WG

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Huggins" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 9:08 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Conception of a K2

AC7AC

RE: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by Tom Hammond-2

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

Joe-aa4nn

Re: Conception of a K2

In reply to this post by k0wa@swbell.net

Egg cartons for trays
de Joe, aa4nn

> You can get ice cube trays at the Dollar General Store....or other small
> plastic containers as well.
>

_______________________________________________
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

123