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(Elecraft) K2 Build #7552

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Kev Schache

(Elecraft) K2 Build #7552

Hi to all,

Firstly, let me introduce myself.
I'm an 80 year old ham first licensed 1960, never very active on the
bands, more of a builder than a contest DX-er, and even that building
lapsed about 20 years ago until recently.
it seems that building an Elecraft K2 had been on my to do list since it
first appeared around the 1990s and now at last it's on it's way!!!

K2 Build #7552 is proceeding nicely, even if somewhat slower than average.
The Control Board and Front Panel Assembly completed and Alignment and
Test Part 1 successfully completed up to 'Tap the PRE/ATTN switch three
times'. (page 44).

Now comes the first sign of a problem - no relay switching heard when I
tap the PRE/ATTN switch.

Ok, so now I'm off to check out that Front Panel board around that
switch.....

I'd also like to say that I have been very impressed by the very
professional nature of the kit and its manual.
It was no small risk for someone of my age to outlay the necessary
capital in the hope that I could manage the construction and I am
finding huge satisfaction and enjoyment from the project.
Well done Elecraft!!!

73,

Kev
VK5KS

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: (Elecraft) K2 Build #7552

Kevin,

You have a K2 with the new encoder board. If the leads on that encoder
board and the area of the Control board directly behind it are not flush
trimmed (really, really flush trimmed), the two will make contact and
'strange things will happen'. Yes, the tools list does not include
flush trimmers, but you will need them.
Inexpensive flush trimmers can often be found in the electrical tools
department of your local DIY store (at least here in the US Home Depot
carries them) - look for Xcelite (or Lufkin or Cooper) 170M - it may be
packaged with a pair of small needlenose pliers.

Try putting some insulator between the encoder board and the control
board to test and see if that cures the fault condition. There is not
much clearance and you may not be able to put the screws in the control
board while doing that test.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/27/2014 1:15 AM, Kevin Schache wrote:

> Hi to all,
>
> Firstly, let me introduce myself.
> I'm an 80 year old ham first licensed 1960, never very active on the
> bands, more of a builder than a contest DX-er, and even that building
> lapsed about 20 years ago until recently.
> it seems that building an Elecraft K2 had been on my to do list since
> it first appeared around the 1990s and now at last it's on it's way!!!
>
> K2 Build #7552 is proceeding nicely, even if somewhat slower than
> average.
> The Control Board and Front Panel Assembly completed and Alignment and
> Test Part 1 successfully completed up to 'Tap the PRE/ATTN switch
> three times'. (page 44).
>
> Now comes the first sign of a problem - no relay switching heard when
> I tap the PRE/ATTN switch.
>
> Ok, so now I'm off to check out that Front Panel board around that
> switch.....
>
> I'd also like to say that I have been very impressed by the very
> professional nature of the kit and its manual.
> It was no small risk for someone of my age to outlay the necessary
> capital in the hope that I could manage the construction and I am
> finding huge satisfaction and enjoyment from the project.
> Well done Elecraft!!!
>
> 73,
>
> Kev
> VK5KS
>

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Message delivered to [hidden email]

Bob-2

Re: (Elecraft) K2 Build #7552

Hi,

These also have the "170" number so may be of similar design.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZPDG1K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've got good service from these, even abusing them. If your a Prime
member or get to the free shipping level at $4.37 these are almost throw
away's. Surprisingly they are made in Italy not China.

73,
Bob
K2TK ex KN2TKR (1956) & K2TKR

On 9/27/2014 8:47 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Kevin,
>
> You have a K2 with the new encoder board. If the leads on that encoder board
> and the area of the Control board directly behind it are not flush trimmed
> (really, really flush trimmed), the two will make contact and 'strange things
> will happen'. Yes, the tools list does not include flush trimmers, but you
> will need them.
> Inexpensive flush trimmers can often be found in the electrical tools
> department of your local DIY store (at least here in the US Home Depot carries
> them) - look for Xcelite (or Lufkin or Cooper) 170M - it may be packaged with
> a pair of small needlenose pliers.
>
> Try putting some insulator between the encoder board and the control board to
> test and see if that cures the fault condition. There is not much clearance
> and you may not be able to put the screws in the control board while doing
> that test.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>