Experience with "un-module" rework eliminators

[Craig Smith]

Has anyone used the "un-module" rework eliminators available from Ken and
Gary for the construction of a new K2?

I'm about to order my K2 kit and am considering going this route, but would
like to hear from those who have used them.  The price is certainly very
reasonable, so no problem there.  I'm wondering how much work they save and
whether they eliminate or possibly add confusion to the build process.  I've
downloaded what appears to be the latest User's Guide and it indicates that
there may still be more documentation yet to come.

My plan for the K2 is to first build and check out the K2 and internal
tuner.  Then right away add the noise blanker, DSP, and 160 meters.  Other
options that I might add some time in the future are the internal battery,
computer I/0 and SSB.

Thanks for your comments!

          ...    Craig  AC0DS
 


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[Rob Locher W7GH]

I have used the "un-module" rework eliminators available from Ken and Gary  
for the construction of a new K2.

When I first got started, the whole thing seemed very complicated, but it  
really isn't.

In my opinion, they cost more work than they save, because currently it's  
left to you to figure out the necessary changes to the K2 assembly  
procedure.  In my opinion, it's still worth the trouble, because you are  
left with a more flexible and easier-to-troubleshoot radio, and you are  
spared from most of the rework when you install the options.

Another thing to keep in mind if you are considering assembling your K2  
with the "un-module" rework eliminators is that you will want to order the  
extra parts listed in Ken's and Gary's Bare K2 Upgrade Parts List (on  
their web site), for the options you have not purchased for your K2.  This  
doesn't cost very much, a maximum of $22.98 not including shipping, but  
the cost still must be considered.

Ken and Gary are no doubt soon to provide their document that describes  
how to modify the K2 assembly instructions if you are incorporating the  
"un-module" rework eliminators from the beginning.  In the meantime, here  
is the procedure I used:

1. Order the parts you need from Elecraft according to Ken and Gary's Bare  
K2 Upgrade Parts List.

2. Build the "un-module" rework eliminators according to the  
instructions.  If you have access to a Dremel tool with a cutting disk,  
use it to separate the boards instead of snapping them apart.

3. Using the excellent diagram in the middle of the "un-module" manual,  
identify the K2 parts that you won't be installing.  (It's a short list.)

4. Download the PDF copy of the K2 manual from the Elecraft web site.  
Search through the document electronically to find the assembly steps that  
call for installing the parts you identified in the previous step.  In  
your printed manual, line out with a pencil the instructions to install  
those parts, and make notes in the margin to install the appropriate  
"un-module" instead.

5. From the Elecraft web site, download the manuals for the K2 options  
that the "un-modules" are substitutes for.

6. Go through the K2 option manuals and figure out what other installation  
steps you might want to incorporate into the K2 assembly procedure.  
Typically such a step might be to install the standoff that the K2 option  
will mechanically attach to in the future.  You will have all the parts  
you need because you ordered them in the first step.  I scribbled notes on  
printed out copies of the relevant pages of the option manuals (no need to  
print entire manuals), and referred to the notes when I was installing the  
"un-modules".

7. Relax, don't worry, and have fun building your K2!

A couple more things:

* Don't leave the "un-modules" installed when doing routine K2 build  
steps.  You could easily break parts off the "un-modules" when handling  
the RF board, especially when you have the RF board flipped over.

* When doing tests and alignments with power applied to your K2, make  
double-sure that the appropriate "un-modules" are installed first.

Once you get the general idea, installing the "un-modules" is very easy.  
Thanks Ken and Gary for a great product!

[Standard disclaimer: I have no connection with Ken or Gary except as a  
satisfied customer.]

- Rob KE7EAG
K2 #5004 (under construction)



On Sat, 17 Dec 2005 10:21:06 -0800, Craig D. Smith <[hidden email]>  
wrote:

> Has anyone used the "un-module" rework eliminators available from Ken and
> Gary for the construction of a new K2?
>
> I'm about to order my K2 kit and am considering going this route, but  
> would
> like to hear from those who have used them.  The price is certainly very
> reasonable, so no problem there.  I'm wondering how much work they save  
> and
> whether they eliminate or possibly add confusion to the build process.  
> I've
> downloaded what appears to be the latest User's Guide and it indicates  
> that
> there may still be more documentation yet to come.
>
> My plan for the K2 is to first build and check out the K2 and internal
> tuner.  Then right away add the noise blanker, DSP, and 160 meters.  
> Other
> options that I might add some time in the future are the internal  
> battery,
> computer I/0 and SSB.
>
> Thanks for your comments!
>
>           ...    Craig  AC0DS

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