Greetings!
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Hello Elecrafters. My name is Ron Hauser, and I'm a new ham, KC0TLN. I got
licensed in November, got a radio at christmas time, and have been enjoying the new hobby quite a lot. I currently have an ICOM 706mk2g as a "first radio," I've been using it in the shack for a few months now. However, my plan when I bought the 706 was to eventually put it in my van to use mobile. I'm planning to start work on the mobile installation as soon as the weather warms up (hopefully pretty soon!). I know that when I put the radio in my van, I'll want another radio in the shack. So I've been looking around, thinking about what my second radio will be. There is a lot of positive talk about the quality of the K2. I have done some SSB, and still do, but I've been bitten hard by the CW bug. The glowing recommendations that the K2 garners from CW operators are what brought me to look at it. I looked around quite a bit on the website, and have been following along on this list for a bit. I have just one problem... I'm much more of a pipe-wrench kind of guy that a soldering-iron kind of guy. While I've put up some antennas and soldered some UHF connectors, I don't have the temperament to sit down at a bench and build an electronic device. After reading around, I see that there is quite a group of builders who enjoy the work, who have honed their skills, and who sometimes build for others. I would much rather develop a relationship with a skilled builder, than try to match their skills. I might someday achieve a level of competence in electronic building, but with kid, significant other, work, etc., I'm not going to have the time to build up that skill set anytime soon. In addition, I like the idea of supporting the traditions of ham radio by patronizing kit makers and kit builders, rather than appliance manufacturers. (I like my appliance just fine, it was the perfect first radio for me, but I'd like to support the kitbuilding side of the hobby). Thus I would like comments from people who might consider building a radio for me. If this topic is not appropriate for this list, please accept my apologies. Thanks! --Ron KC0TLN _______________________________________________ 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 don't have the temperament to sit down at a bench and build an
> electronic device.... > > In addition, I like the idea of supporting the traditions of ham radio > by patronizing kit makers and kit builders, rather than appliance > manufacturers. Let me offer the advice you didn't ask for, since that's what I'm good at. :-) And pardon me for posting to the list instead of sending it to you personally. I think it's a worthwhile topic for other lurkers. I think you should give some passing consideration to building this yourself. You can always give up and turn it over to a pro, but you might find you enjoy it. I built a K1 and like you had to purchase every single tool I used to build it. I've done some soldering before, but it was 30 years ago as a kid building a Heathkit HW-16 with my dad. That was a single-layer board with a lot of point-to-point wiring -- very different from the K1. I am a co-owner of my own business and work at home. I don't readily differentiate between work-time and free-time. It's hard for me to set aside personal time when I know there's work to be done. But building the K1 was exciting and enjoyable enough that I was able to focus on it. It was a good break from the 24/7 pressures of meeting payroll. The point is that, like you, my temperment isn't too suited to sitting in a chair looking through a magnifier at tiny electronic parts when there are other things that need to be done. I spent about 30 hours building my K1 with the 4-band board and ATU. Before I started I couldn't understand why there'd be people on this list who would offer to build your kit for free. After building the K1 I can begin to understand it. It was very enjoyable to carefully put the kit together, and very rewarding to plug it in and find that it worked. IMHO the Glory Years of ham radio are behind us. The days when you built your first rig from scratch, passed the test because you already knew the material because of your love of the hobby (instead of cramming over the weekend to learn just enough to pass), and climbed trees to hang your homemade dipole seem to be gone or at least disappearing. I think building an Elecraft kit is a great way for a new ham in 2005 to experience more of the hobby than most will ever take the time to do. Whatever you decide to do, I think you'll love the K2. Craig NZ0R K1 #1966 _______________________________________________ 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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Wow, I am quite impressed at the responses both on this reflector and
direct. I appreciate the info from builders for hire, as well as the encouragement to build it myself. To answer many of your responses, I _am_ considering doing it myself, but it is a matter of time and motivation. I have an 8 year old son, so spring, and the summer vacation season, are already booked. I couldn't even start to learn until fall. It could be possible to make the time available in October to get tools, set up a workstation, and begin. (I would also have to get motivated to commit the hours). I'm thinking it over, but also considering a builder. Thanks for all your responses! --Ron KC0TLN _______________________________________________ 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: Navigating the Modification maze
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The LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to Elecraft K2 Modifications is an excellent resource for determining the mods that exist for the K2. What I find confusing however, is where some of the upgrades incorporate or include other mods. For example, I understand that the KPA-100 includes some of the Revision B mods. In short, I am more than a little confused in this regard. I am planning on upgrading my K2, serial # 2359 [firmware 2.01H] with the KPA-100 and KDSP2. It has the KSB2 and also the KIO2 (which I understand is superseded by some arrangement in the KPA-100). At the same time, I would like to install the Revision B and firmware upgrade, and perhaps the wider SSB crystals. My question is whether there is someone on this list who has a similar vintage K2, and who is also planning on installing at least the KPA-100 and Revision B. Perhaps someone has already studied the charts and information, and figured out exactly what must be installed. If so, could you contact me? I would like to develop a list of all the upgrades/mods and purchase them at one time. Hopefully someone has done all this research, from which I can benefit. Thanks in advance. Tom W6EIJ _______________________________________________ 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 Ron Hauser
Ron:
Like you, I am taking a bit of time getting ready before I build a rig. Preparation, including creating the workspace, collecting the tools and so on, is no small task. Personally, I have never considered "hiring done" the construction of an Elecraft rig. It looks to me like the greater half of the experience of operating comes from building it with one's own hands. 73, Steve AA4AK At 10:06 PM 3/28/2005 -0600, you wrote: >Wow, I am quite impressed at the responses both on this reflector and >direct. I appreciate the info from builders for hire, as well as the >encouragement to build it myself. To answer many of your responses, I _am_ >considering doing it myself, but it is a matter of time and motivation. I >have an 8 year old son, so spring, and the summer vacation season, are >already booked. I couldn't even start to learn until fall. It could be >possible to make the time available in October to get tools, set up a >workstation, and begin. (I would also have to get motivated to commit the >hours). I'm thinking it over, but also considering a builder. > >Thanks for all your responses! > >--Ron >KC0TLN > > >_______________________________________________ >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 |
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By all means, if you have the capability, build the radio. It is a lot
of fun. Then you'll want to build another option for it, and then still another. It is insidious but you will feel a bit depressed after finishing your first Elecraft kit. However, remember you can use the rig for many years. Unless you sell it to finance building a new one. You will enjoy getting on the air with it. It is a very nice radio. The best part? You built it yourself! If something goes wrong (heaven forbid) you can repair it with a cry for help to either the Reflector, Gary Surrency, or even Wayne or Eric. All of these options are available. These folks (and us folks too) will not let you fail. Build it yourself unless your slave driver boss works you 24/7, if you can't see to the end of your soldering iron, or you were born with two left hands and tendency toward self-immolation. Barring these disabilities you will regret not building it yourself. Because one night you will find yourself checking in to the Elecraft CW Net and hearing the joy in folks' fists. These folks built their Elecraft rigs and are happily pounding brass in exultation. Do you wish to feel left out of this chorus of joy? Forbid the thought; build the rig and enjoy the happy state of flux, solder, and RF. Sincerely, Kevin. KD5ONS On Mon, 28 Mar 2005 23:46:03 -0500, Stephen W. Kercel <[hidden email]> wrote: > Ron: > > Like you, I am taking a bit of time getting ready before I build a rig. > Preparation, including creating the workspace, collecting the tools and > so on, is no small task. > > Personally, I have never considered "hiring done" the construction of an > Elecraft rig. It looks to me like the greater half of the experience of > operating comes from building it with one's own hands. > > 73, > > Steve > AA4AK > > > > > > > At 10:06 PM 3/28/2005 -0600, you wrote: >> Wow, I am quite impressed at the responses both on this reflector and >> direct. I appreciate the info from builders for hire, as well as the >> encouragement to build it myself. To answer many of your responses, I >> _am_ >> considering doing it myself, but it is a matter of time and >> motivation. I >> have an 8 year old son, so spring, and the summer vacation season, are >> already booked. I couldn't even start to learn until fall. It could be >> possible to make the time available in October to get tools, set up a >> workstation, and begin. (I would also have to get motivated to commit >> the >> hours). I'm thinking it over, but also considering a builder. >> >> Thanks for all your responses! >> >> --Ron >> KC0TLN >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.8.4 - Release Date: 3/27/2005 _______________________________________________ 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: Navigating the Modification maze
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In reply to this post by Thomas Beltran
Tom,
Actually the Elecraft 'spare parts and mods' order information is easier to work with for what you want to do than the LA3ZA listing - I don't want to diminish the usefullness of the LA3ZA listing, but it contains many 'special purpose' mods and can be intimidating just by virtue of the sheer quantity of mods listed. My recommendation to any K2 owner with lower than SN 3000 is that you first download the A to B instructions, then order and install all the parts (kits) listed in that document - unless some are already installed, plus - order the PLL Temperature stability mod and the Keying Waveshape mod - and in addition, if you do not have 2 1N4148 diodes in your junkbox, order 2 of those also. Order and install the K2 firmware upgrade (you will need it with the Keying Waveshape mod), and install the sidetone source change indicated in the KPA100 and/or KIO2 instrucitions (even if you don't need it). Also if your SN is less than 2650, order a new set of crystals too (filter width modification kits are also available if you desire a change). Check the turns on T7 as you are doing the upgrades and if you have the very old 13:3 ratio, change it to the newer 22:5 ratio. The 2 diodes are to add the 'Extremely Strong Signal Handling' change to your K2 (download the Rev F K2 manual and look at page 59 column 1 to see how to install the diodes). If your KPA100 is not the latest level, order the changes for that option too (you can tell the level by the resistors - download the KPA100 manual to compare with yours). If you do all the above, you should end up with the electrical equivalent of the newest K2 being shipped, and it will 'perform like a new one' - you will not be disappointed. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > The LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to Elecraft K2 Modifications is an excellent > resource for determining the mods that exist for the K2. What I find > confusing however, is where some of the upgrades incorporate or include > other mods. For example, I understand that the KPA-100 includes > some of the > Revision B mods. In short, I am more than a little confused in > this regard. > > > I am planning on upgrading my K2, serial # 2359 [firmware 2.01H] with the > KPA-100 and KDSP2. It has the KSB2 and also the KIO2 (which I > understand is > superseded by some arrangement in the KPA-100). At the same time, I would > like to install the Revision B and firmware upgrade, and perhaps the wider > SSB crystals. > > My question is whether there is someone on this list who has a similar > vintage K2, and who is also planning on installing at least the > KPA-100 and > Revision B. Perhaps someone has already studied the charts and > information, > and figured out exactly what must be installed. If so, could you contact > me? I would like to develop a list of all the upgrades/mods and purchase > them at one time. Hopefully someone has done all this research, > from which > I can benefit. Thanks in advance. Tom W6EIJ > _______________________________________________ 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: Greetings! (stripping and cleaning suggestion)
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In reply to this post by Kevin Rock
I only had a couple of problems building the K2/100, various options,
and a KAT100-1. I'd suggest a Dremel tool for stripping paint and anodizing and a pocket knife for stripping 20ga enameled wire. Use the pocket knife to get most of the enamel off before you start to tin it. The smaller gauge wire strips fine with the hot solder blob trick but the 20 ga wire was a bear until I used the pocket knife trick. Other people probably have better luck using sandpaper to scrape off the paint on the insides of chassis, but I find the Dremel much more controllable and saves a lot of time. I was sanding for 45 minutes on the KPA100 heat sink trying to remove the anodizing until I gave up and got a new Dremel wire brush bit. The Dremel takes less than a minute and has more control over the area affected. You'll probably need a Dremel for the transverters, too. My buddy Greg had better luck with the Dremel than sandpaper on the transverters. Hey Wayne and Eric, could you get the painters to mask off the parts for the KAT100? Actually, I've already finished the thing, so maybe everyone else can have the same fun I did. :) -- Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email] BSEE(6/86) + BSChem(3/95) + BAEnglish(8/95) + MSCS(8/03) + $2.50 = latte _______________________________________________ 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 Ron Hauser
Ron,
Build it yourself! Just a suggestion; but you'd be missing a major part of the experience if you farmed it out. (no offense to the fine Hams who do build Elecraft rigs for others). Just a personal story. I have two kids, aged three and four; and I built my K2 when they were aged two and three. I worked on it in the evenings after they were in bed. I bought the kit in February of last year and started it in March. Putting in maybe two hours a night when I got the chance, I finished the rig in July. Oh, yes, there were many distractions and evenings (and even weeks!) that I could not put in any time on it. But, hey, it's not a race and you don't have to get it done in one weekend or a week. Patience and perserverence pay off; and you can build a K2 even with a busy schedule like mine! 73 es good luck! Larry W2LJ K2 #4090 K1 #1643 (see, I even found time to build another!) _______________________________________________ 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 Ron Hauser
Besides, you shouldn't overlook the fun of building with your son. In 1978 my 8-year-old son and I built one of the first computer kits, an 8080-based computer called NETRONIC. It was just a bag of parts with mimeographed instructions on how to build it, and it used a TV for output. We even had to build the keyboard.
My son enjoyed it as much as I did, and he became very good at soldering. Now that he's 35, with other interests, I wish we could build a kit together again. 73 de NNØB --Steve -----Original Message----- From: Kevin Rock [mailto:[hidden email]] Sent: Monday, March 28, 2005 23:40 To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Greetings! By all means, if you have the capability, build the radio. It is a lot of fun. Then you'll want to build another option for it, and then still another. It is insidious but you will feel a bit depressed after finishing your first Elecraft kit. However, remember you can use the rig for many years. Unless you sell it to finance building a new one. You will enjoy getting on the air with it. It is a very nice radio. The best part? You built it yourself! If something goes wrong (heaven forbid) you can repair it with a cry for help to either the Reflector, Gary Surrency, or even Wayne or Eric. All of these options are available. These folks (and us folks too) will not let you fail. Build it yourself unless your slave driver boss works you 24/7, if you can't see to the end of your soldering iron, or you were born with two left hands and tendency toward self-immolation. Barring these disabilities you will regret not building it yourself. Because one night you will find yourself checking in to the Elecraft CW Net and hearing the joy in folks' fists. These folks built their Elecraft rigs and are happily pounding brass in exultation. Do you wish to feel left out of this chorus of joy? Forbid the thought; build the rig and enjoy the happy state of flux, solder, and RF. Sincerely, Kevin. KD5ONS On Mon, 28 Mar 2005 23:46:03 -0500, Stephen W. Kercel <[hidden email]> wrote: > Ron: > > Like you, I am taking a bit of time getting ready before I build a rig. > Preparation, including creating the workspace, collecting the tools > and so on, is no small task. > > Personally, I have never considered "hiring done" the construction of > an Elecraft rig. It looks to me like the greater half of the > experience of operating comes from building it with one's own hands. > > 73, > > Steve > AA4AK > > > > > > > At 10:06 PM 3/28/2005 -0600, you wrote: >> Wow, I am quite impressed at the responses both on this reflector and >> direct. I appreciate the info from builders for hire, as well as the >> encouragement to build it myself. To answer many of your responses, >> I _am_ considering doing it myself, but it is a matter of time and >> motivation. I have an 8 year old son, so spring, and the summer >> vacation season, are already booked. I couldn't even start to learn >> until fall. It could be possible to make the time available in >> October to get tools, set up a workstation, and begin. (I would also >> have to get motivated to commit the hours). I'm thinking it over, >> but also considering a builder. >> >> Thanks for all your responses! >> >> --Ron >> KC0TLN >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.8.4 - Release Date: 3/27/2005 ******************************* The information contained in this message may be privileged and/or confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Note that any views or opinions presented in this message are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ameren. All emails are subject to monitoring and archival. Finally, the recipient should check this message and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Ameren accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to the message and deleting the material from any computer. Ameren Corporation ******************************* _______________________________________________ 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: Navigating the Modification maze
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In reply to this post by Thomas Beltran
-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Thomas Beltran The LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to Elecraft K2 Modifications is an excellent resource for determining the mods that exist for the K2. What I find confusing however, is where some of the upgrades incorporate or include other mods. For example, I understand that the KPA-100 includes some of the Revision B mods. In short, I am more than a little confused in this regard. I am planning on upgrading my K2, serial # 2359 [firmware 2.01H] with the KPA-100 and KDSP2. It has the KSB2 and also the KIO2 (which I understand is superseded by some arrangement in the KPA-100). At the same time, I would like to install the Revision B and firmware upgrade, and perhaps the wider SSB crystals. -------- I realize that it has become hard to distinguish the various mods from each other and their status vs serial numbers etc. That's why I have subdivided the Mods page into pre- and post-rev B mods (serial no #3000). Also, the various categories in the main list (K2, KSB2, KPA100, ...) start with the mods that have been included in the K2/option at various serial numbers and dates, and if possible the subsequent mods in the list are those that have been designed by Elecraft. Probably this system is not quite consistent throughout the lists, but it is the general guideline. Regarding #2359 and KPA100: I have #2159 and just recently added the KPA100. The KPA100 comes with all the required firmware upgrades so there is no need to buy that separately, and the only rev B mods kit that is included is the "10M BPF, VFO/ALC Mod Kit for the K2". I believe this is the only one that is really required to run the KPA100 also, so all the other rev B upgrades can be taken at your own pace, either before or after the KPA100. 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qsl.net/la3za/ _______________________________________________ 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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