K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

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K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

Scott-2
I'll be starting a K2 build in the near future after the inventory is
complete.  A partial inventory is complete at this point.  I'm looking
for tips and tricks for a successful build.  Right now my biggest
problem as I see it, is how to organize all the caps and resistors to
make the build go smooth and relatively quick.  At any rate, all
suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Scott
AD5HS
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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

Don Wilhelm
Scott,

First, do not mix up the front panel, control board, and RF board parts
when doing inventory, do each separately.
Inventory the inductor bag contents separately as well - there is a 1mH
RF choke that looks very closely like a 1k resistor.

If you are not adept at identifying screw sizes, measure them (they are
all 4-40 diameter).

The best method of keeping the parts organized is to use the old
"Heathkit" method.  Seal up an empty USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate
Box (the 13.5 x 12 x 3.5 inch size) and you have 2 'trays' with
cardboard corrugation on both sides. Stick the component leads in the
corrugations.  The center of the tray can be used to hold the larger
items and hardware.  I personally do not like muffin tins or plastic
boxes for the hardware because I cannot get my fingers in to grasp them
easily, but some folks seem to like to use them.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 6/15/2018 10:45 AM, Scott wrote:

> I'll be starting a K2 build in the near future after the inventory is
> complete.  A partial inventory is complete at this point.  I'm looking
> for tips and tricks for a successful build.  Right now my biggest
> problem as I see it, is how to organize all the caps and resistors to
> make the build go smooth and relatively quick.  At any rate, all
> suggestions are welcome.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Scott
> AD5HS
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

Martin Sole-3
In reply to this post by Scott-2
I built 7723 last year and it was an outstanding way to while away a
good few days in the desert.  Here's a couple of things that might help
you along:

It's not one kit it's 3. Think of it like that and keep everything
separate. Even though you will do a minimal build on the RF board for
test purposes it's still 3 kits.

It's not a one day build. Even if you spend every waking hour on it (you
wont!) it still takes a fair few days/weeks/months to get through.

The book is right! Even when it's just plain wrong, it's right. Go back
read it again, ask on here. But that build book must have been worked
over almost 8000 times, it's right.

I couldn't find any suitable trays to organise components but I bought a
set of small(ish) plastic pots with lids. Big enough to get my fingers
in. I had 12 I think which was more than enough, about 4 inches diameter
and a couple of inches deep. Keeping the lids on and marked with the
contents helped keep from them scattering from a careless movement or
other accident.

Keep everything as Elecraft intended. If it came in a separate little
brown envelope, inventory it then put it back in the envelope. Keep the
resistors on their tapes, they are in fitting order.

Get a good quality pair of flush cutters and learn how to use them. It's
worthwhile perfecting the technique of close cutting the leads before
soldering, makes a nice board to handle afterwards and is very very very
necessary in the area of the main vfo encoder.

Ask questions here, it's a fantastic resource.

Last, but by no means least, enjoy! As the ads say, it's the most fun
you have with your clothes on. Though that might depend on how you do
your kit building :)

73
Martin, HS0ZED



On 15/06/2018 21:45, Scott wrote:

> I'll be starting a K2 build in the near future after the inventory is
> complete.  A partial inventory is complete at this point.  I'm looking
> for tips and tricks for a successful build.  Right now my biggest
> problem as I see it, is how to organize all the caps and resistors to
> make the build go smooth and relatively quick.  At any rate, all
> suggestions are welcome.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Scott
> AD5HS
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

ke9uw
I took about 10 years to build it. I started, then moved the ham shack to the new addition. I recorded every mod, change and alternate part over the 10 years and essentially wrote a new updated assembly manual. Bought all the add on options. Bought new firm ware that I never got to use and bought new again at the finish. Turned it on and guess what, no issues. Somehow I like the way it sounds, maybe better than the K3...

Chuck
KE9UW

Sent from my iPhone, cjack

> On Jun 15, 2018, at 11:24 AM, Martin Sole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I built 7723 last year and it was an outstanding way to while away a good few days in the desert.  Here's a couple of things that might help you along:
>
> It's not one kit it's 3. Think of it like that and keep everything separate. Even though you will do a minimal build on the RF board for test purposes it's still 3 kits.
>
> It's not a one day build. Even if you spend every waking hour on it (you wont!) it still takes a fair few days/weeks/months to get through.
>
> The book is right! Even when it's just plain wrong, it's right. Go back read it again, ask on here. But that build book must have been worked over almost 8000 times, it's right.
>
> I couldn't find any suitable trays to organise components but I bought a set of small(ish) plastic pots with lids. Big enough to get my fingers in. I had 12 I think which was more than enough, about 4 inches diameter and a couple of inches deep. Keeping the lids on and marked with the contents helped keep from them scattering from a careless movement or other accident.
>
> Keep everything as Elecraft intended. If it came in a separate little brown envelope, inventory it then put it back in the envelope. Keep the resistors on their tapes, they are in fitting order.
>
> Get a good quality pair of flush cutters and learn how to use them. It's worthwhile perfecting the technique of close cutting the leads before soldering, makes a nice board to handle afterwards and is very very very necessary in the area of the main vfo encoder.
>
> Ask questions here, it's a fantastic resource.
>
> Last, but by no means least, enjoy! As the ads say, it's the most fun you have with your clothes on. Though that might depend on how you do your kit building :)
>
> 73
> Martin, HS0ZED
>
>
>
>> On 15/06/2018 21:45, Scott wrote:
>> I'll be starting a K2 build in the near future after the inventory is complete.  A partial inventory is complete at this point.  I'm looking for tips and tricks for a successful build.  Right now my biggest problem as I see it, is how to organize all the caps and resistors to make the build go smooth and relatively quick.  At any rate, all suggestions are welcome.
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>> Scott
>> AD5HS
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
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Chuck, KE9UW
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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

bdenley
Scott:
Get some magnification aid: binocular microscope, magnifying lamp, etc.  Some of those parts are pretty small and solder joints need to be inspected.  Good lighting is a must as well as an anti static mat.

Brian
KB1VBF
Sent from my iPad

> On Jun 15, 2018, at 2:14 PM, hawley, charles j jr <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I took about 10 years to build it. I started, then moved the ham shack to the new addition. I recorded every mod, change and alternate part over the 10 years and essentially wrote a new updated assembly manual. Bought all the add on options. Bought new firm ware that I never got to use and bought new again at the finish. Turned it on and guess what, no issues. Somehow I like the way it sounds, maybe better than the K3...
>
> Chuck
> KE9UW
>
> Sent from my iPhone, cjack
>
>> On Jun 15, 2018, at 11:24 AM, Martin Sole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I built 7723 last year and it was an outstanding way to while away a good few days in the desert.  Here's a couple of things that might help you along:
>>
>> It's not one kit it's 3. Think of it like that and keep everything separate. Even though you will do a minimal build on the RF board for test purposes it's still 3 kits.
>>
>> It's not a one day build. Even if you spend every waking hour on it (you wont!) it still takes a fair few days/weeks/months to get through.
>>
>> The book is right! Even when it's just plain wrong, it's right. Go back read it again, ask on here. But that build book must have been worked over almost 8000 times, it's right.
>>
>> I couldn't find any suitable trays to organise components but I bought a set of small(ish) plastic pots with lids. Big enough to get my fingers in. I had 12 I think which was more than enough, about 4 inches diameter and a couple of inches deep. Keeping the lids on and marked with the contents helped keep from them scattering from a careless movement or other accident.
>>
>> Keep everything as Elecraft intended. If it came in a separate little brown envelope, inventory it then put it back in the envelope. Keep the resistors on their tapes, they are in fitting order.
>>
>> Get a good quality pair of flush cutters and learn how to use them. It's worthwhile perfecting the technique of close cutting the leads before soldering, makes a nice board to handle afterwards and is very very very necessary in the area of the main vfo encoder.
>>
>> Ask questions here, it's a fantastic resource.
>>
>> Last, but by no means least, enjoy! As the ads say, it's the most fun you have with your clothes on. Though that might depend on how you do your kit building :)
>>
>> 73
>> Martin, HS0ZED
>>
>>
>>
>>> On 15/06/2018 21:45, Scott wrote:
>>> I'll be starting a K2 build in the near future after the inventory is complete.  A partial inventory is complete at this point.  I'm looking for tips and tricks for a successful build.  Right now my biggest problem as I see it, is how to organize all the caps and resistors to make the build go smooth and relatively quick.  At any rate, all suggestions are welcome.
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance.
>>>
>>> Scott
>>> AD5HS
>>> ______________________________________________________________

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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

Bill Frantz
In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm
As Don says, different people have different ways of organizing
the hardware. I use ice cube trays. With them, I can put a
finger in and pull a 4-40 split lock washer out with a
fingernail. YMMV!

73 Bill AE6JV

On 6/15/18 at 8:03 AM, [hidden email] (Don Wilhelm) wrote:

>I personally do not like muffin tins or plastic boxes for the
>hardware because I cannot get my fingers in to grasp them
>easily, but some folks seem to like to use them.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz        | There are now so many exceptions to the
408-356-8506       | Fourth Amendment that it operates only by
www.pwpconsult.com | accident.  -  William Hugh Murray

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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

k6dgw
In reply to this post by bdenley
Its been 15 years or so [K2 S/N 4398] but my resistors were taped in the
order of insertion.  If yours are, don't remove them before needed.  I
measured each of mine as I was about to insert it, and all were
correct.  I can see the colors, I just can't name them so this was a
huge gift from Elecraft. Benton Harbor just sent a bag, but of course
auto-insertion equipment hadn't been invented then either. [:-)  I've
always wondered how the machine that tapes them works.

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 6/15/2018 4:03 PM, Brian Denley wrote:

> Scott:
> Get some magnification aid: binocular microscope, magnifying lamp, etc.  Some of those parts are pretty small and solder joints need to be inspected.  Good lighting is a must as well as an anti static mat.
>
> Brian
> KB1VBF
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Jun 15, 2018, at 2:14 PM, hawley, charles j jr <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I took about 10 years to build it. I started, then moved the ham shack to the new addition. I recorded every mod, change and alternate part over the 10 years and essentially wrote a new updated assembly manual. Bought all the add on options. Bought new firm ware that I never got to use and bought new again at the finish. Turned it on and guess what, no issues. Somehow I like the way it sounds, maybe better than the K3...
>>
>> Chuck
>> KE9UW
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone, cjack
>>
>>> On Jun 15, 2018, at 11:24 AM, Martin Sole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> I built 7723 last year and it was an outstanding way to while away a good few days in the desert.  Here's a couple of things that might help you along:
>>>
>>> It's not one kit it's 3. Think of it like that and keep everything separate. Even though you will do a minimal build on the RF board for test purposes it's still 3 kits.
>>>
>>> It's not a one day build. Even if you spend every waking hour on it (you wont!) it still takes a fair few days/weeks/months to get through.
>>>
>>> The book is right! Even when it's just plain wrong, it's right. Go back read it again, ask on here. But that build book must have been worked over almost 8000 times, it's right.
>>>
>>> I couldn't find any suitable trays to organise components but I bought a set of small(ish) plastic pots with lids. Big enough to get my fingers in. I had 12 I think which was more than enough, about 4 inches diameter and a couple of inches deep. Keeping the lids on and marked with the contents helped keep from them scattering from a careless movement or other accident.
>>>
>>> Keep everything as Elecraft intended. If it came in a separate little brown envelope, inventory it then put it back in the envelope. Keep the resistors on their tapes, they are in fitting order.
>>>
>>> Get a good quality pair of flush cutters and learn how to use them. It's worthwhile perfecting the technique of close cutting the leads before soldering, makes a nice board to handle afterwards and is very very very necessary in the area of the main vfo encoder.
>>>
>>> Ask questions here, it's a fantastic resource.
>>>
>>> Last, but by no means least, enjoy! As the ads say, it's the most fun you have with your clothes on. Though that might depend on how you do your kit building :)
>>>
>>> 73
>>> Martin, HS0ZED
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> On 15/06/2018 21:45, Scott wrote:
>>>> I'll be starting a K2 build in the near future after the inventory is complete.  A partial inventory is complete at this point.  I'm looking for tips and tricks for a successful build.  Right now my biggest problem as I see it, is how to organize all the caps and resistors to make the build go smooth and relatively quick.  At any rate, all suggestions are welcome.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance.
>>>>
>>>> Scott
>>>> AD5HS
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

Gary K9GS
Hi Fred,
It's called a sequencer.  Individual reels of tape and reel axial parts are loaded in the sequencer.  So there would be an entire reel of 10k resistors, a separate reel of 100k, separate reel of diodes, etc.
The sequencer then removes the parts from the tape and creates a new tape with the parts in the proper order and count.  The sequencer my company used to have would also measure the value of the part and reject it if it wasn't in the tolerance window.
I hope that all makes sense...
Surface mount is oh so much easier.  We have 9 surface mount lines and rarely use the axial through hole inserter these days.


73,
Gary K9GS
-------- Original message --------From: Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> Date: 6/15/18  6:33 PM  (GMT-06:00) To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks
Its been 15 years or so [K2 S/N 4398] but my resistors were taped in the
order of insertion.  If yours are, don't remove them before needed.  I
measured each of mine as I was about to insert it, and all were
correct.  I can see the colors, I just can't name them so this was a
huge gift from Elecraft. Benton Harbor just sent a bag, but of course
auto-insertion equipment hadn't been invented then either. [:-)  I've
always wondered how the machine that tapes them works.

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 6/15/2018 4:03 PM, Brian Denley wrote:

> Scott:
> Get some magnification aid: binocular microscope, magnifying lamp, etc.  Some of those parts are pretty small and solder joints need to be inspected.  Good lighting is a must as well as an anti static mat.
>
> Brian
> KB1VBF
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Jun 15, 2018, at 2:14 PM, hawley, charles j jr <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I took about 10 years to build it. I started, then moved the ham shack to the new addition. I recorded every mod, change and alternate part over the 10 years and essentially wrote a new updated assembly manual. Bought all the add on options. Bought new firm ware that I never got to use and bought new again at the finish. Turned it on and guess what, no issues. Somehow I like the way it sounds, maybe better than the K3...
>>
>> Chuck
>> KE9UW
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone, cjack
>>
>>> On Jun 15, 2018, at 11:24 AM, Martin Sole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> I built 7723 last year and it was an outstanding way to while away a good few days in the desert.  Here's a couple of things that might help you along:
>>>
>>> It's not one kit it's 3. Think of it like that and keep everything separate. Even though you will do a minimal build on the RF board for test purposes it's still 3 kits.
>>>
>>> It's not a one day build. Even if you spend every waking hour on it (you wont!) it still takes a fair few days/weeks/months to get through.
>>>
>>> The book is right! Even when it's just plain wrong, it's right. Go back read it again, ask on here. But that build book must have been worked over almost 8000 times, it's right.
>>>
>>> I couldn't find any suitable trays to organise components but I bought a set of small(ish) plastic pots with lids. Big enough to get my fingers in. I had 12 I think which was more than enough, about 4 inches diameter and a couple of inches deep. Keeping the lids on and marked with the contents helped keep from them scattering from a careless movement or other accident.
>>>
>>> Keep everything as Elecraft intended. If it came in a separate little brown envelope, inventory it then put it back in the envelope. Keep the resistors on their tapes, they are in fitting order.
>>>
>>> Get a good quality pair of flush cutters and learn how to use them. It's worthwhile perfecting the technique of close cutting the leads before soldering, makes a nice board to handle afterwards and is very very very necessary in the area of the main vfo encoder.
>>>
>>> Ask questions here, it's a fantastic resource.
>>>
>>> Last, but by no means least, enjoy! As the ads say, it's the most fun you have with your clothes on. Though that might depend on how you do your kit building :)
>>>
>>> 73
>>> Martin, HS0ZED
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> On 15/06/2018 21:45, Scott wrote:
>>>> I'll be starting a K2 build in the near future after the inventory is complete.  A partial inventory is complete at this point.  I'm looking for tips and tricks for a successful build.  Right now my biggest problem as I see it, is how to organize all the caps and resistors to make the build go smooth and relatively quick.  At any rate, all suggestions are welcome.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance.
>>>>
>>>> Scott
>>>> AD5HS
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

k6dgw
In reply to this post by Scott-2
OK, cool!  I'd like to see it work.  While I have a lot of respect for
design folk, and especially those who design the super easy websites to
use where you find what you need, do it, leave, and your coffee is still
hot, the Mech E's who can visualize in 3D with motion astound me.  I
understand the multiple reels of feedstock.  It's the "remove the parts
from the tape" part that I find hard, that tape was really sticky. [:-)

Every time I've asked my wife to tell me the colors on a resistor, even
after I tell her, "They're all supposed to be preschool colors," I still
get, "Well, sort of reddish-orange ... might be a little pink too."

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 6/15/2018 4:43 PM, GaryK9GS wrote:
> Hi Fred,
> It's called a sequencer.  Individual reels of tape and reel axial parts are loaded in the sequencer.  So there would be an entire reel of 10k resistors, a separate reel of 100k, separate reel of diodes, etc.
> The sequencer then removes the parts from the tape and creates a new tape with the parts in the proper order and count.  The sequencer my company used to have would also measure the value of the part and reject it if it wasn't in the tolerance window.
> I hope that all makes sense...
> Surface mount is oh so much easier.  We have 9 surface mount lines and rarely use the axial through hole inserter these days.
>

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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

Gary K9GS

Well, if you're ever in SE Wisconsin I'd be happy to give you a tour.

73,
Gary K9GS
-------- Original message --------From: Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> Date: 6/15/18  7:12 PM  (GMT-06:00) To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks
OK, cool!  I'd like to see it work.  While I have a lot of respect for
design folk, and especially those who design the super easy websites to
use where you find what you need, do it, leave, and your coffee is still
hot, the Mech E's who can visualize in 3D with motion astound me.  I
understand the multiple reels of feedstock.  It's the "remove the parts
from the tape" part that I find hard, that tape was really sticky. [:-)

Every time I've asked my wife to tell me the colors on a resistor, even
after I tell her, "They're all supposed to be preschool colors," I still
get, "Well, sort of reddish-orange ... might be a little pink too."

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 6/15/2018 4:43 PM, GaryK9GS wrote:
> Hi Fred,
> It's called a sequencer.  Individual reels of tape and reel axial parts are loaded in the sequencer.  So there would be an entire reel of 10k resistors, a separate reel of 100k, separate reel of diodes, etc.
> The sequencer then removes the parts from the tape and creates a new tape with the parts in the proper order and count.  The sequencer my company used to have would also measure the value of the part and reject it if it wasn't in the tolerance window.
> I hope that all makes sense...
> Surface mount is oh so much easier.  We have 9 surface mount lines and rarely use the axial through hole inserter these days.
>

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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

Neil Zampella
In reply to this post by k6dgw
I just finished mine, and its loaded.

I agree with all the previous advice, I picked up another 40 drawer
parts cabinet for the parts, used them both,  and kept them in order
that way.  Each board had its own area of the cabinets,Packing Box bag
in one area,  Control Board in the next, RF board in another, etc.  I
then segregated the parts by type. All the capacitors in one section,
either by the PCB board number, or in the case of the '102' and '103'
capacitors, all in one drawer and grabbed them as needed.    Marked them
across the front of the drawer with a Sharpie and masking tape.

My resistors came all taped ready to go in order, just find the right
end of the 'string' and work from there.   Verify the colors, but it
will save you a lot of time searching for the next resistor.

Check and double check all the polarity and pin installations of the
electrolytic capacitors, diodes and transistors.   As far as ICs, make
sure you have them positioned properly.     When the manual says to
verify PIN 1, you verify PIN 1.

My only fault was that I installed an IC backwards.   I looked at that
thing daily and did not see that the large 'dimple' on the top and to
one side of the IC was NOT the side with pin1 and the notch.     It
wasn't a costly mistake, but I lost about 4 weeks waiting for it to come
back from Elecraft.      FWIW ... I wasn't the only person who missed
that, so I didn't feel so bad :)

Make sure you have the right solder, and a GOOD temperature controlled
soldering station.  I got a Hakko FX888 from Amazon for $97.00.

Have a VERY GOOD digital meter that can measure capacitance, resistance,
DC voltage, etc.    Comes in handy when verifying parts you can see
easily, but later on during the alignment steps.

I had a good time putting it together.  I'm ready to build another one
just because it was enjoyable, frustrating at times, but mostly
enjoyable.    The support from Elecraft is amazing, an email at 8 pm ET,
would get a reply by 10 pm only because I don't think Don sleeps!

Don't hesitate to send emails if you have a question, as the book says,
they will not let you fail.     Make sure you make the changes in the
main manual as listed in the errata, definitely saves you time, and
errors.      I'd also download the K2 Manual Appendices from the
website, and print out the board component location diagrams.   Once you
start placing components, you may not be able to see exactly where that
final part goes, but the diagrams help, and taping them up over your
bench keeps you from having to flip back and forth from your
installation step to the diagram.   I even printed out the inventory
parts list from that file, made the changes from the errata, and used
that to identify parts if needed to keep me from flipping back and forth.

Finally, the Elecraft website has a lot of good tips under its "Builder
Resources" page.  I will let you know that many of the K2 mods there are
already incorporated in the new kits, so you can read about them, but
you don't have to do them.   You can verify if you need anything yourself.

Enjoy, there is nothing that gives me greater satisfaction to turn on my
K2/100 and say .. "I built that .. and it works !!!"

Neil, KN3ILZ


On 6/15/2018 7:33 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:

> Its been 15 years or so [K2 S/N 4398] but my resistors were taped in
> the order of insertion.  If yours are, don't remove them before
> needed.  I measured each of mine as I was about to insert it, and all
> were correct.  I can see the colors, I just can't name them so this
> was a huge gift from Elecraft. Benton Harbor just sent a bag, but of
> course auto-insertion equipment hadn't been invented then either.
> [:-)  I've always wondered how the machine that tapes them works.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
>
> On 6/15/2018 4:03 PM, Brian Denley wrote:
>> Scott:
>> Get some magnification aid: binocular microscope, magnifying lamp,
>> etc.  Some of those parts are pretty small and solder joints need to
>> be inspected.  Good lighting is a must as well as an anti static mat.
>>
>> Brian
>> KB1VBF
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>>> On Jun 15, 2018, at 2:14 PM, hawley, charles j jr
>>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> I took about 10 years to build it. I started, then moved the ham
>>> shack to the new addition. I recorded every mod, change and
>>> alternate part over the 10 years and essentially wrote a new updated
>>> assembly manual. Bought all the add on options. Bought new firm ware
>>> that I never got to use and bought new again at the finish. Turned
>>> it on and guess what, no issues. Somehow I like the way it sounds,
>>> maybe better than the K3...
>>>
>>> Chuck
>>> KE9UW
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone, cjack
>>>
>>>> On Jun 15, 2018, at 11:24 AM, Martin Sole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I built 7723 last year and it was an outstanding way to while away
>>>> a good few days in the desert.  Here's a couple of things that
>>>> might help you along:
>>>>
>>>> It's not one kit it's 3. Think of it like that and keep everything
>>>> separate. Even though you will do a minimal build on the RF board
>>>> for test purposes it's still 3 kits.
>>>>
>>>> It's not a one day build. Even if you spend every waking hour on it
>>>> (you wont!) it still takes a fair few days/weeks/months to get
>>>> through.
>>>>
>>>> The book is right! Even when it's just plain wrong, it's right. Go
>>>> back read it again, ask on here. But that build book must have been
>>>> worked over almost 8000 times, it's right.
>>>>
>>>> I couldn't find any suitable trays to organise components but I
>>>> bought a set of small(ish) plastic pots with lids. Big enough to
>>>> get my fingers in. I had 12 I think which was more than enough,
>>>> about 4 inches diameter and a couple of inches deep. Keeping the
>>>> lids on and marked with the contents helped keep from them
>>>> scattering from a careless movement or other accident.
>>>>
>>>> Keep everything as Elecraft intended. If it came in a separate
>>>> little brown envelope, inventory it then put it back in the
>>>> envelope. Keep the resistors on their tapes, they are in fitting
>>>> order.
>>>>
>>>> Get a good quality pair of flush cutters and learn how to use them.
>>>> It's worthwhile perfecting the technique of close cutting the leads
>>>> before soldering, makes a nice board to handle afterwards and is
>>>> very very very necessary in the area of the main vfo encoder.
>>>>
>>>> Ask questions here, it's a fantastic resource.
>>>>
>>>> Last, but by no means least, enjoy! As the ads say, it's the most
>>>> fun you have with your clothes on. Though that might depend on how
>>>> you do your kit building :)
>>>>
>>>> 73
>>>> Martin, HS0ZED
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On 15/06/2018 21:45, Scott wrote:
>>>>> I'll be starting a K2 build in the near future after the inventory
>>>>> is complete.  A partial inventory is complete at this point.  I'm
>>>>> looking for tips and tricks for a successful build.  Right now my
>>>>> biggest problem as I see it, is how to organize all the caps and
>>>>> resistors to make the build go smooth and relatively quick.  At
>>>>> any rate, all suggestions are welcome.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks in advance.
>>>>>
>>>>> Scott
>>>>> AD5HS
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>
>
>

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Re: K2 Build: Requesting Tips and Tricks

K1FFX
In reply to this post by Scott-2
Hi, Scott ... not sure if my reply is too late (I was away on an extended
trip) ... if not, perhaps the blog I kept (text and photos) during my K2
build will be helpful:

http://build-k2.blogspot.com/

Best -

Bruce K1FFX




-----
Bruce Rosen
K1FFX
K2/100 6982 KSB2 KAT100-1 KAF2

--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Bruce Rosen
K1FFX
K2/100 6982 KSB2 KAT100-1 KAF2 KIO2