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[K2] Build questions

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Sean Michael Johnston

[K2] Build questions

I am building the K2 along with options KDSP2, KSB2, K160RX, & K60XV, and I would like to avoid desoldering parts as much as possible.
Does anyone have a suggestion as to which parts of the options it is OK to add as I am building the RF board?
Is it safe to add any of the larger capacitors from the add-on kits without attaching the actual add-on boards for initial testing of the K2, or is that a bad idea?
I am planning on installing all the Junction connectors and plugging in temporary jumpers instead of soldering the jumpers directly to board. Is this recommended/safe?

Thanks - Sean

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Johnny Siu

[K2] Build questions

I know other experts will give you more advice. From my past experience, I would build the basic K2 first. Since you have KSB2, there are some components for KSB2 to be installed on the front panel, you can do that as well.

Once your basic K2 is ready and fine, you can start with the others. I am assuming a first builder. For me, built many K2 in the past, I will cut the corner and install all relevant parts of the options in RF / front panel board at first hand. This approach is not recommended if you don't familiar with K2 building because this will hinder the troubleshooting process in case of problems.

I don't object the installation of junction connector but you have to make proper record yourself - see taking a photo with your smartphone.

Hope this help.

73

Johnny VR2XMC

________________________________
寄件人︰ Sean Michael Johnston <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ [hidden email]
傳送日期︰ 2014年02月15日 (週六) 9:27 AM
主題︰ [Elecraft] [K2] Build questions

I am building the K2 along with options KDSP2, KSB2, K160RX, & K60XV, and I would like to avoid desoldering parts as much as possible.
Does anyone have a suggestion as to which parts of the options it is OK to add as I am building the RF board?
Is it safe to add any of the larger capacitors from the add-on kits without attaching the actual add-on boards for initial testing of the K2, or is that a bad idea?
I am planning on installing all the Junction connectors and plugging in temporary jumpers instead of soldering the jumpers directly to board. Is this recommended/safe?

Thanks - Sean

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Sean Michael Johnston

Re: [K2] Build questions

Thanks for the advice Johnny.
This seems to be the best way to go for a first time builder like myself.

On Feb 14, 2014, at 8:04 PM, Johnny Siu <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I know other experts will give you more advice. From my past experience, I would build the basic K2 first. Since you have KSB2, there are some components for KSB2 to be installed on the front panel, you can do that as well.
>
> Once your basic K2 is ready and fine, you can start with the others. I am assuming a first builder. For me, built many K2 in the past, I will cut the corner and install all relevant parts of the options in RF / front panel board at first hand. This approach is not recommended if you don't familiar with K2 building because this will hinder the troubleshooting process in case of problems.
>
> I don't object the installation of junction connector but you have to make proper record yourself - see taking a photo with your smartphone.
>
> Hope this help.
>
> 73
>
> Johnny VR2XMC
> 寄件人︰ Sean Michael Johnston <[hidden email]>
> 收件人︰ [hidden email]
> 傳送日期︰ 2014年02月15日 (週六) 9:27 AM
> 主題︰ [Elecraft] [K2] Build questions
>
> I am building the K2 along with options KDSP2, KSB2, K160RX, & K60XV, and I would like to avoid desoldering parts as much as possible.
> Does anyone have a suggestion as to which parts of the options it is OK to add as I am building the RF board?
> Is it safe to add any of the larger capacitors from the add-on kits without attaching the actual add-on boards for initial testing of the K2, or is that a bad idea?
> I am planning on installing all the Junction connectors and plugging in temporary jumpers instead of soldering the jumpers directly to board. Is this recommended/safe?
>
>
>
> Thanks - Sean
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
>

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: [K2] Build questions

In reply to this post by Sean Michael Johnston

Sean,

For a first time builder, I recommend you simply follow the instructions
in the manual. There are only a few components that require desoldering
when adding the options .
I would suggest that you add the Front Panel components for the KSB2
option while you have the Front Panel Board open.
The K2 manual has a page that will lead you to the proper time to
consider the installation of modules.
Do *not* attempt to install the K60XV until you are completely finished
with the K2 assembly, alignment and test. That option changes the
alignment and operation for 40 meters, so don't do that until your base
K2 is complete.

If you are a very experienced builder and can successfully juggle
instructions between two documents at once to determine the before and
after changes and resolve any conflicts, then I would reconsider my
advice above.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/14/2014 8:27 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:

> I am building the K2 along with options KDSP2, KSB2, K160RX, & K60XV, and I would like to avoid desoldering parts as much as possible.
> Does anyone have a suggestion as to which parts of the options it is OK to add as I am building the RF board?
> Is it safe to add any of the larger capacitors from the add-on kits without attaching the actual add-on boards for initial testing of the K2, or is that a bad idea?
> I am planning on installing all the Junction connectors and plugging in temporary jumpers instead of soldering the jumpers directly to board. Is this recommended/safe?
>
>
>
> Thanks - Sean
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

EricJ-2

Re: [K2] Build questions

In reply to this post by Sean Michael Johnston

If you aren't already familiar with it, get some solder wick. Radio
Shack and anywhere they sell solder normally has it. It's just finely
braided copper wire. Lay the end on a solder joint, heat it with the
iron and it wicks up excess solder so you can easily remove components
when you add the KSB2 etc. it will save a lot of wear and tear on the
board. In fact, if you are removing them completely, it's safer to cut
the component out, solder wick the remaining stubs and pull them out. A
little cleanup with alcohol and you would never know a part had been
soldered in there.

Eric
KE6US

On 2/14/2014 10:07 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:

> Thanks for the advice Johnny.
> This seems to be the best way to go for a first time builder like myself.
>
> On Feb 14, 2014, at 8:04 PM, Johnny Siu <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I know other experts will give you more advice. From my past experience, I would build the basic K2 first. Since you have KSB2, there are some components for KSB2 to be installed on the front panel, you can do that as well.
>>
>> Once your basic K2 is ready and fine, you can start with the others. I am assuming a first builder. For me, built many K2 in the past, I will cut the corner and install all relevant parts of the options in RF / front panel board at first hand. This approach is not recommended if you don't familiar with K2 building because this will hinder the troubleshooting process in case of problems.
>>
>> I don't object the installation of junction connector but you have to make proper record yourself - see taking a photo with your smartphone.
>>
>> Hope this help.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Johnny VR2XMC
>> 寄件人︰ Sean Michael Johnston <[hidden email]>
>> 收件人︰ [hidden email]
>> 傳送日期︰ 2014年02月15日 (週六) 9:27 AM
>> 主題︰ [Elecraft] [K2] Build questions
>>
>> I am building the K2 along with options KDSP2, KSB2, K160RX, & K60XV, and I would like to avoid desoldering parts as much as possible.
>> Does anyone have a suggestion as to which parts of the options it is OK to add as I am building the RF board?
>> Is it safe to add any of the larger capacitors from the add-on kits without attaching the actual add-on boards for initial testing of the K2, or is that a bad idea?
>> I am planning on installing all the Junction connectors and plugging in temporary jumpers instead of soldering the jumpers directly to board. Is this recommended/safe?
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks - Sean
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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