New K2 Build w/ Options

[W0CD]

Good afternoon.

I just received a new K2 kit from Elecraft (#7899). It includes all
available options for the K2/100 (amp, audio filter, 60m, SSB, etc.).

I understand adding these components after the K2 is built will require a
bit of rework to be completed. Is this true if you are building the entire
kit, with accessories, from scratch? I noticed the rework boards are no
longer available and I want to be sure I eliminate as much rework as
possible (if possible).

In other words, are there any accessories / addons I should be installing at
the time of the K2 build -- or do I complete the base K2 first before moving
on.

Thanks!

James - W0CD



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[Jim Fuller]

On 8/15/2019 12:00 PM, W0CD wrote:

> Good afternoon.
>
> I just received a new K2 kit from Elecraft (#7899). It includes all
> available options for the K2/100 (amp, audio filter, 60m, SSB, etc.).
>
> I understand adding these components after the K2 is built will require a
> bit of rework to be completed. Is this true if you are building the entire
> kit, with accessories, from scratch? I noticed the rework boards are no
> longer available and I want to be sure I eliminate as much rework as
> possible (if possible).
>
> In other words, are there any accessories / addons I should be installing at
> the time of the K2 build -- or do I complete the base K2 first before moving
> on.

When I built mine, I built the option kits first, which got me familiar
the assembly manuals, then I built the main kit, including the various
connectors for the options, some of which needed temporary jumpers,
where I used pushon jumper thingies.  It also involved a lot of
perusing, and cross-referencing, the manuals. Once the main radio was
finished and tested, then I added (plugged in) the option boards, one at
a time, testing everything as I went. It all worked spendidly.

The only parts that I needed to add to the main radio at the time I
built it were the connectors for the options, which were included in the
options kits,  and some temporary jumpers.

--
Jim Fuller
N5XH

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[Don Wilhelm]

James,

The amount of "rework" is minimal.  There are ways to avoid doing as
much component removal and changes, but I would not recommend that you
do it on your initial kit build.

If you were to build a 2nd K2 (after installing the various options
once), then I can see you reviewing the installation steps for the
options and doing those things as you build the K2, but for the first
time, build the base K2, do the alignment and test, and then add the
options.

To help set your mind at ease, the components that you will need to
remove for each of the options is as follows:
KPA100 -- none
K160RX -- none
KXV60  -- remove two capacitors
KAF2  -- remove two wires on the back of the control board
KNB2  -- change 3 resistors
KSB2  -- remove one capacitor

So IMHO, the "rework" is minimal.  Most of the work for installation of
the options is adds to the RF Board.  For older K2s (below SN 3000),
there is a bit more rework, but not for yours.

The hardest part of removing components from the boards is removing the
solder from the holes.  You can even waste the component to be removed
and pull the leads out one at a time.  Clean up the solder pads with
solder wick, and if solder remains in the holes, heat the pad and push
the solder out with a wooden toothpick so you can insert the new
component or header.

73,
Don W3FPR




On 8/15/2019 1:00 PM, W0CD wrote:

> Good afternoon.
>
> I just received a new K2 kit from Elecraft (#7899). It includes all
> available options for the K2/100 (amp, audio filter, 60m, SSB, etc.).
>
> I understand adding these components after the K2 is built will require a
> bit of rework to be completed. Is this true if you are building the entire
> kit, with accessories, from scratch? I noticed the rework boards are no
> longer available and I want to be sure I eliminate as much rework as
> possible (if possible).
>

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[Sverre Holm (LA3ZA)]

It is also very easy to make plug-in equivalents of the rework modules. In
fact that’s where they started. And as said here, they will just contain
jumpers or a couple of components.

See
http://la3za.blogspot.com/p/la3za-unofficial-guide-to-elecraft-k2_28.html#Access



-----
Sverre, LA3ZA

K2 #2198, K3 #3391,
LA3ZA Blog: http://la3za.blogspot.com,
LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to K2 modifications: http://la3za.blogspot.com/p/la3za-unofficial-guide-to-elecraft-k2.html
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[W0CD]

All,

Thanks for the replies (and several direct emails I received). It sounds
like it's much easier now than it was when the K2 was first introduced.

Thanks again.



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