Re:Troubles with kits - reply to Herb

[alanchilds]

Hi Herb and I echo the sentiments of all the other Hams, Welcome to Amateur
Radio.  I have been a Ham over 50 years getting my novice license in 1953.
At that time, even Heathkit was emerging but I must tell you I had so much
fun and excitement building all those kits.  There were many available
throughout the years but Heathkit went to the top of the heap among Hams all
over the world.  Even today, I still have my SB102 Transceiver.  Bottom line
is that all of them were NOT only fun to build but one learned a whole lot
about their rigs.  How to build it, how to trouble shoot it and best of all,
something we put together ourselves.

With the evolution of the Elecraft K2 and their other products, the age of
kit building has been brought to the 21st century.  The design of the rig is
superb and Elecraft has introduced many features found only in the latest
modern rigs.  I personally visited a Ham about 2 weeks ago near my home who
built his K2/100 rig and it was outstanding.  In addition, there are many
add-ons available and other bands you can add such as 6 meter transverter,
etc.

Getting down to the nuts and bolts of the rig, you won't have any problems
if you just follow the simple steps and go slowly.  I downloaded the entire
manual and it is extremely detailed Herb with plenty of pictures and
component parts as well.  The manual is simple to understand and each step
is very detailed.  Questions you may have at the time of purchase will be
answered by Lisa, who is in Sales.  She understands every aspect of the K2
and will help you decide which features you may want.  You can get ALL the
bells and whistles or just start with the basic unit and add as you go.  The
K2 is extremely versatile as you can use it at home or away.

Don't get discouraged by the building phase.  A little practice in soldering
technique is all you need.  You don't need a lot of technical experience
either.  The rig contains checkpoints as you go with its built in test
equipment.  Even the coils can be wound very simply if you follow the
diagrams and wind the exact number of turns as specified.

Now, I must tell you  I haven't purchased my K2 just yet, but NOT due to any
problems that I would have trouble building it but the fact I already have
an FT1000D.  However, I love to build kits, so just the idea of putting
together my own rig after all these years is an exciting idea.  The K2, as I
mentioned previously works as well or better and has the nicest features of
the most modern rigs.  You can't go wrong, Herb.  So roll up those sleeves,
get a good Weller Soldering Station and jump in.  You will be absolutely
thrilled with the results.

Finally, the reflector as many have told you, is a forum to express ideas,
troubleshooting, etc. and gives support from others who have the same rigs.
Its much like any of the forums ie: Yaesu, Icom, Eham, that you might see on
line.  Rigs may develop problems and this is a great forum to get ideas from
others who have been there before you.  You will get fast turnaround from
Elecraft should you need their expertise and they will also troubleshoot
your rig if things get that desperate.  They generally don't because you
learn as you go and you will be able to detect which part of your rig is
causing the problem should you have one.  Most of us are our own worst enemy
and once you have done it, you will tell yourself, that wasn't very
difficult.

Take care Herb and many thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.  Again,
congratulations on getting your ticket.  You will have a tremendous amount
of fun with this wonderful hobby.  The very best of 73' to you.

Alan, K6IPM

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