Receiver actually works!

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Receiver actually works!

John Wiener
Just finished Alignment Part II.  Found a few more wiring errors in  
the process and fixed them.  Really is sweet to actually listen to  
40M.  The sound is exceptionally clean.  I've been listening to an  
old Heathkit regenerative receiver to practice code for license  
exam.  Quite a change in quality now with the K2.  I am using a  
multiband dipole, twin lead to balun and RG8U to K2.  At first I  
thought it was too quiet.  Then I turned on the PreAmp...still very  
clean yet seems very sensitive.

I almost want to take a break for a while before continuing the kit  
so I can listen some more (!)

I'm sure I'm not done with mistakes yet, but I want everyone to know  
that If I can do this kit, you can.

You've heard of Worked All States, I feel eligible for Replaced All  
Parts.

Broke a two pin connector, lost a few diodes...early in the kit, I  
soldered every electrolytic cap on the control board backwards,,,the  
big stripe MUST be plus, right?  Yes, I AM an idiot.  I'm  learning,  
though.  Getting better at desoldering (although I wish I didn't need  
to).

On the Alignment Part II, I just found that I soldered TWO IF  
transformers incorrectly... used the wrong ones!  Of course, I had to  
break the IF's to remove them...board is OK, though.  I did this  
after rechecking the directions TWICE... strange how you can convince  
yourself you're correct and miss something like this.

I feel very proud to have come this far.  Now I can't wait to get on  
the air.  It's only been 30 years.

I think Elecraft has an excellent product  but the best part is the  
intangible sense of accomplishment that kit building brings.
Thanks Elecraft for keeping me on the right track.

John
AB8WH
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