Re: KX1 #02140
Posted by
EMD on
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/KX1-02140-tp2295382p2356892.html
Hi Fred,
Thanks and the same to you for finishing your K2. That looks like a real fun project. I would someday like to build a K2 but I think my next project will be the 4 band K1. I have a lot to learn and I enjoy putting things together and it keeps me busy.
I will pick up a magnifier, I wear glass with bifocals and I end up taking the glasses off and doing the soldering up close and personal with my PCB about 12 inches away from my face. I did buy a nice light that helps in reading finding parts out of the bags.
I had a question about soldering. Does the solder need to flow over the lead on both sides of the PCB or is one side with a clean connection okay?
Anyhow thanks for your thoughts,
Ed, KE7HGA
On Feb 19, 2009, at 12:28 PM, KC9QQ (via Nabble) wrote:
Congratulations on your KX1 kit. I'm sure you will really enjoy building the kit. I completed building a K2 about a month ago and enjoyed every minute. I would suggest the purchase of a lighted magnifier because it makes the construction and soldering much easier. Doing the soldering using a magnifier takes a little getting used to, but once you develop the hand eye coordination of the iron under the magnifier you will find it much less stressful making the solder connections.
I bought a low cost lighted magnifier from Staples for around $30. It was worth every penny.
Fred, KC9QQ
EMD wrote:
Hello Elecrafters,
Well I will start building my KX1 in a few days. I have been getting the required equipment and being a first time builder I feel a little over whelmed but reading all the the hints and tips on the reflector has made it a lot easier. So far I have what I think will get me started, the big item was a soldering station. I bought a Radio Shack Digital soldering station which is basically a Madell AT201D. I did not realize that the RS version did not come with extra tips but after a few minutes on the comments section I found out where the tips are available, at madell.com of course. The tip included I don't think would work well since it's a needle tip so I ordered the spade tip recommended by Elecraft, plus 2 extras. I also bought a anti static mat and Kester #44 solder 0.025" diameter 3.3% Flux from Digi-Key.
My plan is to first build the radio and follow the alignment steps, then add the antenna tuner. Once the radio is complete I'll learn how to use it, not to mention CW, and then add the the 30 80 meter add on board. I thought about adding the 3080m board at the same time but since I have not built a kit since my high school days I don't want to get ahead of myself so I think the one thing at a time plan would be best for me.
I have not bought any de-soldering equipment yet but but I'm sure that will be next on the list. I am looking forward to getting started and I'm already looking ahead to building the K1 and then the k2.
Ed