In my experience the K2 is actually easier to build than most Heathkits - especially the older vacuum tube jobs.
Where most people have trouble is in putting the wrong part in the wrong place. Putting in parts oriented wrong (IC's backwards, etc.) and in bad solder joints (cold or missed solder joints). Be especially careful with the toroid leads to be sure they are stripped and tinned up ABOVE where the lead comes out of the PC board so they are actually soldered. You can fill the PC board hole with solder, trapping the lead, but it the enamel isn't gone from that point it doesn't make contact. They have been dubbed "PTTL" for "poorly tinned toroid leads" by kit builder rescuer extraordinaire, Gary Surrency ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Take your time. Don't hurry. Make it a Zen exercise in deliberate thought, deliberate motion, deliberate acts. Double check your work. When you are done, it'll be as much of a thrill as your first Heathkit - and work a whole lot better! Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- I just received my new K2/100 with all the bells and whistles. I ordered all the necessary tools to help put it together i.e.: solder station, etc. I haven't built a kit since the days of Heathkit and that was many years ago. If anyone has suggestions, I would appreciate helpful comments. Thanks and 73 de Alan, K6IPM _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
