I recently completed the build of K2 SN 5295 and used the "Rework
Eliminators" or "UnModules" available from Gary and Ken. There is a link to
their website at the bottom of the main Elecraft web page. Thought I would
offer up a summary of my experience with this approach, as relatively few
new builds have been done using it.
Ken and Gary now offer small kits of parts so that any future option can be
added to the K2 even though the option was not purchased with the base
transceiver. At the time I did my build, these part kits were not yet
available from them. So I only used rework eliminators for the options that
I had purchased, namely the noise blanker, DSP filter, and 160 meter
adapter, and used the parts from these option kits as needed with the rework
eliminators. I probably won't be adding many more, if any, options to my
K2, so this approach worked well for me. For someone building a K2 with the
intention of eventually adding all the bells and whistles, using all of the
rework eliminators with Ken and Gary's parts kits is probably a good way to
go.
Ken and Gary provide VERY complete documentation. This was done to
eliminate any confusion as to how the rework eliminators interface with the
K2 and how the build process is altered. This is, of course, a good thing.
But be aware that your initial impression may be that there is TOO MUCH
documentation to absorb. The matrix tables and multi-colored drawings seem
somewhat overwhelming at first. And there is indeed a commitment of time
needed "up front" to understand what you are doing with the rework
eliminators and to modify the build instructions to accommodate them. In my
case, I think that I spent perhaps two hours doing this. This can seem like
a LONG two hours when you are anxious to melt solder. But the time spent
here is rewarded later.
The build process went smoothly for me. All the test and alignment steps
went well also, and the completed base K2 performed perfectly. I'm sure I
would have had the same result without the rework eliminators. Next, I
built and installed the options one at a time. First the internal tuner (no
rework eliminator needed) then the noise blanker, then the 160 meter adapter
and finally the DSP audio filter. Here is where the payback comes. I
installed each option into the K2 in less than 5 minutes! No need to remove
the heatsink, or add/remove jumpers and components to the K2's PC boards.
Just unplug the rework eliminator and replace it with your option. In my
opinion there is definitely a net time savings overall. And, if I ever want
to remove any of the options for debugging purposes, it will be very easy to
get the base K2 operating without any rework.
The net of all this is that I'm glad I used this approach. The rework
eliminators and their parts kits are very reasonably priced. The main
"cost" is that the complexity of the documentation is increased. The main
benefit is that installing and removing options is GREATLY simplified. For
me, the build went seamlessly and I have a wonderfully performing K2.
... Craig AC0DS
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