Chip Hood wrote:
I am trying to get a feel for the difficulty to build a K-2 (w/SSB
and tuner options) compared to a Heathkit HW-9: difficulty, time to
complete, troubleshooting, etc.
My last kit was a good while back - an HW-9 with band pack. I'd like
to build the K-2 myself but don't want to bite off more than I can
handle or have time to complete.
It has more parts, but in many ways it's easier. You don't have to cut
and strip many wires and almost all of it is stuffing components onto a
board in precise locations and soldering them.
The technique of soldering is slightly different, but if you have or get
a temperature-controlled soldering iron with the appropriate tip it will
be easy to do a good job. You might want to build something smaller as
practice if you don't have experience with this type of construction.
Winding toroids is easy and non-critical. You should learn how to tin
the leads properly; this has been a common problem. You can buy the
toroids pre-wound and tinned, but I would only do that if saving time
were important.
Troubleshooting is aided greatly by this reflector! Other builders will
hold your hand until you get it working.
The main thing is to take your time, follow the instructions, and when
you are not sure of something -- ask.
Also I hope that this doesn't start another thread, but doing the
inventory at the start as the instructions tell you to helps avoid the
kind of mistake where you mix up parts; identifying parts can be tricky.
It does not take extra time to do the inventory because then you don't
have to search for each part as you need it!
I built mine a number of years ago so I've forgotten howlong it took!
--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
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
