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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