I just finished mine, and its loaded.
I agree with all the previous advice, I picked up another 40 drawer
parts cabinet for the parts, used them both, and kept them in order
that way. Each board had its own area of the cabinets,Packing Box bag
in one area, Control Board in the next, RF board in another, etc. I
then segregated the parts by type. All the capacitors in one section,
either by the PCB board number, or in the case of the '102' and '103'
capacitors, all in one drawer and grabbed them as needed. Marked them
across the front of the drawer with a Sharpie and masking tape.
My resistors came all taped ready to go in order, just find the right
end of the 'string' and work from there. Verify the colors, but it
will save you a lot of time searching for the next resistor.
Check and double check all the polarity and pin installations of the
electrolytic capacitors, diodes and transistors. As far as ICs, make
sure you have them positioned properly. When the manual says to
verify PIN 1, you verify PIN 1.
My only fault was that I installed an IC backwards. I looked at that
thing daily and did not see that the large 'dimple' on the top and to
one side of the IC was NOT the side with pin1 and the notch. It
wasn't a costly mistake, but I lost about 4 weeks waiting for it to come
back from Elecraft. FWIW ... I wasn't the only person who missed
that, so I didn't feel so bad :)
Make sure you have the right solder, and a GOOD temperature controlled
soldering station. I got a Hakko FX888 from Amazon for $97.00.
Have a VERY GOOD digital meter that can measure capacitance, resistance,
DC voltage, etc. Comes in handy when verifying parts you can see
easily, but later on during the alignment steps.
I had a good time putting it together. I'm ready to build another one
just because it was enjoyable, frustrating at times, but mostly
enjoyable. The support from Elecraft is amazing, an email at 8 pm ET,
would get a reply by 10 pm only because I don't think Don sleeps!
Don't hesitate to send emails if you have a question, as the book says,
they will not let you fail. Make sure you make the changes in the
main manual as listed in the errata, definitely saves you time, and
errors. I'd also download the K2 Manual Appendices from the
website, and print out the board component location diagrams. Once you
start placing components, you may not be able to see exactly where that
final part goes, but the diagrams help, and taping them up over your
bench keeps you from having to flip back and forth from your
installation step to the diagram. I even printed out the inventory
parts list from that file, made the changes from the errata, and used
that to identify parts if needed to keep me from flipping back and forth.
Finally, the Elecraft website has a lot of good tips under its "Builder
Resources" page. I will let you know that many of the K2 mods there are
already incorporated in the new kits, so you can read about them, but
you don't have to do them. You can verify if you need anything yourself.
Enjoy, there is nothing that gives me greater satisfaction to turn on my
K2/100 and say .. "I built that .. and it works !!!"
Neil, KN3ILZ
On 6/15/2018 7:33 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
Its been 15 years or so [K2 S/N 4398] but my resistors were taped in
the order of insertion. If yours are, don't remove them before
needed. I measured each of mine as I was about to insert it, and all
were correct. I can see the colors, I just can't name them so this
was a huge gift from Elecraft. Benton Harbor just sent a bag, but of
course auto-insertion equipment hadn't been invented then either.
[:-) I've always wondered how the machine that tapes them works.
73,
Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County
On 6/15/2018 4:03 PM, Brian Denley wrote:
Scott:
Get some magnification aid: binocular microscope, magnifying lamp,
etc. Some of those parts are pretty small and solder joints need to
be inspected. Good lighting is a must as well as an anti static mat.
Brian
KB1VBF
Sent from my iPad
On Jun 15, 2018, at 2:14 PM, hawley, charles j jr
<[email protected]> wrote:
I took about 10 years to build it. I started, then moved the ham
shack to the new addition. I recorded every mod, change and
alternate part over the 10 years and essentially wrote a new updated
assembly manual. Bought all the add on options. Bought new firm ware
that I never got to use and bought new again at the finish. Turned
it on and guess what, no issues. Somehow I like the way it sounds,
maybe better than the K3...
Chuck
KE9UW
Sent from my iPhone, cjack
On Jun 15, 2018, at 11:24 AM, Martin Sole <[email protected]> wrote:
I built 7723 last year and it was an outstanding way to while away
a good few days in the desert. Here's a couple of things that
might help you along:
It's not one kit it's 3. Think of it like that and keep everything
separate. Even though you will do a minimal build on the RF board
for test purposes it's still 3 kits.
It's not a one day build. Even if you spend every waking hour on it
(you wont!) it still takes a fair few days/weeks/months to get
through.
The book is right! Even when it's just plain wrong, it's right. Go
back read it again, ask on here. But that build book must have been
worked over almost 8000 times, it's right.
I couldn't find any suitable trays to organise components but I
bought a set of small(ish) plastic pots with lids. Big enough to
get my fingers in. I had 12 I think which was more than enough,
about 4 inches diameter and a couple of inches deep. Keeping the
lids on and marked with the contents helped keep from them
scattering from a careless movement or other accident.
Keep everything as Elecraft intended. If it came in a separate
little brown envelope, inventory it then put it back in the
envelope. Keep the resistors on their tapes, they are in fitting
order.
Get a good quality pair of flush cutters and learn how to use them.
It's worthwhile perfecting the technique of close cutting the leads
before soldering, makes a nice board to handle afterwards and is
very very very necessary in the area of the main vfo encoder.
Ask questions here, it's a fantastic resource.
Last, but by no means least, enjoy! As the ads say, it's the most
fun you have with your clothes on. Though that might depend on how
you do your kit building :)
73
Martin, HS0ZED
On 15/06/2018 21:45, Scott wrote:
I'll be starting a K2 build in the near future after the inventory
is complete. A partial inventory is complete at this point. I'm
looking for tips and tricks for a successful build. Right now my
biggest problem as I see it, is how to organize all the caps and
resistors to make the build go smooth and relatively quick. At
any rate, all suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Scott
AD5HS
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