Posted: 7/8/2014 7:48:38 AM EDT
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Or should I say, getting ready to build a K2.
The first thing I had to do was build a workbench. Not a chance I was going to sit out at the garage workbench, when it's 100 degrees outside. So, I dug through my "leftover from previous projects" pile of lumber, and managed to come up with enough stock to build a simple, but sturdy 2 X 4 foot workbench. A perfect match for my anti-static mat. 
I got started yesterday, and built the option bypass headers from Rework Eliminator. I also picked up the Internal Mic Adapter, and may build it today. 
That's all for now, because the the K2 has not been delivered yet (should be here today). |
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Thanks BigDaddy.
I built up the Internal Mic Adapter (also from Rework Eliminators), this afternoon. Just to give you an idea of what's involved, there are 67 solder connections on this one little device. This is going to be a loooooooong, slow process. 
Oh, and the radio came today, too. 
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Quoted:
What Hako tip are you using? I'm using a chisel point tip, and I think the model number is T18-D16 (would have to take it off and look, to be sure). I also have the T18-B conical tip, but I've gotten used to the chisel point tip so that is what I leave on there all the time. |
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Quoted:
I might get some money back, if I traded it for a KX3. I'm in this for $1400, now. Quoted:
Quoted:
Dear Lord, that much for a KIT!?!  Might as well get the built KX3 for a few Benjis more.I might get some money back, if I traded it for a KX3. I'm in this for $1400, now. More power to ya, but I can't even think about doing the TinyTracker!  
Keep us up to date! |
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.........but I can't even think about doing the TinyTracker! Whatever that means...
I wasn't looking for a radio, I was looking for a fun project. If all I wanted was a radio, I would have bought another K3. But, when the kit is complete, I want it to be something that is actually useful. The K2 seems to fit that description.
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Quoted: Dear Lord, that much for a KIT!?! Might as well get the built KX3 for a few Benjis more.Yeah, I was intrigued, so I looked into it, then looked into the cost, then did this:  I will live vicariously through the OP, and fondly remember building a Heathkit SW in my younger days (sigh). |
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Dear Lord, that much for a KIT!?! Might as well get the built KX3 for a few Benjis more.The receiver is something else, you'd have to hear it to appreciate it. And if you're going to operate from batteries it's in a class of its own. But still, you do really need to be interested in building a kit. |
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I built 99% of one, it was a fun project. I lost my motivation when it was acting goofy right before the last steps. I'm sure it was builder error.
Someday soon I'm going to have an expert finish it for me. You need to send that off and get it fixed!!! I bet it would be a great radio. |
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You need to send that off and get it fixed!!! I bet it would be a great radio. Quoted:
Quoted:
I built 99% of one, it was a fun project. I lost my motivation when it was acting goofy right before the last steps. I'm sure it was builder error.
Someday soon I'm going to have an expert finish it for me. You need to send that off and get it fixed!!! I bet it would be a great radio. I am, I just haven't gotten around to it. I know that's no excuse. 
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Quoted:
The receiver is something else, you'd have to hear it to appreciate it. And if you're going to operate from batteries it's in a class of its own. But still, you do really need to be interested in building a kit. Quoted:
Quoted:
Dear Lord, that much for a KIT!?! Might as well get the built KX3 for a few Benjis more.The receiver is something else, you'd have to hear it to appreciate it. And if you're going to operate from batteries it's in a class of its own. But still, you do really need to be interested in building a kit. I have heard two KX3s in 3 different locations/setups. If the rest of their radios perform as well (and I am sure they do) then the receiver is no joke. While the audio on the KX3 could stand to sound better, that is a product of the audio amp not the receiver. Look at the Sherwood* tests. Elecraft places pretty high with all of their radios. |
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Quoted: Damaged goods.  Found this while doing inventory today. It came out of its container during shipping, and got bent. I have no doubt that Elecraft will replace it.  http://www.pbase.com/david_3/image/156505296/original.jpg Meh, straighten the pins and shove it in. Annoying, but hardly a game stopper - unless a pin breaks when you try to unbend it
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Quoted:
Damaged goods.
Found this while doing inventory today. It came out of its container during shipping, and got bent. I have no doubt that Elecraft will replace it.
http://www.pbase.com/david_3/image/156505296/original.jpg Use the most useful Elecraft accessory to straighten that... A credit card. It should be fine. |
| I actually did straighten them out, but one (possibly two) of the pins really felt like it had partially cracked. I just don't have any faith in it. There were a few other components that had pins that were slightly bent, and I was able to easily straighten them. But this one was just too mangled. |
