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| Reviews Summary for Rework Eliminator(TM) K2 Option Bypass Headers |
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Reviews: 14
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $10.25
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Description: Rework Eliminator™ Option Bypass Headers are un-modules for the Elecraft K2. They make it possible to build a “Plug & Play Ready” K2, and also simplify the task of reconfiguring the K2 to enable operation upon removal of an option.
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.unpcbs.com/
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write your own review of the Rework Eliminator(TM) K2 Option Bypass Headers.
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W8GX
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Rating: 5/5
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May 15, 2011 16:11
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Fantastic
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Fantastic product! You need to do a little extra work when assembling your K2 but it is really worth it when you add options later! Just plug and play! I wish I would have bought a second set before they went out of production. If they start to make them again GRAB a set! Best investment you can make for your K2 project!
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VE3WMB
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 8, 2010 08:51
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Excellent Product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently completed K2 Serial# 5995 using the Rework Eliminator Option Bypass Headers and I am extremely pleased with the results.
The radio worked first time with no issues. I subsequently built the Elecraft KAF2 and the K160RX options. Installing the audio filter was just a matter of unplugging the Un-PCB and plugging in the real audio filter. To install the K160RX was almost as simple .. except I just had to install and connect the extra BNC for the RX antenna .. there was no need to remove the K2 bottom cover/heatsink and worry about shorting out the PA transistors in the process.
I must add that the documentation was excellent !
I am so pleased with Rework Eliminators that I just ordered the IMA (internal mic adaptor) kit.
Michael VE3WMB
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AL7B
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 30, 2010 17:55
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Clean Upgrade
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The Rework Eliminator is one slick option. I recently built K2 #6850 and was reluctant to build options into the K2 during initial constriction. My fears were unfounded. My fears were put to rest during the Phase 1 alignment and the RE filter header was plugged into the Control Board. At that moment I knew I had made the right choice.
The RE documentation merges very easily with the Elecraft documentation. While preparing to build the K2 I noted the RE page number on the K2 page which related to changes for that portion of the build. The RE documentation uses highlighted pages from the original K2 manual. The highlights are color coded to reflect which K2 option is being addressed at that time. It was a very simple matter to use the Elecraft manual until coming to a circled RE page reference then switch over to the RE manual.
The RE header circuit boards are top notch and look every bit as good as the boards used by Elecraft. The quality of material used for this upgrade does not cheapen the quality of the K2. The documentation includes drawings and charts to show the changes being made.
Other than noting the RE page document in the K2 manual I found it helpful to plug the holes of component locations on the K2 boards with solder while building. The RE manual is very clear about components and jumpers that are not installed, plugging the holes serves as a helpful reminder for those of us who might wander from the instructions and be tempted to insert a missing component.
I bought several options with my K2. The Elecraft options include all the jacks, plugs and components needed for the option boards. However to save having to dig through the various option bags I elected to purchase the parts kit from Rework Eliminator. The cost is minimal and worth the time saved having to go searching through the K2 parts bags.
The parts kits are shipped with individual, color coded bags for each option. It made for easy grouping and finding of the parts when needed.
It also makes sense to purchase the Internal Microphone Adapter Kit to add the finishing touches to the K2.
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W8GX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 30, 2010 17:52
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GREAT kits!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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These kits are GREAT! I built my K2 a couple of years ago without any additional options. I am just now getting around to adding the SSB option and it could not be easier! I didn't have to disassemble the radio, solder and unsolder parts on the circuit boards and reassemble the radio again. All I did was build the SSB option and plug it into the radio! THAT"S ALL! If you have ever had to rework your radio with out these kits you will appreciate how much work this eliminates. I am thinking of buying another Rework Eliminator kit and putting it away for the day I decide to build another K2. I will never build another K2 with out these labor saving kits! 73
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N4FSC
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 7, 2009 16:42
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Mandatory for the K2!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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After building the Elecraft K2, I am very glad that I used the Rework Eliminator "un-modules" as part of the initial K2 build process.
I bought the *very* simple Rework Eliminator kit before I started to build the K2. The kit consists of a few very small PCBs with some headers, resistors and capacitors. It took me about 30 minutes to assemble this kit. The price of the rework eliminator PCBs is very low and their website includes a nice color-coded addendum, to the Elecraft manual, downloadable in pdf format.
Why is this un-module kit so nice? The excellent Elecraft K2 manual guides the purchaser how to build the basic K2 radio without any of the Elecraft options. This means not installing some parts and jumpering across some pads on the Elecraft PCBs.
That is not so bad, right?
Well when you decide that you want to upgrade your K2 with the Elecraft options, you have to disassemble the radio multiple times, unsolder jumpers and components on the Elecraft PCBs and then install additional components to make the K2 ready to accept the option that you purchased.
Some of the K2 disassembly steps and desoldering is not trivial. For example to add the K2's SSB transmit option, you have to remove the K2’s front panel, remove the front panel's PCB from the front panel Aluminum bezel (which requires removing all of the radios knobs which you have set so well with the Allen screws). Other options require the power transistor mounting screws and heat sink washers to be removed.
If you use the Rework Eliminator Option Bypass Headers, you can build the K2 one time and then not have to disassemble it to add the Elecraft options as you later build them. When you want to add an Elecraft option, you just assemble it, remove the Rework Eliminator bypass header that you plugged in on the initial K2 build, and install the newly built Elecraft option PCB!
I am very glad I did some research on the Web to learn about this kit before I started my K2 build.
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WA2DTW
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Rating: 5/5
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May 4, 2009 12:14
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Very straightforward and easy to use
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just finished building my "option-ready" K2. This easy-to-use kit allows the builder to prepare for installing new options without having to go back and mess with already-built circuit boards. Ken was very responsive and helpful when I had a question.
If there is any chance that you will add options to a K2 that you are building, I very much recommend this kit.
73
Steve WA2DTW
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KC5WA
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 28, 2008 05:44
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Super Value for the K2 owner
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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"The Rework Eliminator" Header Kit's time has arrived.
This is a very small kit.
However In size of importance and value to the K2" owner it's HUGE and almost priceless".
The Quick Start Instruction sheet is so small you might throw it out with the packing but don't do that. One single sheet with printing on both sides. Yup! That's it. BTW! DON'T DISCARD THAT HUNK OF PRETTY PINK FOAM!
That's it! 3 resistors, two capacitors, some SIP pins. Look close some of the SIP pins have longer long pins. It takes longer to read the instructions than to install the parts. Now! Where is that hunk of pretty pink foam?
After breaking apart the PCB's stick them into the foam so that they don't just rattle around inside something.
Now! Just why did I purchase the "Rework Eliminator" Header Kit? If I should have a problem with any of the several options that I have installed in K2 #6321 I am able to remove the option and plug in the appropriate header and continue to use my radio. With out the header I would have restore the K2 to its before option state to use my K2. UGH! THAT'S TOO MUCH REWORKING.....
IF I HAD BEEN A TINY BIT SMARTER I would have purchased the "COMBO KIT then I'd have had the "OPTION READY KIT" and installed it during the K2 build then I would have ELIMINATED REWORKING my K2 to install the desired options. The options could then be installed any time I was ready to do so....
BTW I'm just a very satisfied customer.
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K4DGW
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 3, 2007 18:23
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Great place to get started, wonderful support
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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It had been a few years since I did much soldering. So I started the work on my K2 with the Rework Eliminators. It was a good way to get warmed up and back in the groove. The owners give great support and are very helpful. The newer manuals make things a lot easier. The product fits great and does its job. Once these are installed, adding most of the additional boards is simple. Would not hesitate to use them again.
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AD7GR
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 6, 2007 13:01
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K2 Plus RE... Excellent!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have just finished building the K2 kit with many of the options and I am very glad that I decided to use the Rework Eliminator K2 Option Bypass Headers as part of the K2 build process. I found the RE manual's instructions very easy to follow in conjunction with the K2 manuals. Gary and Ken have gone far out of their way to help. I especially thanked them "... for the definite sense of the fellowship of ham radio that I learned to love back in the 70's when I was first licensed." Very nice fellows to work with and an excellent product.
I believe that the marriage of Elecraft K2 and Rework Eliminator boards is an excellent one. The RE boards have saved me time and eliminated unnecessary rework during the K2 assembly.
What a great feeling to just unplug the RE board, plug in the Elecraft Option and have it work correctly the first time, every time... that really made it worthwhile.
The only RE board still plugged in is the one for the K60XV option which I have not bought as yet. In using the RE boards the K2 definitely is "Option Ready".
I would do it again... and again.
Ed - AD7GR
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G3VGR
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 20, 2007 15:40
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Very good idea
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought these after installing most of the K2 options, so they haven't been fully utilised. They were very useful for some troubleshooting when I had some problems after making some modifications to the K2. The PCBs are very high quality, similar to the K2's PCBs. Fortunately, I had enough components in the junkbox to populate the boards, so I didn't need to purchase the parts kits.
If I was ever to build another K2, I would definitely purchase the Rework Eliminators at the same time. I would also buy the K60XV Parts Kit as well, to avoid having to disassemble the bottom cover from the PA transistors. Even though I have no need for a 60m Transverter, the J8 socket is useful for providing PTT to an Amplifier.
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