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Radio => Kit Building => Topic started by: idial1911 on February 17, 2012, 09:05:44 AM

Title: Building the Elecraft w2 swr bridge/Watt Meter
Post by: idial1911 on February 17, 2012, 09:05:44 AM
So I took some pictures during the build process. This kit was easy, it was basically 2 circuit boards, and the outer shell. Nothing to really hook up except to slide the front over a connector. The LED's were pre mounted. I could of put it together in 20 minutes if I had to do it again, the longest part was getting the paint off the contact points seeing as I didn't have a dremel.

This is a pic of the main board, with the front already mounted on. At this point all I've done is connect the two main boards together using the connector and put the bottom of the shell on the bottom:

(http://www.w4kso.com/pics/swr1.jpg)


You can see also in the top of the pic. I stole some of the wives muffin pans to store parts. I highly recommend this as it keeps them secure, and allows you to sort out all the nuts and bolts.

Next is a closer view of the unit, now with the front part of the shell on it. You can also see where I had to scrape the paint off the contact points for better electrical connection.

(http://www.w4kso.com/pics/swr2.jpg)

Here is a picture of the front, from the front.

(http://www.w4kso.com/pics/swr3.jpg)

Screw the tops and side on.. and it's done.. It was a quick and easy kit build!!

(http://www.w4kso.com/pics/swr4.jpg)

and the front face fully assembled:

(http://www.w4kso.com/pics/swr5.jpg)


I will post a review of the product, as well as show the firmware update process once I get everything built.  This SWR bridge/watt meter can be connected to just about any radio. It's really well designed. I am looking forward to testing it out once the rest of the gear is built.

On a 1-10 scale of difficulty I give this one a 3. It was very easy, straightforward and really went together quickly. The documentation from elecraft was superb.

Also of note this can be hooked into a PC and read from a computer program to show you what you the device is detecting as well. Very handy!

For more information from the vendor on this product go here:
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/W2%20Data%20Sheet%20rev%204sm.pdf (http://www.elecraft.com/manual/W2%20Data%20Sheet%20rev%204sm.pdf)

Price 229$ Kit or 289$ assembled.
Title: Re: Building the Elecraft w2 swr bridge/Watt Meter
Post by: Tex on February 17, 2012, 09:12:36 AM
Congrats on the build. That is interesting and cool. I hope to be able to get into some kit builds later on. Let us know how it works.

Tex
Title: Re: Building the Elecraft w2 swr bridge/Watt Meter
Post by: DSB on February 17, 2012, 12:54:53 PM
much better that the pics of the boxes!  ;D
Title: Re: Building the Elecraft w2 swr bridge/Watt Meter
Post by: n1ic on March 07, 2013, 07:32:49 PM
Here is my build of the same item: http://nicktoday.com/elecraft-w2-watt-meter-wbuild-elecraft-k3-build-page-3/ (http://nicktoday.com/elecraft-w2-watt-meter-wbuild-elecraft-k3-build-page-3/)
Title: Re: Building the Elecraft w2 swr bridge/Watt Meter
Post by: XJP5 on March 09, 2013, 08:33:45 PM
Nice hardware!  Can't wait to hear the followup report.