A few thoughts.... Maybe Elecraft is the gold standard for kit building because they DON'T use SMTs.
Maybe many hams don't consider building with SMTs relaxing or fun although THEY CAN DO IT. It may not be that hard, but for many it is not much FUN. Maybe Elecraft realizes the number one kit building problems (unsoldered and poorly soldered joints, wrong part installed) will dramatically increase with very tiny, cryptically marked or unmarked parts that often look IDENTICAL. Rework will be a nightmare for Elecraft and the hams that build the kits. Maybe many hams don't have and are unwilling to invest in the specialized equipment needed to safely and easily rework, if not build with SMTs. Maybe Elecraft is concerned about losing their customer base which may not be ready to embrace SMT assembly for MANY reasons. Maybe we forget that SMTs were developed for MACHINE assembly, not hand assembly. While "builders for hire" might be an alternative, maybe it would be cheaper for customers for Elecraft to hire it out to MACHINE assemblers. Maybe quality builders for hire are not interested in hand building complex kits with SMTs. Maybe monoband transceivers that fit inside a 9V battery case are interesting novelties, but not of much use for hams who build the gear Elecraft made their name with. I'll pass on the beta testing. I'll probably pass on an SMT kit. I build for fun. If it isn't fun, I might as well get one built better than hand assembly by some machine. Eric KE6US -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Joe Squarzini Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 5:21 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Wayne on KNBx Wayne, regarding your post on an upgraded KNB2. The time has come for all of us in the kit building community to embrace surface mount. We need to start installing these devices ourselves. It's really not that hard. I've done it and it is easy to do if you are careful and have good instruction. Elecraft is the gold standard in kit building. The time has come for SMT in kits. The KNBx is the place to start. I know you are fearful of allowing us hamfisted hams to start installing SMT. Be not afraid! Sign me up as a beta tester. The option will be a sell-out. 73 Joe K4AA _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
