Dave, W7AQK wrote: Only that the owner's manual refers to V 1.06 when discussing the Info Report on page 7. I assumed that perhaps they would use the latest firmware version in the instructions, but that may be a stretch! Anyway, no big deal--just speculation on my part. Very nice job on the manual Ron. It certainly contained lots of very appropriate warnings where errors could commonly occur. It was also obvious that someone very carefully documented potential problems in the building process, like not soldering certain leads before an adjoining lead was also ready to be soldered. I particularly liked the thrice stated "get the right LED lead in the right hole" warning! You must have had me in mind when you did that! Anyway, it's a very thorough and well thought out construction guide indeed. Thanks for making it a heck of a lot easier for us klutzes! -------------- Ha! Ha! Wayne missed where he used ver 1.06 as an example of how the firmware revision is reported. Yes, Wayne went to a 1.07 just before production started. Thank you for the nice words about the assembly manual. This is the third such manual I've written for Elecraft, and let me say that it is *not* the product of my own fingers, but rather a very concerted team effort. At least a dozen people had input into that assembly manual. It starts with the engineer, of course. In this case it was Wayne working out the electrical and mechanical design, always thinking about the person who will ultimately build the kit as well as use the finished unit. Designing something others can build makes a project much, much bigger than just making it work well! When the design is getting close to a final product, it's my turn to build one. I get the schematic, notes the designer has made about tricky parts of the build, and a box of parts. As I build the unit I take photos, make drawings, document the steps and analyze the build process. Some engineers who also do a lot of writing, like Wayne, also provide a lot of notes, which makes my job go faster. My goal is to get a complete assembly procedure together in time for the field test. The field testers then get the manual and the field test "kits" of parts that are close to what we plan to deliver to customers. They build their units and comment on all aspects of the design, assembly procedure and performance of the unit while the engineer and I take careful notes. I'm constantly tweaking and revising the manual to correct any errors and to make the process clearer each step of the way. The engineer is watching closely for any design issues that need addressing. That's where emphasis on certain issues, like making sure the LED's are installed correctly, are identified and warnings included in the manual. Sometimes, when significant design changes occur, I do another build. I think I built two KX1's and 3-1/2 XV transverters before the engineers and field testers were happy with the product and I was happy with the manual. All the time the manual is constantly being updated and corrected and reviewed. Finally, then, the product shipments start and, as you've probably noticed, I'm hovering around the reflector looking for comments about the assembly procedure in case a mistake slipped by. So the manual, like the whole design, is really a huge team effort. I'm pleased to be a part of a great team who works together very well. And, by now, I'm sure that you've noticed that, as a customer taking the time to make a comment, you've become a valuable member of that team as well. From what I've seen, no Elecraft product is ever truly finished. Each one is carefully scrutinized by users everywhere and feedback is taken very seriously. Whenever a design change or improvement is called for to ensure the device works as advertised, it's made without hesitation thanks in large part to the rest of the design team: all the Elecraft owners who ask questions and offer feedback. Thanks Dave! Enjoy the T1! Ron AC7AC
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