I think we've gotten away from the original suggestion, which was not I believe, aimed to avoiding inventories but a way to streamline the build and reduce errors by packaging components based on assembly stages. I think it's a great idea!
Instead of one big box-o-stuff for the K2, it would have been great if there were, for example, three packages; one each for assembly Phases I, II, and III corresponding to the manual chapters (I'm saying that off the top of my head & don't know if that breakdown makes sense). Then for each package an inventory would done. As far as the inventory goes, sure, you're doing the same amount of work in the end. But during assembly you have roughly one third of the parts taking up space on the work bench and probably less likelihood of bumping a component onto the floor, dripping solder on one, dropping something on one, mixing up parts, etc., if only because there are fewer things going on to confuse the ol' bean. Less distraction/confusion => fewer errors (maybe?). My K2 went together without a hitch thanks to an absolutely fantastic manual so maybe it isn't necessary after all, but I have to think that the divide-and-conquer approach makes each phase of the assembly a little easier and less error prone. Taken over a large number of kit builders, that probably means fewer build errors. Of course, I admit there are a lot of "probablys", "mights", and guesswork. But the original poster's suggestion sounds worthwhile as apparently Heathkit also thought. 73, Mike AB3AP _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] 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
