Just imagine a KX3 kitted at the parts level. I
wonder if the price would be less than the current
offering?
Phil W7OX
On 7/20/14, 9:22 AM, Dave KW4M wrote:
And here's a third.
I built one of Weber's ATS-3B kits and use it on occasion, such as during
Field Day 2011.
<http://www.genebitsystems.com/david/HamRadio/FieldDay2011/FieldDay2011.htm>
The demand and popularity of his kits is evident as the last run of MTRs
sold out literally hours after it was released, see here.
<http://w2mdw.blogspot.com/2013/03/steve-webers-mountain-toper-radio-mtr.html>
There is definitely a niche for SMD kits requiring more builder expertise
and involvement than simply assembling modules together.
I would love to see an up-to-date SMD transceiver kit with a mix of features
lying somewhere between the MTR and the KX3, perhaps even call it a KX2 as
others have alluded to. My vision for such a rig would be an integrated
station, multiband (at least 80 through 15) with no band module swapping,
half the volume or less of a KX3, with internal antenna tuner and battery,
and a very simple user interface. It would be CW, or possibly include
additional modes but only if the associated volume increase is minimal. I
could go on and on but you get the idea.
The KX3 is an awesome radio and I am definitely not criticizing it. There
just seems to be a huge void between it and the lower-tier rigs. And a
solder-required SMD kit is appealing to many builders.
Gil G. wrote
I will second that.
I built two Weber MTRs and in many ways it was easier than through-hole,
except for the size. I used a soldering iron.
“No soldering required” kits are no fun to me. I would never say that I
built my KX3 for instance, only assembled it.
Gil.
--
PGP Key: http://keskydee.com/gil.asc
On Jul 20, 2014, at 8:30 AM, N4OI - Ken <
> wrote:
Back to topic... perhaps it is time for Elecraft to start offering some
"big
boy" kits that make full use of SMTs and other modern components. Any
serious ham should have a good digital 'scope, and a hot air solder
station
with a syringe of solder paste (which can be bought new for less than
$100).
With the right tools, SMTs are the way to go!
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