The first transmitter I had was completely homebrew--chassis, transformers,
even several of the coils and chokes. Several of the tuning capacitors
started out larger than neccessary, and we just pulled off rotor plates
until we got the right value. Needless to say I had help, but I did do most
of the work. But ever since then, "building" has been evolving. Early on
every part was a separate part. Then we started benefitting from the
combination of parts into one part to the point where we now have integrated
circuits, etc. Every step meant less soldering and, surprise, better
results! Heck, the NE602 is almost a receiver all by itself.
What Eric and Wayne have done is take it to the next level--modules instead
of more parts--and more soldering. Ten-Tec actually did this years
ago--they just didn't offer those txcvrs as kits. You didn't necessarily
have to send your whole radio back for repair, you just sent one of the
modules.
It will probably rub purists the wrong way, and I hope to build more radios
including soldering, but I actually condone their decision. My main reason
is that, although I have successfully dealt with SMD's, the teeny-weeny ones
are pretty frustrating. I suspect there are a bunch of those in the K3.
And these days it's harder and harder to find anything but SMD's. Chasing
down parts these days to really "homebrew" something is almost as
frustrating as getting QSL's from DX stations. I gave up worrying about
that too!
So, I have no problem swallowing my "builder's pride" in order to get a 1st
class rig like the K3 (my order is in!). I'll still call it a kit, but in
deference to that first transmitter I had, I won't call it "homebrew". It
ain't! But I will always greatly admire those who do build from scratch,
and if I have to spot them a multiplier in a contest I will gladly do so.
It just means I have to work on my operator skills that much more to try and
overcome it.
Dave W7AQK (K2 #72)
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