Hi Marty,
At the time I built a Heathkit DX 20 in 1957, and when several friends built
Heathkits in that era up to 1960, I don't remember any of us getting solder
with our Heathkit.
I bought Ersin Multicore solder and used that for all my kit building, and
still prefer it after some 44 years of building research electronics.
Solder is like beer and cars. Folks have their own preferences if they
have built anything at all for awhile.
No one size of solder is really adequate for all parts of kit building. For
example, you might use a small gauge on parts on a small board, but a heavy
gauge solder to make up type UHF Coax plugs.
Where do you stop in providing solder? Do you then provide the flush
cutting pliers to get folks to uniformly trim their component leads, the
needle nose pliers, the soldering iron? (Now there is another personal
preference item kind of like personal hunting weapons!)
I think Elecraft does exactly what the majority of kits have done since the
1950's. They provide the electronics and the instructions, and the builder
provides the tools and solder. Those few kits I have seen with solder had
types totally unsuited IMHO, for the job.
The type of solder one uses affects how well the finished kit looks. There
are some solders that are just adequate, and others that have superiour
wetting, and flow characteristics.
-Stuart
K5KVH
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marty Young" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 3:17 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Just ordered a KX1, and have a question
Hello All:
I ordered a KX1 and it was shipped Priority Mail on
7/23 and have not received it yet. Danged post
office! In doing my preliminary research and
preparation I have a question:
Soldering is important, I think we all agree. The
selection of the correct type and size is critical to
success. Why isn't a hank of 0.31 dia Kester "44"
included with the kit?
I know, this would increase cost. But I would gladly
pay an additional $3 for a kit to avoid having to buy
a $25 roll of Kester. (and only use 1% of it) Anybody
remember Heathkit? They were the premier kit maker of
their day. Solder was included. Remember the nut
starter tool? (I may still even have one!) Not to
mention a plastic IF can tweeker. It was a nice touch
from the top maker of kits. Its why we all remember
them fondly and sorta miss 'em.
I'm not trying to be cheap. Just a practical
suggestion. I'm not saying Elecraft should supply
flush cutters, common tools, and "spoon" feed us.
Just that solder selection is pretty danged important.
And isn't it like a component? It stays on the pcb
just like all the other parts?
For what its worth. 73 Marty / W4MY
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