[Elecraft] Re: Wording

Tue Jan 29 09:53:00 2002

MIke, et.al.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>;
<[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2002 5:40 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: Wording

> [email protected] wrote:
>
> > there is a BIG difference between homebrew and kitbuilt.
>
> I agree.  To say that any kit rig is home brew, unless you are also
the
> designer of that rig, is to assume without merit 99 percent of the
glory
> for one percent of the effort.
>
> I've homebrewed stuff since the 1960s, and I've built kits for 25
years
> (Heathkits, and seven QRP kits in the last three years).  Actually
> building a kit is the most mindless and menial part of the whole
  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> process.

Perhaps, comparatively, but stated that way trivializes the proud
efforts of many builders. With your experience the process may seem
easy. But consider the efforts of those who may have only built one or
two kits. Or, maybe the K1 is their first kit.

I can assure you that kit building is not "mindless and menial"; aside
from various assembly, trouble shooting skills, the ability to "read
and follow instructions" is paramount to success. 25+ years industrial
experience tells me so. Three of those years as a manufacturing
engineer for a rather large electronics firm, the remainder, computer
sales/support & Corp IT. I can't emphasize enough the importance of
"read and follow" instructions. All that goes with that simple
statement is not "mindless and menial".

73, Rod N0RC
Ft Collins, CO