[Elecraft] to build or not to build...

[Rick Shindley]

The ham radio community is made up of people from all walks of life.  Many
of us are attracted to it for its technology. Others are attracted to it for
other reasons such as contesting, friendships, or just plain soapboxing (new
word?)!

For us technological types, the supposed downside issues of toroid winding,
lead tinning or fear of kit building are non-existent. Those issues are just
part of the fun of building a radio station. We enjoy jumping into a box of
electronic parts and wading around in it until a radio happens!  Sometimes
it's fun to simply enjoy the pleasures of eye-hand coordination that kit
building affords. There's comfort knowing that all the parts you need to
build something are there on the bench before you.  No need to go scrounging
or "making do" with odd-fitting components.  Just follow the yellow brick
road. It's relaxing to know that success is assured.

On the other hand, some hams may not share the same enthusiasm for building
things. Some have no aptitude for it. Often they don't care HOW things work,
just that they DO. To them getting a license means passing a test; no big
deal. They have more important issues and fascinations in their lives than
do some of us myopic techies! Sigh. My late father-in-law, K1GUM, was an
avid techie (and through him I met my wife!) but his greatest excitement in
ham radio was when he talked with the late senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ) on
the air!

So, when some technical milktoast seeks encouragement by daring to admit on
this reflector his/her questionable ability to assemble a Kx kit, hoards of
techies pounce in an online pileup of encouragement to come join them in
their "techiness". I've done it. Now I don't know if that's always the right
thing to do. It may not be enough.  Maybe some turn their backs and walk
away in fear.

It's ok to be a non-techie. If someone feels that they just aren't up to
building a Kx, hey, there is an abundance of us techies out here that will
do it for them for free, or for a modest fee! We should stress that avenue
to them as well as just offering building encouragement. It offers the
wavering potential Elecraft customer a sure path to success and it sells
another Elecraft kit, which benefits everyone.

Rick KC0OV
K2 1360