[Elecraft] Surface Mount tech; Orion; and K2/100

[t.wells@blueyonder.co.uk]

For me the the obvious question is - what would be gained by using SMT? In
this case it smells like a solution looking for a problem. Compactness has
already been achieved in the K1 and K2. What extra functionality would be
made available by moving to SMT??

If there are functions that could be improved or added by using SMT, given
the rationale of Elecraft design and kit supply, SMT in the form we are used
to may not be an option - the possibility of construction error by builders
is so great.

However pre-built plug-in items using SMT that fit into DIP sockets might be
an option. We already plug PICs into Elecraft sockets. There are many items
in general plug-in use today that are built around SMT - one example in the
digital world is the Parallax Basic Stamp and Javelin Stamp. However these
are made in batches of thousands (or more) at a time, keeping production
costs down to probably below $5 per unit. Elecraft would not have this
economy of scale.


Regards

Tony
G7IGG