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

Wed Jan 8 09:15:01 2003

Hi

I really don't see a need to use SMT parts for use in a HF radio and the
increased difficulty in hand assembly would only be justified if there were
some performance reason to use them not simple mechanical reasons or
reducing the size of the boards. An example where I would be willing to
install them would be. If Elecraft ever made a VHF product like a 2 meter or
6 meter transverter and because of the high frequency, SMT parts would work
better because they are leadless. Then a few in strategic places would be
ok.

Don Brown
KD5NDB

----- Original Message -----
From: <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 6:44 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Surface Mount tech; Orion; and K2/100

> 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.
>
SNIP