[Elecraft] Re-posted interested comments Fwd[GQRP] Do-it all kits

[Allen Ward]

I find it interesting that some folks compare Elecraft with the now defunct
Heathkit.  Lest we forget that Eico, E.F. Johnson, and a multitude of others
once made thousands of kits both amateur, hifi (before stereo) and other
uses.  As aready mentioned Heath got started as a way to turn surplus into
gold while Elecraft seems to be a labor of love for superior equipment that
anyone can build.  My first impression of the pre-Elecraft products
(wilderness radio etc.) was that there were no interconnecting wires!  When
I first saw an Elecraft ad I saw that it was a continuation of that early
concept.  Wiring harnesses or point to point wiring are always problem areas
and prone to errors in construction.
Back to which company is the greatest.  Since others have compared kit
makers that have existed at different times over 60 or more years and have
different strengths and  weaknesses, I find it difficult to cite any one
superior to all the others.  I am glad I assembled about 15 Heathkits, 30 or
so Eicos and various odds and ends of others.  My K2/KAP100 (#1107) is the
best amateur rig I have ever owned and wasn't nearly as difficult to
assemble and test as my Heath KW-5400 (still have and works great).
Hopefully we learn from that which went before, both what to do and what not
to do.
 73 Allen KA5N