[Elecraft] Dare I say?

[John Mori]

Hello to all:

I am in the process of building the KX1. I have previously built a K1, a 
K2, and repaired and finished a K2 for an elderly friend. Dare I say that I 
am not as satisfied with this kit as with the others. Why?

1. I was not happy with the packaging. I really don't like the power 
transistor and other transistors thrown in the bag with the general 
hardware.  What happened to the careful packaging I remember? You have an 
envelope for the serial number sticker but none for the final transistor?

2. I find the construction "clunky".  I find that I am spending a lot of 
time worrying about the height of the components when it seems that a 
slightly larger case would have solved all the problems. I don't think a 
slightly taller case would have resulted in less sales.

3. The board needs to be flopped constantly to install the components. It 
is worse than a fish flopping on the bottom of a boat.

4. It is not a joy to have the board constantly pivoting on the encoder 
shaft.  Many of the solder joints are made at a 45 degree angle. Nothing 
wrong with it I guess, just "clunky".

5. Finally, I scratch my head at the sequencing of some of the parts in 
terms of room to move the solder iron around.

I have read on this forum that some consider this a good kit for someone's 
first try at kit building. I would rather build a K1 than the KX1.

I have worked one ham who had the KX1 and it did sound great. Maybe that is 
the final reward. However, sometimes small is not better, it is just 
smaller, and "clunkier".

John
N8TA