[Elecraft] Dare I say?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I'm glad you "dare to say", John. It's how things are made better...

When possible, I write the instructions to build "up" - smaller lower =
parts
first followed by larger parts.

One of the things that drives the sequence of parts during the build is =
the
in-process testing. Wayne carefully designed the KX1 - like most of the
other Elecraft kits - so that various circuits and functions could be =
tested
BEFORE assembly is completed. That way, if a mistake is made, it's =
easier to
troubleshoot and find.=20

That requires installing parts in less-than-ideal order at times, =
especially
when the parts for a subsequent circuit are mixed in with parts from the
earlier parts on the board.=20

The encoder - essential for testing the basic control functions - is one
such example. That's why it was installed early in the build.

As others pointed out, the KX1 is "Trail Friendly" meaning that if =
there's
room inside the case for a gnat to hiccough, another =
circuit/band/function
will be fitted in to fill the space. It does lead to a certain amount of
juggling and attention to component placement that isn't quite so =
critical
in building the other rigs.=20

Ron AC7AC=20

John Mori wrote:

> Hello to all:
>
> I am in the process of building the KX1. I have previously built a K1, =

> a K2, ...
>...
> 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=20
> encoder shaft.  Many of the solder joints are made at a 45 degree=20
> angle. Nothing wrong with it I guess, just "clunky".
>
> 5. Finally, I scratch my head at the sequencing of some of the parts=20
> in terms of room to move the solder iron around.
>...
> John
> N8TA

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