[Elecraft] Elecraft Kit suggestion

[Mike Markowski]

I think we've gotten away from the original suggestion, which was not I
believe, aimed to avoiding inventories but a way to streamline the build
and reduce errors by packaging components based on assembly stages.  I
think it's a great idea!

Instead of one big box-o-stuff for the K2, it would have been great if
there were, for example, three packages; one each for assembly Phases I,
II, and III corresponding to the manual chapters (I'm saying that off
the top of my head & don't know if that breakdown makes sense).  Then
for each package an inventory would done.  As far as the inventory goes,
sure, you're doing the same amount of work in the end.  But during
assembly you have roughly one third of the parts taking up space on the
work bench and probably less likelihood of bumping a component onto the
floor, dripping solder on one, dropping something on one, mixing up
parts, etc., if only because there are fewer things going on to confuse
the ol' bean.  Less distraction/confusion => fewer errors (maybe?).

My K2 went together without a hitch thanks to an absolutely fantastic
manual so maybe it isn't necessary after all, but I have to think that
the divide-and-conquer approach makes each phase of the assembly a
little easier and less error prone.  Taken over a large number of kit
builders, that probably means fewer build errors.  Of course, I admit
there are a lot of "probablys", "mights", and guesswork.  But the
original poster's suggestion sounds worthwhile as apparently Heathkit
also thought.

73,
Mike AB3AP