[Elecraft] Elecraft Kit suggestion

[W3FPR - Don Wilhelm]

Mike,

I agree -- well almost.

The K2 is packaged into several bags - the front panel, the control board,
the RF Board (2 packages) and a hardware bag.

While there is some mixing from the hardware bag items, the electronic
assembly moves smoothly from the Control Board (1 bag) to the Front Panel
(one bag until the mechanical assembly part of the steps require the
hardware pack), and then on to the RF Board.

I have assembled many K2s and perhaps I have become familiar with the
process, but it makes sense to me.  To do as you have suggested would
require separating the hardware packs and putting some relevant parts into
the Front Panel pack.  I fail to see that there would be a great advantage
in doing so.  Perhaps a better solution would be to identify in the assembly
manual which pack the parts can be found, thus allowing inventory of each
pack separately.  Splitting the RF board packs between the alignment steps I
and II might be worthwhile, but that seems like 'overkill' to me.

I do agree that packaging the thermal pads in the serial number envelope has
been confusing to some folks.  For now, that is the way of things, and the
real problem is that what you suggest would require coordination of a change
in the manual as well as a change in the packaging process.  The manual
changes are harder to accomplish correctly than the packaging process
(requires reviews for correctness and such), so while the Elecraft folks may
take your comments seriously, it may be a while before anyone sees a change
due to the coordination required (instuctions to the vendor: "pack Rev G
manual starting with serial no xxxx", and change the way parts packs are
assembled at the same time).  The parts packaging is vended to outside
firms, so there is a bit more to making a change than just the desires of
the folks at the Elecraft office.  I don't know whether the changes would be
worth the costs of implementation.  In any case, Elecraft gladly supplies
any 'suspected' missing parts promptly and with a smile, so every builder
who performs an inventory can build a K2 without unnecessary delays.

73,
Don W3FPR


> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Mike Markowski
> Sent: Monday, June 27, 2005 10:52 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Kit suggestion
>
>
> 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
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