[Elecraft] Should You Built It?

[We5f at aol.com]

Steve, Ron:

To echo comments by Kevin and others, you really need to be involved in the 
construction of your rig.

In addition to the other benefits that have been pointed out, I can assure 
you that you will experience an intangible "bonding" to the radio that will last 
forever.  It's kind of like raising a puppy.  Other radios will come and go, 
but you'll find yourself unable to part with one you built.  No amount of 
money (well, it would take a lot!) can substitute for this feeling, which is the 
REAL pride of ownership.

73, Jim K5HO

----------------------------

>>Message: 17
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 21:39:56 -0800
From: Kevin Rock <kevinrock at earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Greetings!
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Message-ID: <opsodwouf2d4qby6 at smtp.earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-15

    By all means, if you have the capability, build the radio.  It is a lot 
of fun.  Then you'll want to build another option for it, and then still 
another.  It is insidious but you will feel a bit depressed after 
finishing your first Elecraft kit.  However, remember you can use the rig 
for many years.  Unless you sell it to finance building a new one.  You 
will enjoy getting on the air with it.  It is a very nice radio.
    The best part?  You built it yourself!  If something goes wrong (heaven 
forbid) you can repair it with a cry for help to either the Reflector, 
Gary Surrency, or even Wayne or Eric.  All of these options are 
available.  These folks (and us folks too) will not let you fail.  Build 
it yourself unless your slave driver boss works you 24/7, if you can't see 
to the end of your soldering iron, or you were born with two left hands 
and tendency toward self-immolation.  Barring these disabilities you will 
regret not building it yourself.  Because one night you will find yourself 
checking in to the Elecraft CW Net and hearing the joy in folks' fists.  
These folks built their Elecraft rigs and are happily pounding brass in 
exultation.  Do you wish to feel left out of this chorus of joy?  Forbid 
the thought; build the rig and enjoy the happy state of flux, solder, and 
RF.
    Sincerely,
       Kevin.  KD5ONS


On Mon, 28 Mar 2005 23:46:03 -0500, Stephen W. Kercel 
<kercel1 at suscom-maine.net> wrote:

> Ron:
>
> Like you, I am taking a bit of time getting ready before I build a rig. 
> Preparation, including creating the workspace, collecting the tools and 
> so on, is no small task.
>
> Personally, I have never considered "hiring done" the construction of an 
> Elecraft rig. It looks to me like the greater half of the experience of 
> operating comes from building it with one's own hands.
>
> 73,
>
> Steve
> AA4AK
>
>
> At 10:06 PM 3/28/2005 -0600, you wrote:
>> Wow, I am quite impressed at the responses both on this reflector and
>> direct.  I appreciate the info from builders for hire, as well as the
>> encouragement to build it myself.  To answer many of your responses, I 
>> _am_
>> considering doing it myself, but it is a matter of time and 
>> motivation.

(remainder deleted to save bandwidth)

>> --Ron
>> KC0TLN
>>