[Elecraft] The K3 and "Homebrew"

[David Yarnes]

The first transmitter I had was completely homebrew--chassis, transformers, 
even several of the coils and chokes.  Several of the tuning capacitors 
started out larger than neccessary, and we just pulled off rotor plates 
until we got the right value.  Needless to say I had help, but I did do most 
of the work.  But ever since then, "building" has been evolving.  Early on 
every part was a separate part.  Then we started benefitting from the 
combination of parts into one part to the point where we now have integrated 
circuits, etc.  Every step meant less soldering and, surprise, better 
results!  Heck, the NE602 is almost a receiver all by itself.

What Eric and Wayne have done is take it to the next level--modules instead 
of more parts--and more soldering.  Ten-Tec actually did this years 
ago--they just didn't offer those txcvrs as kits.  You didn't necessarily 
have to send your whole radio back for repair, you just sent one of the 
modules.

It will probably rub purists the wrong way, and I hope to build more radios 
including soldering, but I actually condone their decision.  My main reason 
is that, although I have successfully dealt with SMD's, the teeny-weeny ones 
are pretty frustrating.  I suspect there are a bunch of those in the K3. 
And these days it's harder and harder to find anything but SMD's.  Chasing 
down parts these days to really "homebrew" something is almost as 
frustrating as getting QSL's from DX stations.  I gave up worrying about 
that  too!

So, I have no problem swallowing my "builder's pride" in order to get a 1st 
class rig like the K3 (my order is in!).  I'll still call it a kit, but in 
deference to that first transmitter I had, I won't call it "homebrew".  It 
ain't!  But I will always greatly admire those who do build from scratch, 
and if I have to spot them a multiplier in a contest I will gladly do so. 
It just means I have to work on my operator skills that much more to try and 
overcome it.

Dave W7AQK (K2 #72)