[Elecraft] Why I won't purchase K3

[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy]

Johnny,

Because you like to build, please do not think that SMDs would be too 
difficult for you to handle. I, and no doubt other people, felt the same 
concern before starting to use SMDs in homebrew projects. Mounting multipin 
SMD ICs is not difficult after some practice.

Tweezers of the locking type should not be used to hold SMDs because they 
can make very good SMD Launchers.

If of any interest to you I think that I still have some notes and/or 
articles about SMD construction methods, which I could send to you if I 
still have them.

The main problem that I have is our Temple Cat who would like to help with 
any build. Bribes does not work with her, and she takes an unhealthy 
interest in any multipin SMD - ignores resistors.

73,
Geoff
GM4ESD


On March 06, 2011, at 14:44Z, Johnny Siu wrote:

> No worry, we often hear opinions from the opposite side in this mail 
> reflector.
> I like to build as well and the building process will give me the
> chance to understand more about the architecture of modern radio.
>
> However, due to the wide use surface mount technology, it will be too 
> difficult
> for an untrained amateur like myself to handle surface mount work for 
> modern
> radio. The modular design of K3 is something that I can manage.
>
> I bought my latest K3 from the second hand market and I needed to do some
> upgrade modification myself. I find this minor soldering work is quite fun
> indeed. This is all I can handle.
>
> A basic K3 has already covered most of the functions of a fully fit K2 and 
> in
> similar price range. Therefore, I would go for a basic K3 instead of a 
> fully
> fit K2.
>
> cheers,
>
>
> Johnny VR2XMC