[Elecraft] Heathkit Returns!

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I concur with Don. Although my "advertised" age is 36-1/2, that's derived by
counting only birthdays on even numbered years, Hi!

I use good lighting, an Optovisor magnifier and organize my work area as if
I'm going to disassemble a wrist-watch. 

Also my work area is set up so that my arms rest comfortably on the table
top. Only my wrists and fingers move. Sometimes I rest the side of my hand
on the table so I move ONLY my fingers. (I do not use vises that hold the pc
board up in the air. The board lies flat on the ESD pad.) 

I simply refuse to let the demon win who decreed that as I get older the
parts I work with must get smaller. 

73 (& for the math challenged, that's my real age too),

Ron AC7AC


----Original Message-----

I disagree that Surface Mount Technology has taken kit building out of 
the hands of most hams.  Yes, it is not a task for the sloppy builder, 
or for those who do not have good hand and small muscle control - you 
must hold those small parts in the proper place while soldering, but 
kits designed with 1206 or even 0802 size components are not a major 
undertaking.  Surface Mount is easier and faster to assemble than 
through-hole components -there are no leads to clip, and all the 
soldering is on one side of the board (at any one time).  Yes, care must 
be exercised - holding the component too tightly in tweezers can launch 
it into remote corners where only the vacuum cleaner can find it, so a 
gentle touch is required.

For those who cannot place the parts precisely, the solder paste and 
"toaster oven" techniques will work just fine, when heated to the proper 
temperature, the parts simply float into position.  It is a wonder to 
see the results.

OK, with the "aging of ham radio", there may be some problems, but that 
is an individual problem.  I am 71 1/2 years old and currently have no 
problem with SMD construction, but that may change as the years go by, 
but if I am still able to put through-hole components in the correct 
location, I should be able to deal equally well with Surface Mount 
devices.  Give it a try, it is not difficult at all, just different than 
thru-hole construction.

73,
Don W3FPR