[Elecraft] Heathkit Returns!

[Edward R. Cole]

OK! OK!  I should have phrased it that nearly no hams build anything, 
anymore (one out of a hundred hams), and most hams are scared of 
trying to do SMT (if they even know the term).  Oh yes, hams build 
antennas (those things out of wire) and connect radios to other 
accessories and plug'em in (and ask on reflectors if the red goes to 
red or if it goes to black).  Sorry, but ham radio in 1950's was way 
different from what the "norm" is today.  Half the hams I run into 
can't program their HT.

So SMT did not take it from hams - the hams took HB out of ham 
radio.  And it is understandable since the majority are not 
electronic technolgist and have not had years to develop skills or 
keep up with the ins/outs of SMT.  I get that the Elecraft "crowd" is 
a group that stands apart from the "masses" (all you K2 
builders).  The only kit I built that was close was the SB-110.

BTW all the comments on Heathkit stuff reminded me of several other 
items I bought from them...I only have left the "Tunnel Dipper" (used 
a tunnel-diode oscillator).  It shows some corrosion and I haven't 
used it in decades.

I agree with the singular good thing they accomplished was 
establishing good procedures for building (start by reading, count 
and inventory, don't jump ahead, check-check-check again).  Twelve 
years after becoming a ham building Heathkits, I was writing maint. 
manuals on the weapon systems in the F-14.  I'm sure that early 
imprinting of good procedures helped.  The fact that I actually knew 
what the component looked like and did, was a leg up on my fellow 
college mates that had only seen math on a chalkboard.  Working as an 
engineering tech for 2-1/2 years before becoming an engineer, also 
gave me great insight into "realities"!   Later, I worked another 
25-years as a tech., enjoying it more than pushing paper as an "engineer".


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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