[Elecraft] K1-4 4 band version gone? (Hand SMT---Never)

[Jim Lowman]

More power to you and others who have the patience, equipment and 
eyesight/hand coordination to work with SMT devices, Bruce.
I think what many of us are saying, is that type of construction is not 
for everyone.

I have a nice Weller soldering station and a variety of tips for it, as 
well as enough 63/37 solder to last a lifetime.
Somehow it fell into my tool pouch from time to time, when I was in the 
Air Force working on air traffic control radar systems.  :-)
I'd rather spend my money on other items for the shack, than for the 
tools necessary to do SMT work.

Maybe if there hadn't been the inference that we weren't "big boys" if 
we didn't build kits with SMT devices, this thread may have passed, 
unnoticed.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 7/20/2014 4:32 PM, Bruce Beford wrote:
> While I understand this mindset; I for one, am grateful that there are
> SMT-based kits available. I enjoy building both thru-hole and SMT based
> projects. In many cases, thru hole equivalents are not available for some
> components. I have built many all-SMT projects, notably those offered by
> KD1JV,ad formerly NJQRP (now Midnight Design Solutions), among others.
>
> No, they are not for everyone. But- I am glad they are offered for those of
> us who can and do enjoy building them. It is not nearly as difficult as some
> seem to believe it to be. Different techniques are required, that's all. In
> many cases, a much more compact package, or an otherwise impossible project
> is the result.
>
> Bruce/N1RX
>
>