[Heathkit] RE: Heathkit SB Essay

[Cam and Juli Hedrick]

The Collins only provides 3 segments of 600 MHz on 10 meters.
It is also a bear to align and to replace the finales.

3 600hz segments on 10m, with the crystal pack I can cover just about
everything...in a 2a of course, or with Z-Communications additional crystal
board.  Then again, I've never been on 10m much except when the band is
open.  I've had plenty of fun there with all the gear.  

Hmmm, I can swap and align finales in a Collins KWM-2/2A or any 32S
transmitter in 20 minutes or less.  
I've done complete alignments of the Collins in 1 hour.  Sure I've had the
benefit of working on them for years. 

I built 10 different Heathkits, from the HW-16 (still have it & HG-10b),
HW101, amps, and a complete SB series.  I sold most of it to buy more
Collins.  

I also have a full bench of test equipment and years of experience like many
others out there so I can say Heath definitely had fine kits and the
equipment certainly did its job.  I had a blast using the gear and maybe
that's why I kept the HW-16 and HG-10b.  I also found my place in life
thanks to Heathkits. 

As a former Engineer with the USAF (retired) I've repaired a number of rigs
from Collins to state of the art.  Thus Collins has been the bench mark in
construction that I sought in everything I build or repair.

I owe a lot to Heathkit in the way of thanks.  I really do miss building
them...now I etch my own boards and built things for myself...working on LF
rig right now.

My two cents is open to any comment, I take no offense and hope I haven't
offended anyone else.  Life is tow short to have enemies.
Cam
WA4JKW