I am going to reply in an odd way and let me explain why. When I first got into the hobby I wanted to build a kit and I brought the following skill set to the table; All thumbs Eyes are not what they should be {components are really small} Did not know much about components Knew a little about soldering My theory was really [,really] rusty
I looked at the K2 [a buddy built one] kit and I got to tell you while the manual is laid out well, Elecraft takes a lot of user input and makes changes for the better, but it was intimidating to me. I went to www.smallwonderlabs.com and found Dave Benson kits and I have built two of them. They were a bit easier and less components than the Elecraft kit. Are they as good, nope but I have worked a lot of states with them. I have friends with good trouble shooting skills {mine still need work} Do they have all the features, nope they are mono-band kits. Why did I get it...... it was easier to start with for me with the time I had available. Anytime one of the folks say I built this kit in 10 hours, I know I have to double it at least! Will I ever build a Elecraft kit........ I got to be honest I still have to hone my building and trouble shooting skills [IMHO] and get a glass to magnify the parts. My eyes are not what they should be. So after I have retired and the novelty of the grandkids has worn off [more time] I may try one. But if you decide the try a K2, K1 or KX1 the folks on this list will not let you fail!! Help is always there and people are available to repair what ever mess you make. -- 73 Chuck AA8VS www.aa8vs.org/aa8vs FP #113 MI-QRP #1212 SOC #445 Firebird #2117 TSARC #3952 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2004 11:48 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] troubles with kits I am Herb Winn a new ham (kc8ylj). I was going to try to build a kit for my first<snip> _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com