In a message dated 7/31/07 10:10:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[hidden email]
writes:
> why not just put
> solder in the kit? (Like Heathkit used to do.)
>
IIRC, Heath did not always include solder in their kits. They finally started
to do so because of all the problems caused by builders using the wrong
solders, paste fluxes, etc., despite all the bold-faced warnings to use only
rosin-core solder in Heathkits.
Two reasons not to include solder:
1) RoHS issues elsewhere in the world
2) A lot of Elecrafters already have suitable solder on hand, and the
inclusion of solder would not only be a coals-to-Newcastle exercise, it would also
raise the price.
I know it's more work for Elecraft, but what about this:
Offer solder of the recommended type as a separate item. Elecrafters could
provide feedback on how much solder it takes to build each product, and then
there could e a selection of two size packages.
We're not talking about a lot of solder! A K2 doesn't take more than a few
ounces IIRC.
The big package would be "enough to build a loaded K2/100"
The small package would be "enough to build a loaded K1 or KX1"
Or something like that. I suspect that the main problems would be cost,
because of the labor required, and low sales, because many folks already have
suitable solder on hand. The main reason to do it would be as a convenience to
those folks who want to avoid the high cost of buying/shipping a single item from
a supplier like Digi-Key
Maybe there's a business opportunity here!
The "Toroid Guy" offers sets of high-quality prewound toroids for those who
don't want to wind their own. (Insert no-connection disclaimer HERE). Maybe
someone could offer suitable solder in appropriate quantities for building the
various Elecraft kits. They could branch out into offering tool kits for
first-time builders (Heathkit did that too, I think). Even with first-class postage
to anywhere in the USA, they could probably beat RS prices easily.
Such things as what solder to use may seem trivial to the experienced. But I
suspect that a considerable number of Elecrafters are first-time builders, and
are bewildered by the wide range of choices and suppliers out there. Look how
much discussion we've had over the years about what solder to use, what
soldering station to use, etc.
Just an idea.
73 de Jim, N2EY
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