Posted by
EricJ-2 on
Mar 30, 2005; 5:24pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/RE-Should-You-Built-It-Not-necessarily-tp376366.html
I'm sorry, but the idea of "bonding" with inanimate objects is beyond my
understanding. I built my K1. It is a fine little radio. Better than
anything I could buy manufactured in its class. That's why I bought it. I
would part with it in a heartbeat if something that better suited my needs
became available, but there isn't anything right now. That seems to be the
thinking of everyone on ebay.com, the QRP-L list and even this list who have
put their K1 or K2 up for sale. They aren't selling it because they failed
to bond with it. They are selling it because it no longer suits their needs
(technical, financial, tastes, whatever).
And used K1/K2's command a high price...higher than similar rigs. That's
because they work so well. The second owner isn't interested in bonding with
a radio. They are interested in using it. And it better perform. These
radios DO.
I built my K1 as a test of my interest in building a K2. The last kit I
built was a DX-35 that I got for my 15th birthday. No disrespect to those
who enjoy building kits, but, to me, it was kind of boring. I enjoy
homebrewing, and I have even started breadboarding circuits in the K1 to
learn more about it. I didn't learn much at all from building it. I already
knew how to take inventory, solder and use a screwdriver. And I haven't
needed to get involved with the construction of my car, my motorcycle, my
house or my other ham gear to enjoy them to the fullest.
My point isn't to demean those who ENJOY building kits. I can understand
where it would be enjoyable for many.
My point is to address those who are intimidated by building a kit of the
complexity of the K1 or K2. Some don't have the skills and are not
interested in developing them. Some don't have the time what with bonding
with family and friends.
But it would be a shame for them to have to pass on this extraordinary line
of radios. I decided kit building was not for me, but the K2 is. I bought
one on ebay, had the professional Elecraft builders upgrade it and make it
right and I am VERY pleased with the result. I didn't assemble it myself,
but that doesn't diminish my enjoyment of this incredible radio one bit. And
if I hadn't bought one on ebay, I would have bought a new one and had one of
the pro's put it together while I continued to enjoy my K1.
If you want to build one, fine. But if you don't, get someone else to do it.
Either way, you end up with one of the best radios in its class to enjoy ham
radio. And that's the point.
Eric
KE6US
-----Original Message-----
From:
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Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2005 6:13 AM
To:
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Subject: [Elecraft] Should You Built It?
Steve, Ron:
To echo comments by Kevin and others, you really need to be involved in the
construction of your rig.
In addition to the other benefits that have been pointed out, I can assure
you that you will experience an intangible "bonding" to the radio that will
last forever. It's kind of like raising a puppy. Other radios will come
and go, but you'll find yourself unable to part with one you built. No
amount of money (well, it would take a lot!) can substitute for this
feeling, which is the REAL pride of ownership.
73, Jim K5HO
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