Kit Builders - QRP Forum at eHam.net

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eHam.net Forum : QRP : Kit Builders

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Kit Builders	Reply
by STEPPENROTH on August 16, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
A lot of the radios that I would be interested in only seem to come in kit form and I have no experience soldering or working out schematic diagrams. Does anyone know if anyone offers a service of kit building? I've had my eye on the PFR3 with built in paddles, but from my understanding it would be difficult for a beginner to build. Does anyone have any suggestions?

RE: Kit Builders	Reply
by W5FYI on August 17, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Contact the kit manufacturers. They frequently know people who are proficient at building their kits, or who have built kits for sale.

RE: Kit Builders	Reply
by KC9QQ on August 18, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Elecraft maintains a list of kit builders on their website. Some charge a small fee while others will build your kit for free. I highly recommend the Elecraft transceivers. I built a K2 last winter and have to say it is a fantastic transceiver. They also offer kits that are more appropriate for field use such as the K1 and KX1.

RE: Kit Builders	Reply
by 5R8GQ on September 30, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
How about learning how to build it yourself? Building electronics is FUN! Buy the PFR3 now before it sells out and set it aside. Then start building some simpler projects to build up your skills. There are kits available for useful items in the shack like PWR/SWR meters, frequency counters, antenna tuners, etc. Or even build a simpler rig for another band or mode. Download and read the assembly manuals for kits you are considering before you buy them. If the instructions are unclear or confusing to you, check out something else. Learning to solder well should be in a ham's skill set anyways. You will learn a lot. It is very satisfying to make QSO's with a rig that you built yourself. BTW: Start off by getting a good controlled temperature soldering iron. You will be glad you did, I assure you.

RE: Kit Builders	Reply
by WB8YYY on October 9, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
All of us paid for and assembled our first (at least) kit with some fear and trepidation! They key is to respect and manage the fear! If you want to commit to building a PFR-3 or other rig, go ahead and order one! (As for paddle I suggest the W5JH paddle over the stock paddle for either a PFR-3 which I own or the KX1). I strongly suggesting building one or two simpler items to build your confidence. Take your risk on an item that costs a bit less first. Also try to build a local network (someone that could help if you end up with something that does not work). Note you can get lots of email help, but better to have a local safety net. The PFR-3 does not require any usual assembly skills. A good solder joint and patience can get you there. A decent multimeter and a receiver (to listen to the DDS) are recommended. You do not need a lab full of test equipment - these plus a basic power meter will do the trick. By the way I like my PFR-3. I know its limitations, still I enjoy using it.

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