Dirk,
I also built many Heathkit projects as well. I enjoyed the whole process and miss those days of beginning a new kit and taking it to a functioning finished product. Did I fully understand what I was doing? Not really. But it was satisfying to see it all come together. Today's surface-mounted component technology has mostly eliminated hand assembly and soldering on circuit boards. The LA-1K is a great amplifier and pairs well with the FTDX10. I also have the HF-Auto and it's a sweet antenna tuner. Another note is you'll need to adjust the settings on the amp once the cable is connected. See page 21 – Direct Mode Keying in the LA-1K manual.?
Good luck!
Joe WW8X
