Of all the kits I've tried, this is my favorite one. The board is laid out like an electronics diagram, making it very large but easy to understand. The manual is also extraordinary, explaining what things are for and walking you through how to measure things. The YouTube channel "The Offset Volt" has a build playlist that is a must for this kit.

This is a fun to build kit. Its quality is very good, and the instructions are comprehensive.

I built the AM section first. Just followed the instructions for assembly and ignored all the tests. When finished, I had an operating AM radio. A few adjustments later (following instructions for adjusting with no test equipment), I could tune many local stations.

I then assembled the FM section by installing all components and ignoring assembly instructions. I installed all resistors, then all capacitors, then coils, diodes, transistors, and transformers. The FM section didn't work. I used a signal generator at 90MHz, no modulation, and a multimeter and traced the problem to transformer T4. Transistor Q6 had no collector voltage indicating an open circuit in T4. I removed T4 from the circuit board and removed the can from the assembly. It took a magnifier and some patience to find a broken, hair thin wire and reconnect it. I replaced the can and soldered T4 back on the circuit board. With power applied, the FM section came to life. After a few adjustments (following instructions for adjusting with no test equipment), I could tune several local stations.

Recommendations:
1. The radio kit is a fun project and can be a rewarding learning experience but some precautions are necessary. The copper circuitry on the PC board is very thin and easily damaged. A soldered connection can be broken by applying pressure to the component side. If any movement is possible, the soldered connection will be torn away from the rest of the circuitry and may not be visually evident. This happened twice with me.
2. I have had many years of electronics experience and felt pretty confident with my skipping so much of the instructions. I do NOT recommend my method. The kit is a learning experience and all instructions should be followed.
3. All resistors and small capacitors are provided on cards with the reference numbers and values. The schematic diagram provided on the back of the instruction book shows the reference numbers for all parts, but not their values. Don't throw the cards away or it will be a pain in the neck to determine the correct value for a referenced part.
4. Diodes D2 and D3 are type 1N34A. Diode D1 is a Varactor diode and looks like D2 and D3. Keep them separate or suffer the consequences.
5. A 60 watt soldering iron is appropriate for all soldering, Use 60/40 Tin/Lead solder and throw the solder supplied in the kit away. It requires too much heat to work properly.

I bought this just because I thought it would be interesting. This is very like the old Heathkits, clearly labeled parts, very good instruction book, step by step process. It is not a truly finished product in the sense that it doesn't come with a complete case ready to go in your living room. It is however a lot of fun to build and get working. Great advanced student project, or just for fun. Overall 5 stars!

I bought this for a class for school. I was very careful when soldering this. I took my time and did every test that I could (including the ones that required lab equipment). Once it was done and I carefully tuned it, it worked really well.