Heathkit was a legendary company that produced electronic kits that customers would have to put together themselves, thereby learning about electronics in the process.
The company is no longer around today, but its influence on the world of electronic kits lives on.
Many people have heard of Heathkit, but fewer people know its strange origin story.
The company originated in the 1920s, selling airplane kits (not models, but actual, full-sized airplanes) for around $1,000, which was a significant sum at the time, although less than a commercial airplane.
The company struggled after the death of its founder in 1931 but was bought in 1935 and began making aircraft kits again.
During World War II, it shifted to making electronic parts for wartime aircraft, and afterwards, it started making electronic kits, beginning with an oscilloscope that people could build and afford.
Heathkits were a great way for people to learn about electronics and many people have fond memories of building their kits.
The company is no longer around today, but its influence on the world of electronic kits lives on, and there is even a new company using the Heathkit name.
