On Aug 31, 1996 08:33:57, 'Steve Ellington <n4lq@iglou.com>' wrote:
>Good thinking Jim. I think TenTec needs to really really go whole hog into
>the kit business. The expensive transceiver market is almost impossible to
>compete against. Perhaps their approach to the market should emphasize the
simplicity of their equipment .
>
>What I would like to see TenTec make is a simple 100w cw rig.
>
>How about a little cw transmitter kit to match their little receiver.
>
>Any other suggestions?
These are excellent suggestions, Steve. I, for one, can't wait to
place my order for one of the new QRP rigs (30M model). I sure
wish Ten-Tec had a Beta-testing program, and I could get one
free-of-charge (HI).
I believe that many (even, possibly, most) hams enjoy kit building.
What I want are kits that result in a final product I can keep and
be proud of. I don't want a kit just for the enjoyment of the kit-
building experience.
I'd buy a full power CW-only transceiver kit in a heatbeat - I'd
prefer it over a QRP version. I'd prefer it to be smaller, though,
than you suggest. About the size of the Argosy/Century 22 is
ideal for a transceiver. It must be absolutely quiet and selective,
so if that means a PTO and no synthesizer, so be it. I'd suggest
taking Norcal's approach (and the Scout) of having plug-in band
modules. Give the buyer as many options for "souping up" the kit
(or scaling it down) as possible. I'm only afraid that the bean
counters will have the final say, and that will kill the venture since
there probably aren't enough of us died-in-the-wool CW buffs out
there to make it viable. However, T-T would benefit from the
prestige (notariety?) of being the only company to offer such a kit.
73, Jim, KB7ET
kb7et@usa.pipeline.com
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