When I was with a JA electronics company, {some 15 years} and one that made
professional audio products and other things, we attempted to determine how
many and which parts were required to support a product for 7 years once
production was terminated. We purchased those items and quantities and put
them in the parts center. If we were correct in our forcast then the
product was supported for that period of time. In certain cases, we were
wrong, and simply the parts were consumed before the period planned has
expired. In many instances some of the parts were unique thus were totally
manufactured by the company. In other cases the components were
discontinued by the supplier/manufacturer. Bottom line, when parts are gone
and the source dries up, that's it. Unless some enterprising sole chooses
to go into the re-design or manufacturing business, likely one that is a
hobby and most assuredly not profitable, just for gratification.
It is just basic business and we must understand that any business, to
continue to exist, must at least break even or ideally make a profit. Yes,
in the instance above, we could design a new PC board, populate it, test it
and sell it. The question "will the consumer pay the price?" Likely not.
The 2nd point, is the cost of repair in any dollar amount is it worth the
investment in the product? As a point of economics, likely not. While
some may say, hey design and manufacture a new replacement board and sell it
to me at a reasonable cost. OK, so it is sold at a loss then where is the
loss covered? It goes into the new merchandise cost and eventually to the
consumer. The next question, will the consumer pay the new product cost at
the current market. Competitively, not likely.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joel Hallas" <jrhallas@optonline.net>
To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2012 6:46 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Boards with obsolete parts
>I can't disagree with Barry in principle, however, a really great company
> that gives great service would, IMO, if an aftermarket redesigned PC board
> were available, either:
>
> 1. Resell them to customers who need one, including perform repairs using
> the boards -- good biz and good PR, or at the very least,
> 2. Point users who need such repairs to the provider.
>
> Regards, Joel Hallas, W1ZR
> Westport, CT
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of Barry N1EU
> Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2012 5:31 AM
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] 40m BCI and Ten-Tec vs. Elecraft
>
> On Sun, Jul 22, 2012 at 1:54 AM, Jerry Haigwood <jerry@w5jh.net> wrote:
>
>> I contacted TenTec to see what fixes they may have for the display
>> logic board. Paul informed me they don't have any fixes for this board.
>> Paul also stated that the Corsair II was so old that it is not worth
>> fixing and he does not recommend sending it to TenTec for repair.
>> Well, so much for that great TenTec support we have all been discussing.
>>
>
> It's clearly not economically feasible for Ten-Tec to invest engineering
> resources in designing a work-around for parts that are no longer
> available
> in a 25 year-old radio. I might not like it but I wouldn't blame any
> company taking that position.
>
> Barry N1EU
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