[TenTec] US Ham equippment producers

[Ron Notarius W3WN]

Gerry K5SDR is a very nice guy, and his company has a very nice product (I
saw the older Flex Radio in operation at W3YI last year, and the new one in
demo mode at the AMSAT Space Symposium two weeks ago -- impressive, very
impressive!).

But they're still somewhat of a niche player.  And I hope that changes for
the better in the future!

Funny thing... FlexRadio donated a $1500 "gift certificate" to the door
prizes at the Space Symposium.  What's funny about that?  Well, look at the
current equipment prices.  It reminded me of the old gag of someone giving a
$50 gift certificate towards a new Cadillac!

All kidding aside, I Hope that whomever won it (I wasn't able to stay for
the banquet after working there all day, so I don't know) will be able to
take full advantage of it... still a very nice thing to win!

73, ron w3wn

-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of ac9s at mchsi.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 4:42 PM
To: tentec at contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] US Ham equippment producers


I know we aren't doing an encyclopedia here, but I would add Flexradio to
the
list.  In my opinion they represent the real paradigm shift in ham gear.
Mind
you - I am enjoying the heck out of my O2, but still - Flexradio is
advertising the same or better dynamic range specs with what looks to me
like
like a direct conversion radio.  I talked to a guy with a 5000 on SSB
yesterday and he sounded outstanding.  Evidently, CW isn't quite up to
specs,
but they (Flexradio) seem to be delivering software changes at a great rate.
I think they are as significant in the market as Elecraft.

Keith
AC9S


"SGC is just a small niche player in the market.

It also looks like Elecraft is set to emerge as another important U.S.
player, now that the K3 is shipping.  I would rank them much higher than SGC
in importance to our ham market (IMHO).

With the Orion II, Omni VII, Jupiter, K3, and K2, the US vendors now offer
an outstanding alternative to the JA players.  What's missing is a rig in
the IC-706 class.

The Argonaut V and K2(10w) cover the QRP class quite nicely.

As far as (tube) linears go, as posted by someone else earlier, there are
several outstanding US manufacturers.  Where we are hurting here is on
choice of solid state amps.

Bottom Line:  We have some pretty great choices right here at home.  I see
no reason not to fly the flag (except maybe for a mobile rig)."
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec