[TenTec] K3 vs Orion One

[Jim Brown K9YC]

On Tue, 13 May 2008 13:11:04 -0400, Dick Green WC1M wrote:

>Elecraft is performing at a very high level thus far. 
>Unfortunately, by not addressing many outstanding firmware 
issues,
>I feel TT has basically abandoned a large group of loyal users.

There is a HUGE difference between the two companies in user 
support and online presence. The Elecraft list has hundreds of 
posts each day, upper level Elecraft management (like the two 
owners, one of whom is the chief engineer!) is always monitoring 
it, and responds directly when needed. That list is separate from 
the K3 beta list, which they also actively monitor and contribute 
to. 

By contrast, TenTec's presence on this list is limited to posting 
a list of used/demo gear once or twice a month and VERY occasional 
responses by a salesman to the most outrageous misunderstandings 
or negative comments about products. 

In other words, Elecraft respects their customers by actively 
participating in the email lists, listening to the traffic, and 
learning of their customers' needs and desires, while Ten Tec 
seems to consider this list so trivial as to be unworthy of their 
time. 

I find that quite sad. The late Al Kahn, K4FW, co-founder of Ten 
Tec, and before that co-founder of Electro-Voice and strong 
supporter of Heathkit and ARRL, has long been one of my heroes. 

73,

Jim Brown K9YC