[TenTec] Ten-Tec market visibility

[Jim Lowman]

Jerry, I understand that there are almost 1,500 KX3s now out in the field.
I ordered mine on January 6th, 10 days after Elecraft opened the order 
window, and received it on July 19th; more than 180 days to wait.
Its serial number is 835.  Those who order now should have < 60days to 
wait for delivery.

Since so many KX3 owners are out there, certainly some of them will also 
buy the 539.
I'd like to get some reports on A/B testing.

I can see getting the 418 amplifier, as I have a handful of QRP 
transceivers, with the KX3 among them.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 8/27/2012 4:14 PM, Jerry Haigwood wrote:
> Jim and all,
>       I suspect that Elecraft is selling a lot more radios than TenTec these
> days.  They have been having trouble keeping up with the sales of the KX-3.
> It will be interesting to see how well the TenTec 539 stacks up against the
> KX-3 in a side-by-side comparison.  I believe both are 10W radios and both
> designed for the QRP/portable market.  I recently took a look at the new
> 100W 418 amplifier.  It is an impressive amp but out of the price range for
> most people.  TenTec needs to learn how to make a $350 version of the amp
> without all the bells and whistles.  They would sell a lot more of them.  In
> this economy the need for lower cost equipment is larger than ever.  TenTec
> needs to adapt to the economic times or stand chance of going out of
> business.
> Jerry W5JH
>