[TenTec] The Next Flagship

[Cecil]

Taking mental stock of the DX group I'm a member of, there are the following represented:

2 Orion's
1 FT-5000
Several IC-7600's
At least 2 IC-7800's
2 FT-1000 series
2 or 3 IC-756 Pro series
1 FT-1200

Are we a dis-proportionate group?  Lots of expensive radios in that group.  These guys are not shopping for $500-$1500 radios.

We have two of the youngest DXers to be working on DXCC...one owns a Pro III and the other an IC-7200.  I think they both are under 12.

Are we selling the market short?

We are living in the age of a huge Baby Boomer population...with more disposable income than any generation before...their not looking for $500-$1500 radios...their spending $4k and up.

The Makers Faire market is always going to be at the bottom end...that's the nature of that customer... But that's the younger up coming generation that is following us boomers...they've got a lot in front of them that will prevent them from being able to afford the higher end stuff...and their numbers are a fraction of the boomer generation that will be buyers for the next 20 years.

Maybe I'm confused...wouldn't be the first time today...

Cecil
K5DL


Sent from my iPad

> On May 21, 2014, at 10:57 AM, "Bob McGraw - K4TAX" <RMcGraw at Blomand.net> wrote:
> 
> Barry I agree.  I don't see many hams buying radios with a price tag over $10K.  And  even at $5K the market by comparison is small.  Most I chat with are interested in $500 to $1000 radios, and many are buying in the used market at that price.   The recent price reductions of many models becomes attractive.  As I've heard many say "I'll wait until the price comes down".
> 
> A product with the performance of the Eagle, with an enlarged case, containing a much easier readable display with more information, and more knobs and buttons to facilitate adjustments of most parameters as well as single level MENU where, as and if needed.  Of course ease of computer connection and control is mandatory.   A 2nd RX is not necessary for me but many deem it is a MUST!  Perhaps as a plug in option.  Same for real time band display, but perhaps as an external option.  Also optional ATU for 160M - 6M.  And a point that will tweak many, an internal voltage sensing supply with optional external 12V input.  My thinking for the internal supply would be to support FET output devices operating at 48 or so volts with much improved transmit IMD values.  All of this needs to be in the $2000 to $3000 price range.
> 
> I could dream more but the price will only go up.
> 
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Barry N1EU" <barry.n1eu at gmail.com>
> To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 5:06 AM
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] The Next Flagship
> 
> 
>>> On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 8:02 AM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP <Rick at dj0ip.de> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> The Flagship market is too small,
>> 
>> If you're talking TS-990, IC-7800 and Flex 6700 I agree.  If you're talking
>> K3, I don't.
>> 
>> For example, I don't see that it would be a big stretch for Ten-Tec to come
>> out with an Eagle on steroids - more front panel real estate, bigger box,
>> optional 2nd rx etc.
>> 
>> Ten-Tec has ALWAYS had a "flagship" that would compete with the best of
>> them and I'd like to see them continue that tradition.
>> 
>> 73, Barry N1EU
>> _______________________________________________
>> TenTec mailing list
>> TenTec at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> 
> 
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