[Elecraft] FT-817 Follow On?

Mon May 20 07:29:01 2002

Either HRO or AES, can't remember which (I think it was HRO), was selling
817's on a pay now, drop ship Monday basis, for $499. Believe me, they sold
a bunch of them, too. I passed on them partly because of the tiny postage
stamp sized display, which does not match up well with my oldtimer eyes. The
897 was extremely impressive, a very slick radio in an attractive package
with a 10AH internal battery capability. No internal tuner (bolts to one
side of the radio, about 1-3/4" thick and the length of the radio. Don't
need the tuner for my screwdriver anyway. If it's priced right, it will sell
like hotcakes, I think. Maybe to me. :-)
Elecraft booth was very busy as expected, looked like Eric was getting
writer's cramp taking K2/100 orders, a condition through which I'm sure he
happily suffered. :-)
FWIW, round trip mileage from my house to Hara Arena is 1,974.1 miles. A
grind, but ultimately worth every mile for a first-timer like me.
73, Jerry W5KP

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Lawrence" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2002 5:29 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] FT-817 Follow On?

> Phil Wheeler wrote...
> >Agreed.  There are things I really like about the 817 (all-mode VHF/UHF,
> >for example) , but other things I dislike (death on batteries).  BTW --
> >seems like the price drops may be a sign that the 817 MkII or some such
> >is on the horizon.
>
> Yaesu announced a FT-897 "portable base station" at Hamvention, a possible
> follow-on to the FT-817 success.  The radio covers HF/6m/2m/70cm, on all
> modes.  This is a larger radio:  about 3" x 8" x 10" HWD.  Capable of 100w
> output on external power, internal AC supply, or 20w output on internal
> NiMH battery.  Availability "later this summer" at a price "in the
> vicinity of $1k".
>
> FT-100D prices were down in the mid $700's, and FT-817 prices in the mid
> $500's.
>
> While these radios offer much in "all in one portability", there's no way
> they can possess the Elecraft MOJO that is built in during the loving,
> hand construction process!  (How does MOJO enter a K1 or K2?  I personally
> think it flows lovingly from the hands, conducted and focused by the
> solder and iron as they meet, to bathe the PCB with a soul that no other
> factory radio possesses!)
>
> Hope all enjoyed Hamvention!
> 73
> Steve
> aa8af
>
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