[Elecraft] LOW RESALE VALUE OF LOW SERIAL NUMBERS

[K9ZTV]

Again, firmware upgradable radios are, and will be (by definition) equal 
in functionality regardless of serial number.

Contrary to the idea that high serial numbers are superior to lower 
ones, many Collins collectors actually prefer lower-numbered 
Winged-emblem gear over the higher-numbered Round-emblem gear for 
several reasons, not the least of which is that their manufacturing 
occurred when Art Collins actually owned the company himself and wiring 
was done by conscientious Iowa housewives with high work-ethics and 
strong attention to detail.  The highest serial-numbered KWM-2As were 
manufactured by Rockwell-Collins and not even in the United States 
(Canada and Japan).  Thus "desirability" is a nebulous concept which 
often has little to do with what  is "the latest and greatest."

Lower-numbered K3s will have the distinction (if you can call it that) 
of having been fretted over by purchasers, beta-testers, AND company 
owners during the formative months of the rig's production.  Should its 
present owners no longer own the company at some point, the above 
Collins scenario might well come into play.

Newer is not necessarily better, younger is not necessarily wiser, but 
upgradable IS certainly an equalizer.


K9ZTV




Steve Sacco NN4X wrote:

> a lower SN would denote an older unit, and would therefore be 
> considered less desirable,