[Elecraft] Kinda OT, about changes ....

[K8TB]

Lyle Johnson wrote:
 >I am encouraged to see that there is sufficient belief in the future 
of Amateur radio
 >that American companies (as well as Asian and European) are investing 
in product development. 

    I find it fascinating to have watched many changes in ham radio over 
the last 40 years. I have represented Elecraft at several hamfests, and 
I always get the same complaint, that no one sells kits anymore. I very 
easily point to the K2 and state, not true. Here in the Grand Rapids, MI 
area, we, like most towns, had a ham radio store, three to four decades 
ago. You could go down there, buy enough parts to make a 10 watt cw 
transmitter. Today, you can't do that. But look at all the kits out that 
you can look at on the Internet, find reviews about, find a forum to ask 
questions, and then download the manual to decide before you buy. Ham 
Radio is much better today than it was 40 years ago in regards to 
freedom of choice.

    And pricing? The K3/100 is right on par with the great Heath SB-101 
from the 1960-70's, when you factor in government CPI adjustments.

    But to me, the most amazing change is the flip of what happened 
30-40 years ago when the offshore equipment pushed Heath and 
Hallicrafters out of the picture.

    Within the last few years, there are 3 companies that looked at 
Japan, and said, "Oh ya? Watch this!"

    Elecraft, Ten-Tec and Flex Radio. All 3 right here in America. (cue 
the patriotic music!)

    It does make me happy to see this. I am impressed with all three 
companies. A good friend of mine bought the SDR-5000 and it is a great 
radio. I, for my reasons, chose the K3. It is a joy to be able to have 
the choice.

I have no complaints.

    vy 73  Tom K8TB K3 FB53

p.s. Lyle, about that DSP. I had a friend over, and while I don't have 
an antenna to transmit on 160, he was listening there, and the line 
noise here is S6. You could here some people talking buried under the 
noise. I tapped the NR button, and they jumped out. My buddy sat there 
and tapped the NR in and out. The look in his eyes was like that of a 
three year old on Christmas morning. One more K3 is ordered.