[Elecraft] Some Year End Thoughts about Elecraft and Innovative Radio Manufactures of the Past

[Bill]

I just finished reading an article about some companies that
may not or will not be around for 2012.  For example, SEARS has been in business for 125 years but they are
closing hundreds of stores. 
Because of the current economy, the list of failing
businesses in this country is long and growing longer each day.
This got me thinking of some of the innovative radio
manufactures and equipment of the past.  The
Central Electronics  100V was one of the
first no-tune transmitters. Pretty cool for the 1950’s.  The Collins S Line and KWM-380 were pricey but
nice.  How about the Signal One Milspec
1030.  I believe Signal One was a company
that was about the same size as Elecraft.
Some of the companies such as Collins are still in business making
Avionics but sadly they no longer make Amateur Radio equipment.
How lucky we are to be able to jump on the web and order some
of the latest technology rigs from Elecraft such as the KX3. I believe that Elecraft
rigs are high in performance but still very reasonable in price when compared
to the competition. Good job guys!
It takes more than innovative thinking and engineering expertise
to run a business in the state of California.  There are expensive business licenses and permits, costly insurance, environmental
restrictions, high business taxes, and the list goes on.  We even get “Cap and Trade” starting in 2012.  Even though small businesses provide
many of the jobs in this state the climate is almost hostile towards them having
any kind of success.  I try to keep these
things in mind before bugging Wayne about the KX3 manual. 
That reminds me….  When
can I order that new display board for the P3  J
Thanks to everyone at Elecraft and Happy New Year to all.
73,
Bill – K6WLM