[Elecraft] Heathkit Returns!

[Jack Smith]

The VF-1 could be considerably improved if operated from a separate 
power supply and left on long enough to thermally stabilize.  Not saying 
it could be confused with a crystal controlled oscillator, but a lot of 
its problems were related to voltage changes from the associated 
transmitter.

Jack K8ZOA

On 9/8/2011 6:46 PM, k6rb at baymoon.com wrote:
> In the 1950s, the Heathkit AT-1 and AR-3 were pure junk. Yes, the prices
> were low, but the design quality was awful. The DX-20, DX-35 and DX-40
> were just okay but the VF-1 was trash. The DX-100 and DX-100B were okay if
> you were "rock bound," but if you used the VFO - it was a VF-1 - and it
> was terrible on CW and drifty on AM.
>
> By the 1960s, Heathkit had decided to be the poor man's alternative to
> Collins KWM-2. And, to their credit, the SB- and HW- series transceivers
> were a good value for the money.
>
> But, once the Japanese came in with FT-101B and TS-520, Heathkit's
> response was inferior and could not compete on price. That was the
> beginning of the end of its ham-radio kit line.
>
> In terms of design quality and value, Elecraft blows Heathkit, Collins,
> and Drake away and is certainly giving Yaesu and ICOM a run for their
> money.
>
> So, who cares if Heathkit may make ham-radio kits, again? They've lost
> several decades of experience which they'll never regain.
>
> Rob K6RB
>
>
>
>
>> Elecraft List,
>>
>> FYI:
>>
>> http://www.eetimes.com/discussion/break-points/4219631/Heathkit-returns-?cid=NL_Embedded&Ecosystem=embedded
>>
>> 73's,
>> John C. Westmoreland, P.E.
>> AJ6BC
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