[Elecraft] my story for Solid Copy

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Fred, while I would never suggest to a Collins fan that anyone matched
Collins' designs, E.F. Johnson sure produced some nice Ham band transmitters
in both kit or factory-built form. I built and ran a Viking Ranger for
years. Unlike Heathkit, Johnson used new-manufacture parts - they even
manufactured many key components themselves. 

Interestingly, they never sold a Ham band receiver, although they certainly
sold a lot of transceivers in the commercial/military markets and are still
doing so today.  

Heath's main contribution to my hobby was their great line of test equipment
kits. 

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----

Don I agree but I think you missed one point. I can't ever remember a kit
before Elecraft that was judged best in class. Re-engineering and cost
reduction was really Heathkit's forte.  Heathkit's attempts at original
engineering, like the Pawnee, Shawnee, and their first synthesized 2M rig
were unmitigated disasters.
Collins never felt the competition because if you could afford it you always
bought the Collins even if that meant buying the used 75A4 or 51J. 
73
Fred, AE6QL