[Elecraft] Heathkit Ham Products

[Edward R. Cole]

Gary, VK4FD has some valid points about Heath's re-entry into the ham 
market.  Heath is fondly remembered by us older hams that bought and 
built their kits, but also there is lingering disappointment when 
they quit the ham business.  (Alaska has a former governor with this problem?)

One thing that I think has been stated well is a successful ham 
equipment manufacturer needs active hams on their engineering and 
marketing staff.  No one connects like an enthusiast can.  I think 
the early years at Heath had a few hams on board.

Heath started with selling electronic test equipment kits made up 
from the ample WWII and Korean War surplus that was available making 
their costs, low.  That has changed.  Their kits were often simple 
basic items which now they will compete with cheap offshore 
sources.  It will remain to be seen if they have the vision and 
talent to get back into the ham trade.  They have name recognition 
and that helps.  I wonder if they may come out with partial 
pre-assembled SMT boards with mostly mechanical assembly as the K3 has?

It is a different market from when they were last in it.

I see the kit market belonging to the niche group of high-tech or 
non-conventional ham pursuits like QRP, digital, satellite, eme, mw, 
etc.  A lot of the hams in these pursuits are pretty smart cookies 
and capable builders.  They are not interested in building basic 
stuff.  They are looking for kits that enable them to obtain the 
unobtainable.  SDR's, high-power sspa's, special modes...  Mostly 
parts sourced from high-tech surplus (if you can find it).

K2 (kit)=unique!  K3 unsurpassed!  XG3=cleaver and so 
useful!  Elecraft has earned its reputation.  Heath will have to 
re-earn their's!


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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