[Elecraft] [QRP-L] The Chinese KX3

[Bruce Beford]

Not sure what sort of response you were trolling for here, Jim. It sounds as
though you feel Elecraft has priced their products and accessories at a
non-competitive level? Or that the performance or function does not justify
the costs? I guess I just don't understand.

The fact is, competition is good. When companies products compete for the
consumer's dollar (or yen/euro/etc), the consumer wins in the form of
choices. Some will prefer a less costly item by giving up a particular
capability. Some will not be able to afford the higher priced product and
will buy what suits his/her situation. All such decisions are compromises.

Sometimes, advances in technology make a particular capability feasible at a
lower price point or smaller size, less weight, etc. An example would be all
the modes and functions available in a modern SDR/firmware based radio like
the K3 or KX3, vs. trying to do all the same functions in hardware.

I find Elecraft products to be exceptional performers, at a fair price. That
does not mean they are the cheapest on the market. By no means. However,
when you compare features and performance, the Elecraft products are what I
would call fairly priced. I have never felt that I was being overcharged for
something I felt should cost less. This is especially true when considering
the economies of scale and development costs in a small company dedicated to
a niche business.

I am also not sure what you mean by the "absurdity of the current add on
costs" either. One of the appealing features of the Elecraft product line is
the ability for the consumer to only purchase those accessories that are
needed. Many folks don't need or want an internal automatic antenna coupler.
Fine, don't order it. However- as I said- I have found that those items are
well designed, and often offer performance that is on par with or exceeds
other available products. Elecraft also rightly includes tight integration
between their products, such as the KPA500/K3, that offer additional
functionality that should be included in judging the "rightness" of a price
point.

I have owned a fairly wide variety of equipment over my 25+ years as an
amateur. Not as much as some- but I have purchased, (and built my own)
enough to recognize the value of the Elecraft products. I still enjoy using
my 602-based mono-band rigs I've built, and I still enjoy home-brewing. But
there is also room in my stable for the "Elegant Craftsmanship" of Elecraft
gear. I am fortunate in that respect.

Elecraft does not strive to produce the lowest cost products. They provide
high quality, high performance products at prices that reflect this. This is
my experience. 

Beauty is in the eye.

72/73,
Bruce, N1RX


> If they can produce a similar product at a reduced cost, including the 
> absurdity of the current add on costs that Elecraft charges, good for 
> them!  
 
> Hope they are successful - "successful" meaning their version offers like
> functions and specifications, at a reduced cost!  
 
> 72, Jim R. K9JWV