[Elecraft] [QRP-L] The Chinese KX3

Fri Apr 13 20:54:25 EDT 2012

My post started off with, "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!"

I followed up with, "I "hope they are successful - "successful" meaning their version offers like functions and specifications, at a reduced cost!"

If that drums up some angst on your part - I can't help you!  Y'all have taken my comments out of context - witness the morphing to discussions on a variety of other products when my comments/suggestions/observations/"hope" along with a dose of wanting to see competition for Elecraft.  

If the notion of elecraft's add ons having a cost structure that seems absurd bothers you, well.....it's one person's opinon and you are free to bash away at me for making such an absurd statement......smiling HUGELY at the double absurdity!

Sheesh - if you don't like Chinese or whatever products, that could compete with elecraft.............dont' like 'em --- doesn't stop others from wanting to see competition!

Enuff said, I hope!  72 to all --- Jim R. K9JWV

Date: Sat, 14 Apr 2012 09:38:23 +1000
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [QRP-L] The Chinese KX3
From: garyvk4fd at gmail.com
To: rodenkirch_llc at msn.com
CC: thomas at horsten.com; elecraft at mailman.qth.net; qrp-l at mailman.qth.net; john at ae5x.com

James,

You are engaging in an argument (constructive one that is) where there is NO difinitive answer.

It's must always be about 'choice'..Heil headsets are to me expensive when you import them to VK, CM-500's represents 'value for money' to many on this list, some prefer the Heil models..it is all about choice.

Dare I say 'visual appeal' and 'I want the best' are also thoughts in folks mind when they select their purchase, some look at 3rd party test results as a buying guide, again, it's all about choice.

Wouxon, kenwood, Yaesu, Icom, Ten Tec, Elecraft and the list goes on, it still comes back to individual choice and that is good for consumers. I would hate to see a contraction of manufacturers as this would lead to a less competitive market and then we the consumer would be in a less than enviable situation.

Sure I love my Elecraft products, they all do what i want and more which leaves me a very satisfied customer and Elecraft have a proven track record on support.

Did I pay too much for the products I have purchased from Elecraft?...I don't believe so.

Did I pay too much for products from 'other' radio manufacturers...i sure did much to my continued angst.

20/20 hindsight can sometimes be a bummer....

73's
Gary

On 14 April 2012 08:49, James Rodenkirch <rodenkirch_llc at msn.com> wrote:

Elecraft follows the Apple model - or vice versa...who knows!  Basic "product" is sorta "ok" from a costing perspective but one starts to "cringe" at $60.00 microphones and $170.00 20 watt antenna tuners and $170.00 iambic keys...just sorta seems high end pricing... I could go and price out external versions but that would detract from the Elecraft model - purchase the basic rig and toss in lots of extras that fit into the rig and keep you one of the "Elecraft faithful."

Your statement, "Generally, the Chinese versions are reasonable value for money but the equation generally does include a much lower build quality and feature set and a much lower support level" is sorta intriguing....just what is a "lower build quality" and "feature set" and "lower support level" mean?

Quote me some numbers and we can chat further....Jim R.

From: thomas at horsten.com
Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:02:25 +0100
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [QRP-L] The Chinese KX3
To: rodenkirch_llc at msn.com
CC: km4ik.ian at gmail.com; elecraft at mailman.qth.net; qrp-l at mailman.qth.net; john at ae5x.com

Jim,

What exactly is absurd about the add on costs that Elecraft charges, in your opinion ???

That's the statement that sticks out to me as being absurd in your mail. You buy the accessories you want/need and add it up. The total KX3 price after doing that doesn't seem absurd to me. Not extremely cheap either, I'd agree, but most certainly not absurdly expensive.

There are Chinese knock-offs of many product categories. Generally, the Chinese versions are reasonable value for money but the equation generally does include a much lower build quality and feature set and a much lower support level.

To take the Wouxuns for example, they are great rigs for the price, but the more expensive ones from Yaewoodcom do have a definitive edge on quality and how well they are thought out. It's just questionable if they are worth paying so much extra for, and personally I'm happy with my Wouxun. But for something as primary to my ham operating as my main portable HF rig, I won't settle for such a compromise.

73, Thomas M0TRN

On 13 April 2012 21:55, James Rodenkirch <rodenkirch_llc at msn.com> wrote:

If - 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!

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-- 
Gary
VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!