[Elecraft] KAT500 query

[Phil Hystad]

If everybody guesses low, maybe $350 or under then we might influence the
"pricing" discussions that Wayne and Eric will obviously hold in their 
weekly marketing meetings.  Surely they have marketing meetings once a
week.  Wayne says to Eric: "Everyone thinks it will cost only $325, we can't
possibly sell it for $450"

I see the possibility of different versions.  There is the cheaper version that
actually does not do anything but for all appearances it looks just like a
KAT500.  Easy kit build with the cabinet, LEDs, and so on.  No power
required.  When someone visits your shack, they will see it there sitting
on your K3.  Of course, no LEDs are lit and you can tell your visitor that it
is off, not using it right now.

The next version up would allow me to "tune" a 50-ohm resistor and also
show a few LEDs lit in random fashion.

The high end version could be more expensive, maybe $550 and it would
allow me to tune the douglas fir trees in my back yard.  Support for 
antenna arrays would allow me to simultaneously tune the red cedar
that is in the back corner of the yard.

I know I am looking forward to the KAT500.  And, I will buy the expensive
kit version, no matter the cost, as soon as it is released.

73, phil, K7PEH


On Jan 28, 2012, at 8:39 AM, Bruce Beford wrote:

> My speculation is based upon 3 antenna ports, and fitted with the pass-thru
> option for the K3 SubRX that was mentioned before (hopefully that has not
> been dropped during the design process). Add to that the wide tuning range,
> and plenty of designed in power handling margin, as well as nice tight
> integration with the K3/KPA500. 
> 
> Less for the kit version, without the K3 SubRX pass thru option, but we'll
> see, won't we? I'd rather guess high and be pleasantly surprised, rather
> than the other way around, yes?
> 73,
> Bruce, N1RX
> 
>> 10%, Bruce? That would make $750 for the KAT-500 if my math is correct.
> ;-))
> 
>> No way it will sell for that money ... the LDG AT-600 is $350 for 
>> comparison. I know the KAT-500 will probably be better (greater tuning 
>> range, more power on 6m, etc.) but I suppose double the price is a no-go
> for 
>> most. $499 assembled might be a better fit to the market ... ;-))
> 
> 
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html