[Elecraft] With all the problems...

[Gary Smith]

When I was first licensed I bought a then brand new Kenwood 820S from 
an Amateur Radio dealer in CT, it was boxed, never opened from 
Kenwood. At the same time I ordered all the accessories to go with 
it. Within a month I started having display issues and some of the 
LED display would be dark. It started shifting in frequency and I 
took it to the place I bought it and asked for repair. They said they 
stopped selling Kenwood Amateur gear shortly after I bought it. I 
took it to a local repair shop and the tech said the solder 
connections were cold soldered and it should be returned for a 
replacement. 

I contacted Kenwood in CA and told them what had happened and they 
told me I had bought it from a currently unauthorized dealer. I 
explained it was new, they were a dealer at that time and it needed 
to be repaired. Kenwood said I could send it to them but I would be 
responsible for the full cost of repair. I asked a Japanese friend to 
write a letter to Kenwood in Japan telling them of the situation and 
asking for help. I never heard back.

That is my own personal experience with Kenwood and I have never 
bought another Kenwood anything.

I say that here because the kind of attention you get with Elecraft 
assistance and service is the exact opposite of my experience with 
Kenwood. Go with the Elecraft rig of your choice and you will be much 
more than satisfied.

Gary
KA1J