[Elecraft] User's Dilemma

[Jim Brown]

On 12/14/2023 10:57 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
> If they were starting from scratch, I'd agree, but there are 
> currently-operating independent technicians out here who could be up and 
> running relatively easily.

I supervised a service department many years ago, having previously 
worked on a service bench, and driving around Chicago doing field 
service. And as it happens, I visited Elecraft yesterday with my KPA1500 
(45 minutes each way with traffic). There is considerable benefit from 
experience on specific equipment, and to the interchange between techs 
working on the same products on the basis of "come over and look at what 
I'm seeing." That happened with my KPA1500. There's also the matter of 
stocking repair parts.

Yes, shipping time is a factor of a few days, at least within North 
America, but not having enough techs working on a bench is multiple 
weeks, even more than a month. If I were Elecraft, I'd devote resources 
to hiring another tech or two. And with either location, there's the 
matter of training and developing experience on specific equipment. The 
mentoring to do that is far easier to do with a tech working on the 
bench next to you. That is happening at Elecraft.

73, Jim K9YC