[Hallicrafters] More SX-88

[Peter A Markavage]

My understanding is that the IC-7800 design has its root sales in the
U.S. and International commercial, military, and government markets. I
would serious doubt only amateur sales  prompted them to design this rig.
Their original high end rig, the IC-781, which also targeted the markets
mentioned, was age old technology that needed to be replaced or lose the
market share. I seriously doubt development was done to bolster their
advertising profile. Based on this current design, additional stripped
down Icom versions are, or will be. entering the amateur market (IC-7700,
IC-7600, IC-7200, and to a lesser degree the IC-7000).

Of course, none of this has to do will Hallicrafters, so if you care to
bat this around, it would be more appropriate on one of the Icom forums.

Pete, wa2cwa

On Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:55:11 EST WA1KBQ at aol.com writes:
> RE: Icom IC-7800 $10,599.99 Are they  Kidding?  
> by K0RS on May 5, 2004 Mail this to a friend! 
> I think  it's great that Icom takes the amateur market seriously 
> enough to 
> even bother  producing a radio like this. They sure didn't do to 
> make money. 
> Judging from the  hams I see at swapmeets, most are to damn tight to 
> even invest 
> in a bar of soap.  The mystery is why the whiners take so much 
> offence at the 
> fact Icom has built a  perfectly nice radio for the high end market. 
> 
> 
> Icom will never recoup  their development costs for this radio, 
> regardless of 
> how successful it is. This  product is a "loss-leader," intended to 
> establish 
> a corporate image for the  company rather than sell like hot cakes. 
> 
> Hallicrafters did exactly the same  thing in the '50's with their 
> beautiful SX-88...in 
> order to steal a little  thunder from Collins. Every SX-88 sold at a 
> loss to 
> Hallicrafters, but the  company's reputation soared. The development 
> and 
> production costs of the 7800  will be written off as advertising. 
> Ironically, the 
> purchaser will be getting a  radio that should probably sell for 
> much more, if 
> it was intended to be  profitable. It's a great deal...if you can 
> afford it.