[Heathkit] Interest in amplifier kits

[G. Beat]

Carl -

Jeff has considered offering these products as a kit, and has solicited input on this change in his product offering.  

I have noticed that successful product offerings:

1.  Are very well documented (Heathkit or Elecraft level of instructions and details)
2.  Very good web site with photos of products (in kit form and assembled)
3.  Top notch customer support -- the secret here is to have a discussion forum for these questions (like Elecraft).  Other builders or product users will often help the newcomer
4. Fill an immediate amateur need for less than $ 40 to $ 50.

Why?
New amateurs today have very little practical electronics knowledge.  The current tests do not require the test taker to think through the problem, rather it is memorization of 500 answers to multiple choice questions.  At least once every week there are questions on QRZ.COM Q&A forum about: 

How do i hook-up an amplifier to my transceiver?  I can't fix my Yaesu 2100 amplifier - its not as easy to work on as a SB-200.  I need the 10 meter add-on kit (for an obsolete amplifier).  I want to convert my illegal CB amplifier for 6 meter usage.

w9gb

================================================
> Date: Thu, 2 Dec 2004 13:06:59 -0500
> From: "km1h"
> Subject: Re: [Heathkit] Harbach
>
> It almost makes me consider kitting up many of those items as well as a few 
> other amp related products.
> 
> I wonder what the market would pay for a complete SB220 kit to add 160M 
> without any kludge relays or extra switches?
>
> Carl
> KM1H