[Kenwood] Discussion With Kenwood Rep Regarding Future HF Rigs

[Steve Rutledge]

I had the chance to talk with the Kenwood rep at a hamfest over the 
weekend.  I asked about the possibility of a newer, bigger, HF rig.  He 
said that Kenwood has suspended R&D in the amateur arena for at least 
two years.

He went on to say that Kenwood is number two in the land mobile market 
behind Motorola so they are focusing their resources where the money is. 
  This, of course, makes perfect sense for any business.

I asked him why they discontinued the TS-870S and he said it was too 
expensive when introduced.  Further, the chipset used in the radio has 
been discontinued by the manufacturer.  I think it was TI.  He did say 
that failures of the chipset are extremely rare but that Kenwood has a 
huge supply of them as parts so TS-870S owners shouldn't worry about that.