[RVRC] Heathkit's Radio Amateur Plans Taking Shape

[E Drew Moore]

Heathkit's Amateur Radio Plans Taking Shape.

Heathkit Educational Systems hopes to reenter the Amateur Radio market by
the end of 2011. Back in August, Heathkit announced its return to the kit
business and actively solicited suggestions. The response from Amateur Radio
operators convinced Heathkit to develop several Amateur Radio products.
"When we made the announcement on our web page about a month ago, we had no
intention of entering the Amateur Radio kit market," Ernie Wake, Heathkit's
Director of Sales and Marketing, told the ARRL. "The response was really
overwhelming, exciting and scary. The scary part is that the brand name has
so much loyalty that we don't want to disappoint the people who have such
fond memories."
Wake said that Heathkit is presently working on developing a few Amateur
Radio kits. "Initially, the kit line will include a few 'accessories,' like
kits for a Dual Watt Meter, Antenna Tuners and the Cantenna," he explained.
"Once we are a little more 'settled,' I think we will develop a QRP
receiver. We won't rush to market just to get there. We want to develop a
line of kits in the tradition of Heathkit. I'm hoping to have one or two
kits by the end-of-the-year."

ARRL