[TenTec] Re: Matt KK5DR, HF amp designer/builder

[Allan Henry Kaplan]

First things first, Matt:   Congratulations on a fine homebrew power
supply design!
Second:  Contrary to what you said, you clearly take pride in "rubbing
salt in the wound".

Now, what I really take issue with is your contention to the effect that
"This is the way that Ten-Tec (or any other company in the ham radio
market) should have built the supply".  That point of view completely
ignores the rather large difference in manufacturing cost (and selling
price) between your fine piece of one-off work and a production unit for
sale to mostly parsimonious hams.   Without boring you with the details,
I believe your design would sell for much more that the complete
amplifier in question!   You have pointed out some things in the
original unit that probably should have been better executed, and I take
no issue with that.   Although there are some items of corner-cutting
that an amateur radio market cannot justify, it is certainly true that
you could not sell production quantities of your design, keep a business
running, and pay your help.   I would concede that there is a happier
medium between that particular Ten-Tec product and your design, but your
contention that "This is the way that Ten-Tec (or any other company in
the ham radio market) should have built the supply" is really well off
the mark. 
Good Luck in your design efforts, but please be more realistic if you
venture opinions about the ham radio manufacturing business.
73, Allan, W1AEL
One of the hams at Ten-Tec.