[Yaesu] New cost of Yaesu FT-ONE in the UK

[Dr. David Kirkby]

On 05/23/11 10:38 PM, Rob Atkinson wrote:
> Rigs have gotten cheaper if your calculation is based on features and
> functions and their separate prices in old technology monetary values.

I was more interested in how the best rigs have changed. Was the FT-ONE (the 
best Yaesu at the time), more or less expensive (in real terms), then the best 
now, which I think is the FT-5000MP.

> There are several reasons for this, but another way of looking at it is
> build quality.   the build quality of amateur radio manufactured equipment
> is mostly poorer than what was found in equipment sold 50 or 60 years ago.

Even 30 years ago. The stuff built in the 80's seems a lot better than today.

> You might argue that the reliability is higher now, but that is for reasons
> that have nothing to do with the quality of the hardware used.

Tubes of course (if you go back 50-60 years), always had a finite life.

> At one time
> it was common to find transmitters and receivers for sale that were built
> for rack mounting, on steel chassis.  Now, everything is lightweight and
> plastic.

and it looks it!

>  Even RF power amplifiers are lightweight and cheaply built
> compared to the 1960s.

I suspect computer modelling of thermal performance has allowed the barriers to 
be pushed more. There is no need to be so conservative.

> But, if anyone built and sold anything like the BTI
> dual 3-1000 amplifier today, only a few hams would be able to afford its
> cost.

I don't now that. But some of todays rigs are over $10,000. Perhaps you think 
more than that.

> 73
>
> rob
> K5UJ




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