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Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

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Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

Administrator

Hi Lee,

I'm always amazed when I hear comments like your friend made about us.
It must be our focus on direct, and personal, customer contact that
leads some people to think we are still a tiny company.

December 2010 will finish our -twelfth- profitable year of operation and
continuous sales growth. And our monthly K3 sales, same month versus a
year ago numbers, are up even with the introduction of competing rigs.
We are well past working from our basements. :-)

A few data points:

1. Since shipping our first K2 from Aptos in January of 1999, Elecraft
has grown into a healthy multi-million dollar high-tech company with a
broad product line. We have -zero- debt, own all of our inventory, and
have a healthy, and very stable, balance sheet. We build our products
here in California, just outside of Silicon Valley. We are structured to
be here for a long time, and certainly longer than most hams keep a
particular rig. We want Elecraft to outlast both of us.

3. How did we do that? Elecraft designs great, high value, products that
are fun to use. And our products, like the K3, continue to improve and
get new features even -after- you buy them. We run a stable and tight
financial ship - carefully trading off an internally financed growth
rate versus risk and cash needs. We work hard. We hire great people who
continually amaze us with their intelligence, creativity and work
ethic. Our customer support team is one of the best. And we enjoy our work.

4. We also carefully listen to, and interact with, our customers daily.
We are focused on being the most responsive, and fun, ham radio company
to buy from - period.

5. Wayne and I are both healthy guys - a very long way from retirement.
We are having a great time bulding and running Elecraft, and plan to do
so for some time. But we are not the only people who continue to make
Elecraft successful.

6. Our well staffed engineering design team is diverse and strong. I'd
wager that it is as large as, or larger, than many HF rig design teams
at our competitors. We are well past two guys doing all of the design in
our basement labs. Our engineering, support, manufacturing and
management people are top notch, with a lot of depth. We have a great
team and plan to keep building it for the long haul.

7. We haven't been a 'QRP Only Company' for some time. Yes, in 1999 we
first targeted at the QRP market since it was tightly focused, easily
marketed to, and was our fastest path to a first product. Its still a
great market, too. But we always planned to also offer 100W
high-performance rigs, both kit and factory assembled, to compete
against the best HF rigs from other QRO manufacturers. That's the major
part of the market. I think you can agree we have more than succeeded in
that area with the K2 and now the K3.

The majority of our rigs go out the door at 100W. We are continually
designing a diverse product line, ranging from QRP to QRO. The KPA500,
now going into field test, is definitely -not- QRP ;-) But stay tuned
for more QRP offerings too!

9. Most important, we have incredibly enthusiastic and supportive
customers. You make it fun for us! By telling your friends about
Elecraft, the K3, and our other products, you keep us in business every
day.

You are our best salespeople. The more you enthusiastically tell your
friends about our products, in person and on the air, the more new
products we can design and sell. In today's economic environment, more
than ever, this is incredibly important to us. Please - keep up the
great work. We really appreciate it!

73, Eric WA6HHQ

www.elecraft.com
------

On 12/1/2010 7:14 AM, Lee Buller wrote:

> I am reluctantly writing this email to the reflector with a very dangerous
> subject line....but here it goes.
>
> My good ham friend came through town on Monday and we ended up going to dinner
> with the YLs. As dinner progressed, he asked me what I thought about the
> FT-5000 vs the K3. I said that "they would have to pry my K3 out of my cold
> dead hands at the end." ...
>
> I told him about the K3 and that he needed so sit down and work with one. We
> bantered back and forth and then he said something rather odd...
>
> He said, "I think Yaesu, ICOM, and Kenwood will still be around in 10 years.
> Will Elecraft?"
>
> I responded, "Heck who knows? Did you ever think Drake would leave the
> business or Heathkit kick the bucket? Do you think Ten Tec is going to be
> around in 10 years? And why do thing the Japanese companies would be any better
> once you realize General Motors took it on the chin this year."
>
> He said, "I am not sure I want to buy a rig from a QRP company or any company
> that is owned by two guys. What happens when they retired or die?"
>
> I replied, "Elecraft has their roots in QRP which is a great deal for how they
> design their radios, small, compact, and low current drain. They are hardly an
> exclusive QRP company. But, heck, who knows who really owns some of the other
> companies, it is just that we know more about Elecraft because they are very
> communicative. I don't see a lot of people having direct communication with the
> owners, designers, engineers of the other companies. Besides, I am sure they
> have made plans for the future, most companies do."
>
> My friend said, "Yea right."
>
> ....
>
> So, after this long email explaining the conversation... How do companies, like
> Elecraft, Y, K, I, and T, protect their customers in the future knowing that in
> 10 years things could have gone south or the principals might have "moved-on?"
> Or, like everything else in the world....you spin the wheel and take your
> chance. No guarantees!
>
> I like the two guys from California...I wish them long lives.
>
> Lee - K0WA
>
>

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Why we are here for the long run :-)

Administrator

In reply to this post by k0wa@swbell.net

(Retitled to split this from the other thread.)

Hi Lee,

I'm always amazed when I hear comments like your friend made about us.
It must be our focus on direct, and personal, customer contact that
leads some people to think we are still a tiny company.

December 2010 will finish our -twelfth- profitable year of operation and
continuous sales growth. And our monthly K3 sales, same month versus a
year ago numbers, are up even with the introduction of competing rigs.
We are well past working from our basements. :-)

A few data points:

1. Since shipping our first K2 from Aptos in January of 1999, Elecraft
has grown into a healthy multi-million dollar high-tech company with a
broad product line. We have -zero- debt, own all of our inventory, and
have a healthy, and very stable, balance sheet. We build our products
here in California, just outside of Silicon Valley. We are structured to
be here for a long time, and certainly longer than most hams keep a
particular rig. We want Elecraft to outlast both of us.

3. How did we do that? Elecraft designs great, high value, products that
are fun to use. And our products, like the K3, continue to improve and
get new features even -after- you buy them. We run a stable and tight
financial ship - carefully trading off an internally financed growth
rate versus risk and cash needs. We work hard. We hire great people who
continually amaze us with their intelligence, creativity and work ethic.
Our customer support team is one of the best. And we enjoy our work.

4. We also carefully listen to, and interact with, our customers daily.
We are focused on being the most responsive, and fun, ham radio company
to buy from - period.

5. Wayne and I are both healthy guys - a very long way from retirement.
We are having a great time bulding and running Elecraft, and plan to do
so for some time. But we are not the only people who continue to make
Elecraft successful.

6. Our well staffed engineering design team is diverse and strong. I'd
wager that it is as large as, or larger, than many HF rig design teams
at our competitors. We are well past two guys doing all of the design in
our basement labs. Our engineering, support, manufacturing and
management people are top notch, with a lot of depth. We have a great
team and plan to keep building it for the long haul.

7. We haven't been a 'QRP Only Company' for some time. Yes, in 1999 we
first targeted at the QRP market since it was tightly focused, easily
marketed to, and was our fastest path to a first product. Its still a
great market, too. But we always planned to also offer 100W
high-performance rigs, both kit and factory assembled, to compete
against the best HF rigs from other QRO manufacturers. That's the major
part of the market. I think you can agree we have more than succeeded in
that area with the K2 and now the K3.

The majority of our rigs go out the door at 100W. We are continually
designing a diverse product line, ranging from QRP to QRO. The KPA500,
now going into field test, is definitely -not- QRP ;-) But stay tuned
for more QRP offerings too!

9. Most important, we have incredibly enthusiastic and supportive
customers. You make it fun for us! By telling your friends about
Elecraft, the K3, and our other products, you keep us in business every day.

You are our best salespeople. The more you enthusiastically tell your
friends about our products, in person and on the air, the more new
products we can design and sell. In today's economic environment, more
than ever, this is incredibly important to us. Please - keep up the
great work. We really appreciate it!

73, Eric WA6HHQ

www.elecraft.com
------

On 12/1/2010 7:14 AM, Lee Buller wrote:

Terry Schieler

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

In reply to this post by k0wa@swbell.net

In response to your friend's comment "I am not sure I want to buy a rig from
a QRP company or any company that is owned by two guys," you might have
pointed out that Collins Radio was, initially at least, owned by ONE guy,
Art Collins. The founder of Heathkit was an individual who originally built
aircraft. There are MANY examples of successful corporations that were
founded and run for years by an individual. In my mind, if ONE guy can be
THAT good, then I'll go with the TWO we have here!

Terry, W0FM

-----Original Message-----
From: Lee Buller [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2010 9:14 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

______________________________________________________________
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Mike Markowski-2

Re: Why we are here for the long run :-)

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Were items 2 and 8 censored and about secret forthcoming releases? :-)

Seriously, thanks, Eric, for background info. Very nice to know!

73,
Mike ab3ap

On 12/01/2010 01:09 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote:

>
> A few data points:
>
> 1. Since shipping our first K2 from Aptos in January of 1999, Elecraft...
>
> 3. How did we do that? Elecraft designs great, high value, products that...
>
> 4. We also carefully listen to, and interact with, our customers daily...
>
> 5. Wayne and I are both healthy guys - a very long way from retirement...
>
> 6. Our well staffed engineering design team is diverse and strong. I'd...
>
> 7. We haven't been a 'QRP Only Company' for some time. Yes, in 1999 we...
>
> 9. Most important, we have incredibly enthusiastic and supportive...
>
> [...]
>
> 73, Eric WA6HHQ
>
> www.elecraft.com

AD4C2009

Re: Why we are here for the long run :-)

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

BRAVO !!!,
you guys have been,are and will be the best !!
You guys made us americans feel proud !!
God give you all of you health enough to keep the excellent work you have done in these 12 years of success for 50 or more years.That's why I will be always a K3 user no matter how many good radios be at the market to compete.

Hector
AD4C
K3 # 2192 still working fine after 2 years old.

"If freedom means something,it is the right to tell others what they don't want to hear" –George Orwell

--- On Wed, 12/1/10, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] Why we are here for the long run :-)
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 6:09 PM

(Retitled to split this from the other thread.)

Hi Lee,

I'm always amazed when I hear comments like your friend made about us.
It must be our focus on direct, and personal, customer contact that
leads some people to think we are still a tiny company.

December 2010 will finish our -twelfth- profitable year of operation and
continuous sales growth. And our monthly K3 sales, same month versus a
year ago numbers, are up even with the introduction of competing rigs.
We are well past working from our basements. :-)

A few data points:

1. Since shipping our first K2 from Aptos in January of 1999, Elecraft
has grown into a healthy multi-million dollar high-tech company with a
broad product line. We have -zero- debt, own all of our inventory, and
have a healthy, and very stable, balance sheet. We build our products
here in California, just outside of Silicon Valley. We are structured to
be here for a long time, and certainly longer than most hams keep a
particular rig. We want Elecraft to outlast both of us.

3. How did we do that? Elecraft designs great, high value, products that
are fun to use. And our products, like the K3, continue to improve and
get new features even -after- you buy them. We run a stable and tight
financial ship - carefully trading off an internally financed growth
rate versus risk and cash needs. We work hard. We hire great people who
continually amaze us with their intelligence, creativity and work ethic.
Our customer support team is one of the best. And we enjoy our work.

4. We also carefully listen to, and interact with, our customers daily.
We are focused on being the most responsive, and fun, ham radio company
to buy from - period.

5. Wayne and I are both healthy guys - a very long way from retirement.
We are having a great time bulding and running Elecraft, and plan to do
so for some time. But we are not the only people who continue to make
Elecraft successful.

6. Our well staffed engineering design team is diverse and strong. I'd
wager that it is as large as, or larger, than many HF rig design teams
at our competitors. We are well past two guys doing all of the design in
our basement labs. Our engineering, support, manufacturing and
management people are top notch, with a lot of depth. We have a great
team and plan to keep building it for the long haul.

7. We haven't been a 'QRP Only Company' for some time. Yes, in 1999 we
first targeted at the QRP market since it was tightly focused, easily
marketed to, and was our fastest path to a first product. Its still a
great market, too. But we always planned to also offer 100W
high-performance rigs, both kit and factory assembled, to compete
against the best HF rigs from other QRO manufacturers. That's the major
part of the market. I think you can agree we have more than succeeded in
that area with the K2 and now the K3.

The majority of our rigs go out the door at 100W. We are continually
designing a diverse product line, ranging from QRP to QRO. The KPA500,
now going into field test, is definitely -not- QRP ;-) But stay tuned
for more QRP offerings too!

9. Most important, we have incredibly enthusiastic and supportive
customers. You make it fun for us! By telling your friends about
Elecraft, the K3, and our other products, you keep us in business every day.

You are our best salespeople. The more you enthusiastically tell your
friends about our products, in person and on the air, the more new
products we can design and sell. In today's economic environment, more
than ever, this is incredibly important to us. Please - keep up the
great work. We really appreciate it!

73, Eric WA6HHQ

www.elecraft.com
------

On 12/1/2010 7:14 AM, Lee Buller wrote:

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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WA2SI

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

In reply to this post by David Cutter

Hi David, (& others?)

My apologies for not making the distinction that we really ALL need to
support our respective infrastructures. The selfish part of me thanks you
for supporting the company I feel represents the very zenith of amateur
radio transceiver manufacturing and support. (And, of course, helping them
to survive during these tough economic times.)

How are things wrt transceiver manufacturers across the pond? Is Philips an
actual domestic manufacturer or are they like our Uniden? Great products but
not truly domestic.

In any event, I meant no offense to the non-USA members of the Elecraft
family (Isn't that what we really what we are?) and I offer my sincerest
apologies if any was taken.

Wishing you all a warm, happy and healthy holiday season and beyond. As
always, take care es...

Vy 73 de Bert
WA2SI

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Cutter" <[hidden email]>
To: "Bert Craig" <[hidden email]>; "Elecraft Reflector"
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2010 11:14 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

> Bert, I'm happy to spend my hard-earned $ on a foreign company, ie off our
> shores, like many others around the world who are not American.
>
> David
> G3UNA
>
>
> I also like the fact that my dollars went to folks who
>> live, work and spend their earnings right here in the USA. I felt that
>> way
>> before the economic crisis when I purchased my K1 & K2 and feel it is
>> especially critical now that we do all we can to support our own
>> infrastructure.
>>
>> Vy 73 de Bert
>> WA2SI
>>

Barry

Re: Why we are here for the long run :-)

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote

The KPA500, now going into field test, is definitely -not- QRP ;-)

73, Eric WA6HHQ

It is QRP in California :.)

Barry W2UP

P.S. Promise us you won't sell out to that 3 letter company that starts with M and ends with J :.)

n7ws

Re: Why we are here for the long run :-)

I know some guys here in AZ for whom that would be a driver.

>
> Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote:
> >
> > The KPA500, now going into field test, is definitely
> -not- QRP ;-)
> >
> > 73, Eric WA6HHQ
>
> It is QRP in California :.)
>
> Barry W2UP
>
> P.S. Promise us you won't sell out to that 3 letter
> company that starts
> with M and ends with J :.)

WA2SI

Re: Why we are here for the long run :-)

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

I know you guys generally don't like "me too" messages but you guys really
are THE BEST! Thanks again for envisioning, creating, maintaining and
growing a company that has made such an impact on our personal happiness.

When I come home from work, no couch and/or TV show can relax me like
donning the cans and firing up the K2. I recently dug SU/HA3JB out from the
noise floor and put Gab in the log on my first try. (Love that 200 Hz
filter!)

Your new building still reminds me of Initech from the movie Office Space
though - hihi. Having worked as a mainframe programmer analyst in corporate
IT before transitioning to law enforcement, I can honestly say I know each
and every one of those characters. (including myself - hihi) As always, take
care es...

Vy 73 de Bert
WA2SI

----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2010 1:09 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Why we are here for the long run :-)

> (Retitled to split this from the other thread.)

---snipped for brevity and to save bandwidth---

______________________________________________________________
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AC7AC

Re: Why we are here for the long run :-)

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

David Cutter

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

In reply to this post by WA2SI

Bert

No offence taken at all, I support what you've just now said, plus, you
wouldn't buy Elecraft if they didn't do the products that you want, whether
American or not. They could be from virtually anywhere in the world and get
our orders.

David
G3UNA

> Hi David, (& others?)
>
> My apologies for not making the distinction that we really ALL need to
> support our respective infrastructures. The selfish part of me thanks you
> for supporting the company I feel represents the very zenith of amateur
> radio transceiver manufacturing and support. (And, of course, helping them
> to survive during these tough economic times.)
>
> How are things wrt transceiver manufacturers across the pond? Is Philips
> an actual domestic manufacturer or are they like our Uniden? Great
> products but not truly domestic.
>
> In any event, I meant no offense to the non-USA members of the Elecraft
> family (Isn't that what we really what we are?) and I offer my sincerest
> apologies if any was taken.
>
> Wishing you all a warm, happy and healthy holiday season and beyond. As
> always, take care es...
>
> Vy 73 de Bert
> WA2SI
> >
>
>> Bert, I'm happy to spend my hard-earned $ on a foreign company, ie off
>> our shores, like many others around the world who are not American.
>>
>> David
>> G3UNA
>>
>>
>> I also like the fact that my dollars went to folks who
>>> live, work and spend their earnings right here in the USA. I felt that
>>> way
>>> before the economic crisis when I purchased my K1 & K2 and feel it is
>>> especially critical now that we do all we can to support our own
>>> infrastructure.
>>>
>>> Vy 73 de Bert
>>> WA2SI
>>>
>

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: Why we are here for the long run :-)

Administrator

In reply to this post by Mike Markowski-2

Nope! Just typing/editing too fast this morning ;-)

73, Eric

On 12/1/2010 10:27 AM, Mike Markowski wrote:
> Were items 2 and 8 censored and about secret forthcoming releases? :-)
> Seriously, thanks, Eric, for background info. Very nice to know!
>
> 73,
> Mike ab3ap
>
______________________________________________________________
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MontyS

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

In reply to this post by Terry Schieler

Many more innovative companies were created by one or two than by committees. Many of those won't survive beyond their founder's life. As a personal example, I worked 23 years for AT&T (1961-1984). AT&T as it existed after WW I was the creature not of Alexander Bell but of Theodore Vail. Vail's vision was universal service provided by a regulated monopoly. The evolution of modern electronics and computers gradually invalidated this idea; the company, however, fought to preserve it. So instead of adapting it disappeared. (The name "AT&T" is now owned and used by one of it's former subsidiaries)
That same evolution did in Hallicrafters, National Radio, Hammarlund, Drake, World Radio labs, Heathkit, and many others as ham radio manufacturers. Now it has made Elecraft possible. What a great time to be around. What's next?

Monty K2DLJ

> In response to your friend's comment "I am not sure I want to buy a rig from
> a QRP company or any company that is owned by two guys," you might have
> pointed out that Collins Radio was, initially at least, owned by ONE guy,
> Art Collins. The founder of Heathkit was an individual who originally built
> aircraft. There are MANY examples of successful corporations that were
> founded and run for years by an individual. In my mind, if ONE guy can be
> THAT good, then I'll go with the TWO we have here!
>
> Terry, W0FM
>

K6LMP

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

In reply to this post by k0wa@swbell.net

The flip side of the coin: companies created by two guys who grew to succeed. Many examples exist, including Apple Computer, HP, Walt Disney Co., and Microsoft. Only Apple still has one of its founders in an active management role, and he will retire soon. Good companies outlive their founders, so long as the founder's vision remains. Given the limited size of the ham radio market, I don't expect Elecraft to reach their size.

However, (to comment on an earlier post) if they thought it would be profitable to enter the marine radio business (for example) by repurposing the K3, we should encourage that, not bemoan it. A broader customer base could help to ensure long-term success.

Lew Phelps K6LMP

On Dec 1, 2010, at 11:28 AM, Monty Shultes wrote:

> Many more innovative companies were created by one or two than by committees. Many of those won't survive beyond their founder's life. As a personal example, I worked 23 years for AT&T (1961-1984). AT&T as it existed after WW I was the creature not of Alexander Bell but of Theodore Vail. Vail's vision was universal service provided by a regulated monopoly. The evolution of modern electronics and computers gradually invalidated this idea; the company, however, fought to preserve it. So instead of adapting it disappeared. (The name "AT&T" is now owned and used by one of it's former subsidiaries)
> That same evolution did in Hallicrafters, National Radio, Hammarlund, Drake, World Radio labs, Heathkit, and many others as ham radio manufacturers. Now it has made Elecraft possible. What a great time to be around. What's next?
>
> Monty K2DLJ

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vk4tux

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

In reply to this post by k0wa@swbell.net

The Ft-5000 seems to have a few issues with alc and tx audio quality,
where the K3 really has got the ability to tx great quality audio with
many different microphone setups.
FT-5000's I have heard sound raspy when using heavier mic/compression
levels whereas the K3 retains a clean sound under a similar setup situation.
I thing the 5000 is a great rig, but it has a few issues like most
transceivers.

Adrian ... vk4tux
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

In reply to this post by k0wa@swbell.net

> So, after this long email explaining the conversation... How do
> companies, like Elecraft, Y, K, I, and T, protect their customers
> in the future knowing that in 10 years things could have gone
> south or the principals might have "moved-on?"

It's not a matter of health/longevity of the principals. Ask any of
the unfortunate owners of late model FT-1000D, FT-1000 MP MK V or
MK V Field transceivers with a bad control board or final amplifier
transistors about "long term support." Key replacement parts simply
are not available for many of the Y, K, I radios less than 10 years
out of production. Most amateurs simply don't consider those issues
when making a purchase decision on a multi-thousand dollar radio.

I think I'll take my chances with a small US based company where
the business is the livelihood of the principals. Give me a company
in which I know the principals and can reach out to them rather than
a large off-shore based company that is a subsidiary of a mega multi-
national corporation in which the amateur radio division can be sold
or shuttered if some CFO and Board of Directors decide that continued
operation is no longer profitable or even in the "strategic interest"
of the corporation.

Yaesu and Icom both grew from small amateur radio focused companies
as a result of their founders' interest in amateur radio but 50
years later the amateur radio businesses are insignificant parts of
much larger corporations.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 12/1/2010 10:14 AM, Lee Buller wrote:

>
> I am reluctantly writing this email to the reflector with a very dangerous
> subject line....but here it goes.
>
> My good ham friend came through town on Monday and we ended up going to dinner
> with the YLs. As dinner progressed, he asked me what I thought about the
> FT-5000 vs the K3. I said that "they would have to pry my K3 out of my cold
> dead hands at the end." He said that the FT-5000 is pretty spiffy according to
> the QST review and out-guns the K3. I said the K3 is a mature radio yet has the
> power to evolve to even greater "spiffy-ness."
>
> He is current using a IC-765, which is a good solid rig, but somewhat out of
> date.
>
> I told him about the K3 and that he needed so sit down and work with one. We
> bantered back and forth and then he said something rather odd...
>
> He said, "I think Yaesu, ICOM, and Kenwood will still be around in 10 years.
> Will Elecraft?"
>
> I responded, "Heck who knows? Did you ever think Drake would leave the
> business or Heathkit kick the bucket? Do you think Ten Tec is going to be
> around in 10 years? And why do thing the Japanese companies would be any better
> once you realize General Motors took it on the chin this year."
>
> He said, "I am not sure I want to buy a rig from a QRP company or any company
> that is owned by two guys. What happens when they retired or die?"
>
> I replied, "Elecraft has their roots in QRP which is a great deal for how they
> design their radios, small, compact, and low current drain. They are hardly an
> exclusive QRP company. But, heck, who knows who really owns some of the other
> companies, it is just that we know more about Elecraft because they are very
> communicative. I don't see a lot of people having direct communication with the
> owners, designers, engineers of the other companies. Besides, I am sure they
> have made plans for the future, most companies do."
>
> My friend said, "Yea right."
>
> Then we broke the discussion down to how the K3 is going to match the FT-5000.
> I said it was all a moot point because you have to look at not only
> specifications, but service, quality, ease of upgrades, cost of add-on features,
> price point, and how much you want to spend in the hobby. We started talking
> prices. (Later on, my wife asked me...does radios cost that much now-a-days?
> She was shocked)
>
>
> So, after this long email explaining the conversation... How do companies, like
> Elecraft, Y, K, I, and T, protect their customers in the future knowing that in
> 10 years things could have gone south or the principals might have "moved-on?"
> Or, like everything else in the world....you spin the wheel and take your
> chance. No guarantees!
>
> I like the two guys from California...I wish them long lives.
>
> Lee - K0WA
>
>
>
> In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't
> have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any
> Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common
> Sense divine?
>
> Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind.
> - J. Wolf
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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>

KENT TRIMBLE

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

In reply to this post by Terry Schieler

To name just a few more . . .

Oscar Hammarlund (never spelt with an "e" although a lot hams try to)

Gus Gonsett (two "ts" but the company only had one) . . .

Herb Johnson (Swan Electronics, named after his father)

Edgar F. Johnson (E.F. Johnson)

William M. Nye (Nye-Viking)

Leo Meyerson (World Radio Labs and "Galaxy" and "Globe")

James Millen (National Radio Co. & James Millen Manufacturing Co.)

William J. Halligan (Hallicrafters)

Russ Planck & E.G. Shalkhauser (RME)

The list goes on and on . . .

73,

Kent K9ZTV

On 12/1/2010 12:22 PM, Terry Schieler wrote:
> There are MANY examples of successful corporations that were
> founded and run for years by an individual.
______________________________________________________________
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Kok Chen

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

On Dec 1, 2010, at 12/1 12:32 PM, K9ZTV wrote:
> The list goes on and on . . .

Sako Hasegawa, JA1MP (General Television Co and Yaesu Musen)

73
Chen, W7AY

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Pete Connors F5VNB

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

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AC7AC

Re: Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

In reply to this post by MontyS

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