Shipping Status Page

[Vk2NU]

Firstly sorry for the post and I'm not wanting to start another lengthy
debate on shipping.

However, I've just checked the shipping page and note that it still contains
the following info... 'K3 orders received after Oct 17th are targeted for
shipment in mid-late January. New K3 orders received after Nov 26th are
targeted for mid Feb. delivery.'

I hope I'm off the mark here, but this seems very (very) optimistic
considering orders from early May are still shipping, and that will leave
orders from May through to mid October still to ship (including Dayton
orders and early orders taken without deposit) before mid January !!

I wonder whether it would be possible, now that you have a handle on
shipping capabilities, to update the shipping page with revised (more
realistic) targets when you do your next weekly update?

Thanks

David, VK2NU


No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.15/1173 - Release Date: 5/12/2007
9:29 PM
 

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Stewart Baker]

What, and let the Cat out of the bag !

Stewart G3RXQ
On Thu, 6 Dec 2007 22:38:38 +1100, David Douglass wrote:

> Firstly sorry for the post and I'm not wanting to start another lengthy
> debate on shipping.
>
> However, I've just checked the shipping page and note that it still contains
> the following info... 'K3 orders received after Oct 17th are targeted for
> shipment in mid-late January. New K3 orders received after Nov 26th are
> targeted for mid Feb. delivery.'
>
> I hope I'm off the mark here, but this seems very (very) optimistic
> considering orders from early May are still shipping, and that will leave
> orders from May through to mid October still to ship (including Dayton
> orders and early orders taken without deposit) before mid January !!
>
> I wonder whether it would be possible, now that you have a handle on
> shipping capabilities, to update the shipping page with revised (more
> realistic) targets when you do your next weekly update?
>
> Thanks
>
> David, VK2NU
>
>
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.15/1173 - Release Date: 5/12/2007
> 9:29 PM
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Thom LaCosta]

On Thu, 6 Dec 2007, Stewart Baker wrote:

> What, and let the Cat out of the bag !

Na...it's part of the crash the server routine....if the webpage isn't up to
date, then people will post about things...and thus the server will be
busier.

It's really designed to have the begging/raffle appeal start earlier than
normal....watch your inbox.

73 - k3hrn
Thom,EIEIO
Everything happens in about two weeks...I know, cause I hear that every two
weeks.

Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer

www.baltimorehon.com/                    Home of the Baltimore Lexicon
www.tlchost.net/hosting/                 Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[N5GE]

On Thu, 6 Dec 2007 22:38:38 +1100, you wrote:

>Firstly sorry for the post and I'm not wanting to start another lengthy
>debate on shipping.
>
>However, I've just checked the shipping page and note that it still contains
>the following info... 'K3 orders received after Oct 17th are targeted for
>shipment in mid-late January. New K3 orders received after Nov 26th are
>targeted for mid Feb. delivery.'
>
>I hope I'm off the mark here, but this seems very (very) optimistic
>considering orders from early May are still shipping, and that will leave
>orders from May through to mid October still to ship (including Dayton
>orders and early orders taken without deposit) before mid January !!
>
>I wonder whether it would be possible, now that you have a handle on
>shipping capabilities, to update the shipping page with revised (more
>realistic) targets when you do your next weekly update?
>
>Thanks
>
>David, VK2NU

[snip]

Before I filter out all posts with "shipping" or "status" form my email, I'd
like to just say one thing:

The people running the assembly line at Elecraft have vastly more knowledge
regarding their assembly and shipping capabilities than any of us who have
ordered K3 rigs, no matter what date we ordered them (after Oct 17 for me).  

My experience in manufacturing (Military fighters F-111, F-16 and F-22) tells me
that the estimated delivery dates were estimated using their knowledge of how
the assembly process works, how many workers they have and plan to have as they
ramp up to full capacity.  There will be some hitches (Suppliers, Over Optimism)
and some positive increases in production output(innovation, over pessimistic
original estimates, better procedures found, etc).  There is no way any of us
can apply that data to our "wished delivery dates", so I for one am going to
calm down and wait till the UPS guy rings the bell.  That's when I will get
mine.  If it's in Feb. or March (or maybe even early Jan), so be it.

Let's cut the guys at Elecraft some slack.  They're not at Hogwarts and have no
magic wands.

 
Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq

"They that can give up essential liberty
to obtain a little temporary safety deserve
neither liberty nor safety."

--Benjamin Franklin 1775

http://www.n5ge.com
http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Julian, G4ILO]

On 06/12/2007, Tom Childers, N5GE <[hidden email]> wrote:
> The people running the assembly line at Elecraft have vastly more knowledge
> regarding their assembly and shipping capabilities than any of us who have
> ordered K3 rigs, no matter what date we ordered them (after Oct 17 for me).

Yes, and that's exactly what people are asking for - information.

I know it's annoying for those who aren't interested in the K3. But do
you really consider it surprising that many people who put in an order
for something they really, really want, and then have been kept
waiting much longer than they expected are anxious for information
about when they may receive their new toy?

It's nearly Christmas. How do you think your kids would react if you
told them they'd have to wait for their presents until March next
year? We may not be kids, but I think there is not a lot of difference
with many of us especially where our hobby is concerned.

Personally I find the lecturing by people who claim to be superior
beings who don't care how long they have to wait as annoying as I
imagine the asking about shipping dates is for others. Why not cut
those who are guilty of nothing more than wanting to get their hands
on a very exciting new radio some slack too?

73,
--
Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392  K3 s/n: ???
G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com
Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Don Ehrlich]

Right on Julian,  I think you speak for a lot of us.  The list has been very
calm and relaxed about this issue compared to the more personal
conversations I have had on the air with fellow K3 customers-to-be which
exhibit some very blunt language.  The gist of what I am hearing is that
most folks, like me, are mature and aware adults who do understand how
'Murphy' can mess up the best laid plans ... but we expect to be kept
informed.

Julian said:
> It's nearly Christmas. How do you think your kids would react if you
> told them they'd have to wait for their presents until March next
> year? We may not be kids, but I think there is not a lot of difference
> with many of us especially where our hobby is concerned.

but you left out the part about:

...and then in March said nothing at all until, sometime in April, revised
the date only when nagged ... and then missed that one also followed by a
series of promised weekly "status update" dates which passed by without
updates ... and on and on and on.

The Elecraft mojo has been seriously damaged and I am tired of biting my
tongue .. so there!

Don K7FJ

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[w7aqk]

Hi All,

Clearly production of the K3 has been a task of proportions not clearly
contemplated by the principals at Elecraft.  It is certainly understandable
that a lot of people are very anxious, if not upset, by all the delays.  But
I think it's only fair to remember that probably nobody is more anxious to
get K3's out the door than Wayne and Eric.  After all, they aren't doing all
this for fun, and I can't see how they are making any money on all this
effort until they actually go out the door.

If you think about other rigs that are out there, it does seem to take an
inordinate amount of time to get them from prototype to market product.  The
IC-7000, for example, was shown at Dayton nearly a year before it actually
became available.

I'm not making excuses for Elecraft, but it does seem obvious to me that
there are enormous problems getting something like this done.  And we can't
really do anything about it, which only adds to the frustration.

So, I think it is counterproductive to slam Elecraft too hard.  Obviously
they grossly underestimated the problems facing them, but apparently that's
not hard to do in this business.  My only caveat would be that I hope Eric
and Wayne are not exhibiting the same degree of patience with their
suppliers that they are asking for folks waiting for their K3.  Hopefully
they have been pounding on desks and raising their voices at least somewhat.
But do remember that these delays are costing them, and maybe a lot!  I
shudder to think how much extra time they have had to spend getting the K3's
out the door that have shipped.  Good grief!  They had the whole staff
winding toroids!  Off hand, I bet their profit plan has been shot in the
ass!

Dave W7AQK

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Ehrlich" <[hidden email]>
To: "Julian G4ILO" <[hidden email]>; "elecraft"
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 5:37 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Shipping Status Page

> Right on Julian,  I think you speak for a lot of us.  The list has been
> very calm and relaxed about this issue compared to the more personal
> conversations I have had on the air with fellow K3 customers-to-be which
> exhibit some very blunt language.  The gist of what I am hearing is that
> most folks, like me, are mature and aware adults who do understand how
> 'Murphy' can mess up the best laid plans ... but we expect to be kept
> informed.
>
> Julian said:
>> It's nearly Christmas. How do you think your kids would react if you
>> told them they'd have to wait for their presents until March next
>> year? We may not be kids, but I think there is not a lot of difference
>> with many of us especially where our hobby is concerned.
>
> but you left out the part about:
>
> ...and then in March said nothing at all until, sometime in April, revised
> the date only when nagged ... and then missed that one also followed by a
> series of promised weekly "status update" dates which passed by without
> updates ... and on and on and on.
>
> The Elecraft mojo has been seriously damaged and I am tired of biting my
> tongue .. so there!
>
> Don K7FJ
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Vic K2VCO]

Dave Yarnes wrote:

> And we
> can't really do anything about it, which only adds to the frustration.

Keep in mind that the only real question is "will I get my K3 before
Christmas, in January, or February?" This is not going to matter in the
long run unless you are significantly older than even I am.

I can see people saying "he should talk, he's a beta tester and has had
his K3 for months". True, but I received my beta test version several
months after I originally expected it!

Anyway, as a beta tester -- although I don't work for Elecraft and don't
know all of the nitty gritty about suppliers, etc. -- I am somewhat
closer to what is going on at Elecraft than others. And I can say that I
see problems being solved, big improvements made, and processes smoothed
out  as the experiences of the early users are factored in.

The fact is that unless a huge meteorite lands in Santa Cruz county,
everyone is going to get their K3s, and they are going to be good radios.

A watched pot never boils, so watch something else for a while and you
will be pleasantly surprised when the box arrives.
--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
K3 no. 00007
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Julian, G4ILO]

> Keep in mind that the only real question is "will I get my K3 before
> Christmas, in January, or February?" This is not going to matter in the
> long run unless you are significantly older than even I am.

Perhaps so, when seen from your point of view, Vic. But other people
may have very valid reasons for wanting accurate shipping information
not promises that aren't kept. They may, for example, want to know if
they will even be in the country and able to take delivery when their
order is ready to be shipped. (This reflector has heard from a couple
of people who were going on DXpeditions, others may simply be off to a
place in the sun for the winter.) Others (again we have heard from at
least one) have sold their only radio to put down a deposit for the
K3, not realising it would mean they would be off the air for so long.

It may not matter if you have a shack full of other radios, are not
planning on going anywhere and are in good health and not
significantly past retirement age. But that still leaves a lot of
others, I'll bet, who need at best a promise, but if not that an
*accurate* prediction of when their order will be met.
--
Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392  K3 s/n: ???
G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com
Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Jim-170]

This is unique Reflector..........

I counted up all of the many messages I have received, and it seems that the
majority of the messages received on this reflector are on the subject of
SHIPPING, and not about the merits or technical issues of the Elecraft
products themselves.........



-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Vic K2VCO
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:50 PM
To: Dave Yarnes
Cc: elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Shipping Status Page

Dave Yarnes wrote:

> And we
> can't really do anything about it, which only adds to the frustration.

Keep in mind that the only real question is "will I get my K3 before
Christmas, in January, or February?" This is not going to matter in the
long run unless you are significantly older than even I am.

I can see people saying "he should talk, he's a beta tester and has had
his K3 for months". True, but I received my beta test version several
months after I originally expected it!

Anyway, as a beta tester -- although I don't work for Elecraft and don't
know all of the nitty gritty about suppliers, etc. -- I am somewhat
closer to what is going on at Elecraft than others. And I can say that I
see problems being solved, big improvements made, and processes smoothed
out  as the experiences of the early users are factored in.

The fact is that unless a huge meteorite lands in Santa Cruz county,
everyone is going to get their K3s, and they are going to be good radios.

A watched pot never boils, so watch something else for a while and you
will be pleasantly surprised when the box arrives.
--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
K3 no. 00007
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[aa7jc]

Here Here..

Sadly, for me, this list is almost unbearable to sift through.



Ken Lotts
aa7jc

-----Original Message-----


This is unique Reflector..........

I counted up all of the many messages I have received, and it seems that the
majority of the messages received on this reflector are on the subject of
SHIPPING, and not about the merits or technical issues of the Elecraft
products themselves.........




_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[w7aqk]

I think it's just that a few folks need to vent a little after the long
wait.  But if you look at the "wiki" list of K3's received, output is
picking up nicely.  I think over 50 K3's are going out now each week--maybe
more.  So everyone needs to hook up their Valium drip and take a deep
breath.  Things will settle down soon.

Dave W7AQK

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Lotts" <[hidden email]>
To: "elecraft" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2007 5:43 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] RE: not about technical issues (was Shipping Status
Page)

> Here Here..
>
> Sadly, for me, this list is almost unbearable to sift through.
>
>
>
> Ken Lotts
> aa7jc
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
>
> This is unique Reflector..........
>
> I counted up all of the many messages I have received, and it seems that
> the
> majority of the messages received on this reflector are on the subject of
> SHIPPING, and not about the merits or technical issues of the Elecraft
> products themselves.........
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Don Wilhelm-4]

By my count, it does look like there are now at least 30 K3s being
shipped per week over the past 2 week period, judging from the serial
numbers that have been posted on the wiki.

That means that Don Rasmussen's projections are overly pessimistic.  By
my estimate (again judging only from the serial numbers accounted for),
serial number 225 should ship well before Christmas, and they should
have shipped SN 250 before the first of the year.  I don't know how many
are in the 1st batch, but most have figured it is less than 250.

The folks at Aptos are working hard to hone their production
capabilities and get these first orders shipped.  It has been a long
period of overtime for all of them.  I will get my K3 in due time I am
certain, and I am certainly not going to bug them about it - whining
about it will not hurry the process and may even slow it down.

73,
Don W3FPR

Dave Yarnes wrote:
> I think it's just that a few folks need to vent a little after the
> long wait.  But if you look at the "wiki" list of K3's received,
> output is picking up nicely.  I think over 50 K3's are going out now
> each week--maybe more.  So everyone needs to hook up their Valium drip
> and take a deep breath.  Things will settle down soon.
>
> Dave W7AQK
>
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[ac0h]

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1



Don Wilhelm wrote:

 I will get my K3 in due time I am
 certain, and I am certainly not going to bug them about it - whining
 about it will not hurry the process and may even slow it down.

 73,
 Don W3FPR
- ---------------------
Absolutely!

The whining level around here is starting to get a little embarrassing.
Some on the reflector sound like a bunch of third grade girls who've
just found out recess is canceled.

I'm still trying to figure out why people who paid VOLUNTARY deposits or
were in "the first run", or second run, didn't pay deposits, etc, etc,
etc, Ad nauseam, are entitled to a unit by unit run down of radios going
out the door.

I've also noticed that the most vocal production and inventory
"specialists" aren't in any hurry to cancel their orders. What's the
word I'm looking for...........? Never mind it would probably get me
booted off the list.

A sign of the times we live in I suppose.

- --
R. Kevin Stover, ACØH
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)
Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org

iD8DBQFHWViV11jxjloa2wsRAtvbAJ49W7SrxPLxiBGeWagLPvY1BhVtwQCfW7Sg
GE+5KMKdf/szsyF+TfR8cvY=
=XiaF
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Don,

> By my estimate (again judging only from the serial numbers
> accounted for),  serial number 225 should ship well before
> Christmas, and they should have shipped SN 250 before the
> first of the year.  

That's still extremely frustrating for even those in the "second
batch" who ordered based on projected delivery prior to the end
of November.  If all of the first 200 - 250 will not be out until
the end of the year, that means those at the end of the second
batch may not even see their radios in time for ARRL DX much
less CQWW CW as originally stated (25 per week, 200 - 250 per
batch => late February or mid-March to the end of the second
run).  

I've stayed out of the delivery discussions to this point but
it looks to me like the current "New K3 orders received
after Dec. 5th are targeted for late Feb. delivery." projection
is probably overly optimistic ... and this doesn't even address
the second receiver or FM filter schedules that seem to have
slipped even further.  

> I don't know how many are in the 1st batch, but most have
> figured it is less than 250.

Most were counting 200 based on the "low serial number" and
deposit discussions.  

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV
 

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Chris G3SJJ]

Don, the long wait is not a problem, even though they have had $1372 of
my money for 7 months and not even a personal thank you or apology.

*The real problem is the constant lies and broken promises coming out of
Aptos, together with the lack of explanation, in fact, virtual silence*.

Those of us who placed early orders did so on the basis of the trust
built up between Elecraft and its customer base.

That trust has been severly damaged, not by the delays but by the
breakdown of communication.

Many of us had planned various activities involving our K3s. For me
initially it was a small Low Power Field Day in July, then it was IARU
Region SSB Field Day in September, then it was an SO2R effort in RSGB
21/28MHz Contest in October, then it was lending it to our G5W effort in
CQWW, and this weekend it was supposed to be a dual mode, multi op
effort in ARRL 10m contest. Each event was planned on the basis of what
proved to be mis-information from Aptos. Mid January sees an RSGB
contest that I have excelled in over the years. As early as May 14 this
year, when I placed my order for a K3/100 plus sub receiver, I began
planning for the 2008 event. Even at this this stage I cannot be sure of
having my K3, and only in the past week have I had to accept I won't
have the sub-rx. The way I found out was an un-announced change on the
shipping date.

Again going on the scant information, I have delayed arranging a
pre-Christmas trip out of the country to be around if or when my K3 is
delivered. I am still not sure whether it will be shipped. One person
was recently told that his order placed 6 July would be delivered by the
end of this year!! Numerous people have been told two weeks for several
times. The way I view it at the moment is that shipping came to a halt a
week ago, yet not a word.

This is not the efficient, honest and friendly service we have become to
expect from Elecraft. They have produced a really fantastic product and
our hearts go out to the team struggling to meet the rightful demand,
but lies and unbroken promises are not helping them or us.

Many years ago whilst in sales and marketing of thick film hybrid
modules into the defence industry I received a telephone call late one
evening from the manufacturing director of a very major defence
contractor. His modules were 3 weeks late and no warning or expalanation
had been given. If we had told him he could have re-scheduled. I was
given huge roasting and needless to say didn't sleep much that night. I
did however keep my customers well informed after that.

Some honest and realistic information would have prevented this email
and most of the preceeding ones


Chris G3SJJ





Don Wilhelm wrote:

> By my count, it does look like there are now at least 30 K3s being
> shipped per week over the past 2 week period, judging from the serial
> numbers that have been posted on the wiki.
>
> That means that Don Rasmussen's projections are overly pessimistic.  
> By my estimate (again judging only from the serial numbers accounted
> for), serial number 225 should ship well before Christmas, and they
> should have shipped SN 250 before the first of the year.  I don't know
> how many are in the 1st batch, but most have figured it is less than 250.
>
> The folks at Aptos are working hard to hone their production
> capabilities and get these first orders shipped.  It has been a long
> period of overtime for all of them.  I will get my K3 in due time I am
> certain, and I am certainly not going to bug them about it - whining
> about it will not hurry the process and may even slow it down.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Dave Yarnes wrote:
>> I think it's just that a few folks need to vent a little after the
>> long wait.  But if you look at the "wiki" list of K3's received,
>> output is picking up nicely.  I think over 50 K3's are going out now
>> each week--maybe more.  So everyone needs to hook up their Valium
>> drip and take a deep breath.  Things will settle down soon.
>>
>> Dave W7AQK

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Kevin,

> I'm still trying to figure out why people who paid VOLUNTARY
> deposits or were in "the first run", or second run, didn't pay
> deposits, etc, etc, etc, Ad nauseam, are entitled to a unit by
> unit run down of radios going out the door.

I've remained silent on the shipping date issue until today.
However, those in the first batch were told to expect their
radios before the end of October, those in the second batch
before the end of November. It's now well into December and
the first batch is not finished and - at the current rate -
may not be finished before the end of the year given typical
holiday production/shipping schedules.  When deliveries are
going to be more than 30 days late (which is obviously the
case here), a vendor owes the customer - particularly customers
with firm orders - a bit more explanation, certainty and
candor than have been visible to date.  

Based on the reported deliveries, Elecraft have shipped an
average of 25 units a week.  Even if that jumps to 50 a week
it will be the end of the year before the first 250 units have
all been shipped and late into February before the next 250
ship.  Note I'm not saying "are complete" because there still
is still no clarity on shipping for the second receiver, FM
filter or KDVR3 for many of those orders.    

> I've also noticed that the most vocal production and inventory
> "specialists" aren't in any hurry to cancel their orders.

So what?  Most of those who have ordered expect the K3 to be
the best performing radio available - that's the reason they
ordered it.  They want the radio - why would they cancel their
orders?  

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV
 

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Julian, G4ILO]

On 07/12/2007, R. Kevin Stover <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Absolutely!
>
> The whining level around here is starting to get a little embarrassing.
> Some on the reflector sound like a bunch of third grade girls who've
> just found out recess is canceled.
>
> I'm still trying to figure out why people who paid VOLUNTARY deposits or
> were in "the first run", or second run, didn't pay deposits, etc, etc,
> etc, Ad nauseam, are entitled to a unit by unit run down of radios going
> out the door.
>
> I've also noticed that the most vocal production and inventory
> "specialists" aren't in any hurry to cancel their orders. What's the
> word I'm looking for...........? Never mind it would probably get me
> booted off the list.
>
> A sign of the times we live in I suppose.
>

The intemperate attitude of some people around here is starting to get
a bit irritating.

Believe me, there are a lot more people who are unhappy about being
kept waiting than you would know from this reflector. And some of the
language used in expressing this dissatisfaction privately is
sometimes a lot more blunt than has been used here, too. So let's have
less of the insults, please.

I'm sure Elecraft *is* doing the best it can to fulfil the outstanding
orders. Unfortunately the best it can do seems to be falling a little
short of what was promised. Two estimates of when my own order would
ship have come and gone and now it looks like I'll have to ask for it
to be postponed until the new year so that I will be here to receive
it. And you wonder why *I* am frustrated?

People are not cancelling their orders because they still want this
radio, the reports of those lucky few who have received them are good,
and because having waited this long it would be stupid to bail out now
when there appears to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Even though the glimmer seems to be getting closer with appalling
slowness.

As Dave W7AQK said, venting is one way of relieving the frustration of
waiting. It's human nature. These shipping discussions are only going
to be replaced by technical ones when more people have actual K3s to
discuss and fewer people are kicking their heels waiting for them.
You'll just have to get used to it.
--
Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392  K3 s/n: ???
G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com
Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf

> - --
> R. Kevin Stover, ACØH
> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
> Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)
> Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org
>
> iD8DBQFHWViV11jxjloa2wsRAtvbAJ49W7SrxPLxiBGeWagLPvY1BhVtwQCfW7Sg
> GE+5KMKdf/szsyF+TfR8cvY=
> =XiaF
> -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Jason Milldrum-2]

On Dec 7, 2007 7:17 AM, Julian G4ILO <[hidden email]> wrote:
> You'll just have to get used to it.

No, I don't

I have a great deal of respect for people like you who contribute to
ham radio in a significant and unselfish way. However, I've become
completely exhausted of this list turning into the "All K3 Bitchfest,
All Of The Time". I understand that some complaining is normal and
justified, but if you truly have so much angst about your declining
perception of the Elecraft mojo, then perhaps it's time to have a chat
with Elecraft directly or cancel your order. The level of whining on
the list has ruined it for me. I understand you all have every right
to be mad...and I might be too if I were in your shoes. However, I
feel that this topic has been allowed to dominate the list to the
detriment of everyone else.

So, no, I don't have to get used to it. I'm just going to unsubscribe
and wash my hands of this whole mess. I'll look for technical
discussion and advice elsewhere.

73,
Jason Milldrum, NT7S
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Greg Derda-2]

I'll finally chime in as well, and AGREE with Jason!  We "have to get
used to it"?  I've never seen so many arrogant, whining twits in my
entire life!!  Get a hobby!  I'm outta here as well.....

Greg
ki4mmm

On Dec 7, 2007, at 10:47 AM, Jason Milldrum wrote:

> On Dec 7, 2007 7:17 AM, Julian G4ILO <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> You'll just have to get used to it.
>
> No, I don't
>
> I have a great deal of respect for people like you who contribute to
> ham radio in a significant and unselfish way. However, I've become
> completely exhausted of this list turning into the "All K3 Bitchfest,
> All Of The Time". I understand that some complaining is normal and
> justified, but if you truly have so much angst about your declining
> perception of the Elecraft mojo, then perhaps it's time to have a chat
> with Elecraft directly or cancel your order. The level of whining on
> the list has ruined it for me. I understand you all have every right
> to be mad...and I might be too if I were in your shoes. However, I
> feel that this topic has been allowed to dominate the list to the
> detriment of everyone else.
>
> So, no, I don't have to get used to it. I'm just going to unsubscribe
> and wash my hands of this whole mess. I'll look for technical
> discussion and advice elsewhere.
>
> 73,
> Jason Milldrum, NT7S
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com