I agree 100% Dave.
The lack of distribution and service facilities is a major impediment,
especially when considering the high cost of equipment.
I already have an expensive boat anchor sat on my desk (an SPE
amplifier) for precisely the lack of service facilities and I would
never buy another (though, to be fair, the amp has lasted for 10 years
without a problem). I have absolutely no desire to send it off to Rome
for repair. I don't particularly like sending off radio stuff away,
preferring to take it and pick it up myself if possible. I will just
keep my 2xK3 rigs until they expire or until I do. For the reasons you
state, I won't consider buying a K4D. It is a shame. I'm not moaning;
I just think that an opportunity is being missed but perhaps there are
enough sales anyway for them not to worry.
73
Reg G3WPF
On 22/10/2023 11:05, Dave wrote:
Here in the UK, Waters and Stanton sold Elecraft products and provided a
limited level of service. However, W&S are now owned by Moonraker who have
no real service facilities (as far as I know), and neither are currently
listed as distributors on the Elecraft web site.
Given the lack of a service manual for more recent products, the huge
shipping charges to/from overseas, plus at least $250 for repair, it looks
to me as if Elecraft are going to struggle with sales outside the USA on
anything more complex than a simple kit.
I am a long term Elecraft fan, having a K1, K2, KX3, K4D and KPA500. I was
also an early K3 adopter, which was sold when I bought the K4D.
I like my K4D and it is QRV most days, but I cannot recommend that anyone
in the UK buys one, unless they are prepared to pay out a considerable
amount should it develop a fault, either in, or out, of warranty.
73 Dave G4AON
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