If they build it would we come?

[WRZK526]

Given the current climate is it possible to bring back building radio's here in the United States? Would an American owned company risk it and would we support it even if they cost a little more? 

[SteveShannon]

16 minutes ago, WRZK526 said:

Given the current climate is it possible to bring back building radio's here in the United States? Would an American owned company risk it and would we support it even if they cost a little more? 

Maybe, and I would support it even if it cost quite a bit more because I prefer buying “Made in America” goods, but economically it’s bad business for companies to sacrifice long term profits that can be used for R & D.  

[tcp2525]

1 hour ago, WRZK526 said:

Given the current climate is it possible to bring back building radio's here in the United States? Would an American owned company risk it and would we support it even if they cost a little more? 

Not only no, but HELL NO!! I had this very same conversation on the ham bands earlier this week. You have to ask yourself, would you pay $325 for a used wire antenna? I noticed one listed on QRZ for that price and thought it was a typo. I checked DX Engineering and it is $429 for a new Buckmaster 80-6m off center fed dipole. I made mine for next to nothing. All the technical data is out there and all parts are inexpensively made. And building radios will never happen. I am all for building stuff, but that generation is almost extinct. 

As for commercially made radios in the US, it's not going to happen as labor costs and technically qualified workers will drive prices up that no American will buy it.

[WRUE951]

that's a tough one. Prbly not as long as one can guy the cheap chinese radios..  Anything built here in the U.S. should be quality but the cost will be outrages.   

[RoadApple]

I'll pay more to buy "American Made" when that is an available option, but it has to be a good quality product.  Like a great many folks, I won't buy American just because of the label!

[WRYS709]

As soon as they restore Drake’s manufacturing capabilities in Ohio!!

[SteveShannon]

4 hours ago, WRZK526 said:

Given the current climate is it possible to bring back building radio's here in the United States? Would an American owned company risk it and would we support it even if they cost a little more? 

There are Elecraft and Flex. Both are Made in the USA. 

[WRYZ926]

6 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

There are Elecraft and Flex. Both are Made in the USA. 

Both brands are very expensive. Yes they are definitely the Cadillacs of amateur radio but are out of most people's budget, especially Flex. 

Two club members have the Flex 8600 and you have to be a computer wiz just to operate them. The Flex 8600 starts out at $5000. 

Then there are the add-on accessories for the 8600

Maestro Control Console - $1600

Power Genius amp - $6000

Tuner Genius - $2500

Extended Transmit Module (for VHF) - $400

I know guys that have the Flex 8600 and all of the accessories. But hey if you can afford all of that  then more power to you. 

[WRYZ926]

I'm not bashing those that have Flex radios. I would not buy one even if I had the money simply because they are more radio than I will ever use or need.

[tcp2525]

13 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

Both brands are very expensive. Yes they are definitely the Cadillacs of amateur radio but are out of most people's budget, especially Flex. 

Two club members have the Flex 8600 and you have to be a computer wiz just to operate them. The Flex 8600 starts out at $5000. 

Then there are the add-on accessories for the 8600

Maestro Control Console - $1600

Power Genius amp - $6000

Tuner Genius - $2500

Extended Transmit Module (for VHF) - $400

I know guys that have the Flex 8600 and all of the accessories. But hey if you can afford all of that  then more power to you. 

And the amazing part is my antiquated entry level Icom IC-7610 designed for low budget hams will not be distinguishable between the Flex in a double blind test. The 7610 is the best radio out there for pocket change. 

[MarkInTampa]

29 minutes ago, tcp2525 said:

And the amazing part is my antiquated entry level Icom IC-7610 designed for low budget hams will not be distinguishable between the Flex in a double blind test. The 7610 is the best radio out there for pocket change. 

Can I have your pocket change please? The IC-7610 costs $3500.

[WSIF574]

The answer for me is no. When I read this post I looked at other purchases I have made. I play guitar, American made guitars cost anywhere from 3 to 5 times the price of overseas made. The sound quality is not 5 times better. Build structure maybe. This would go for radios too. Look at a BTech GMRS pro. $150 American company using overseas manufacturing and others hardware. Now would you pay $500 for the same thing with out the 5-10% chance of having to deal with a dud radio? I will not

[tcp2525]

21 minutes ago, MarkInTampa said:

Can I have your pocket change please? The IC-7610 costs $3500.

Are you saying I paid too much for an entry level radio?

[WSGL775]

1 hour ago, tcp2525 said:

Are you saying I paid too much for an entry level radio?

Your words, not ours!

[MarkInTampa]

1 hour ago, tcp2525 said:

Are you saying I paid too much for an entry level radio?

Not up to me to say.. The IC-7610 is a nice radio but expensive, not really pocket change. That said, I just purchased an American made Flex 6400 for about half the price of a 7610 ($1500 used with some nice options) and couldn't be happier. The prices on Flex stuff drop like a rock once discontinued.

[WRTC928]

23 hours ago, tcp2525 said:

Are you saying I paid too much for an entry level radio?

No, not necessarily. For me, that would have been too much for an entry level radio, because when I got my first one, I didn't know exactly what I was going to want and I ended up later buying something else that I haven't outgrown yet. "Entry level" means different things to different people. Maybe you'll never find yourself wanting something the Icom won't do, or you may decide to buy another radio for that specific purpose. 

[WRUE951]

2 hours ago, WRTC928 said:

No, not necessarily. For me, that would have been too much for an entry level radio, because when I got my first one, I didn't know exactly what I was going to want and I ended up later buying something else that I haven't outgrown yet. "Entry level" means different things to different people. Maybe you'll never find yourself wanting something the Icom won't do, or you may decide to buy another radio for that specific purpose. 

Talked to a guy at Tractor Supply, he bought 7300 from  a local estate sale for $250 bucks and it was packed in the original box with manuals cables everything.   Amongst other radio gear he got for a really good deal. 

[dugcyn]

think they would have to set up a volume sales side gig to even have somewhat competitive cost. say like large government contract?

if they could become close to $value and assume more consistent quality I would very much consider buying american made.

this goes with most every thing I purchase.