At 01:35 PM 6/9/2008, Mark Vandewettering wrote:
It is my understanding that it is simple a relabeled Icom radio. If it really weren't an issue for other manufacturers, one might reasonably ask why we aren't seeing D-Star radios from other manufacturers. Granted, there could be other reasons, but something is apparently keeping other manufacturers from building these radios. This means that essentially we are in a single source situation, where we can expect D-Star to remain fairly expensive. Indeed, the codec chip costs $20, but we see the price differential for these radios to be well over $100, even on an HT which is fairly expensive to begin with. That's a pretty high markup. (IC-91AD is $524, IC-91A is $408 at universal radio). The UT-118 to do an upgrade is $189. The DV- Dongle is $200.
Well, those prices seem high but I guess the recent price increase pushed things up to compensate for the drop in the US dollar. The 91AD was less than $350 at Dayton so your price seems too high. I got a 92AD for $516 ... I just checked the price of the 91AD at HRO and it is $434.95, so you need to shop elsewhere I guess.
But to be fair, you need to use the Universal site properly. The LIST price for the 91AD is $524 - you need to push the button and see that their price is $399.95 ... I don't want to start an argument here but a big part of your argument surrounds cost and you are presenting VERY inflated prices to back your argument.
I understand all of your other points but do not believe that these are show-stoppers. If you are quoting Universal prices, you may live near Columbus .... they apparently have a D-STAR system on down there so you can check things out.
73, Dave VE3GYQ/W8 Spencerville, OH