I have been told that HRO or AES has it in stock. Previous discussion on this reflector indicate that a replacement model is in the works but wont be available for a while.

Ron

joe cassano aka jmario wrote:

All

I've wanted to purchase a Kenwood THD7AG for several weeks but the place that I usually purchase from has been saying (on their web site) that the D7 is out of stock for more than a month. I called them and I was told that Kenwood is basically noncommittal and perhaps even evasive when asked about future THD7 shipments. Did anyone who attended Dayton happen to engage any Kenwood reps in a conversation about the THD7? If so would you tell us what you heard?

The THD7AG is presently listed on the Kenwoodusa'a web site.

Inquiring minds would like to know what is going on here...

My list of possibles are RoHS compliance issues (aka tin whiskers are in your future), someone is trying to avoid the classic Osborne-I to Osborne-II sales and marketing debacle prior to introducing a follow on to the D7, or perhaps the market is too small to justify continued manufacturing...

JoeC K3FMA _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

Joe,

From something posted on the APRS BB:

Friday morning, I talked with a Kenwood guy about the HT. It seems the problem, as with so many rigs, is that parts are drying up, necessitating a new design. In the case of the D-7, it is a tiny transistor. They have enough for repair, but not enough to continue production beyond what is in the pipeline. There is a replacement, 8-12 months at best, and not officially approved for production.

I will add that the sales have ticked up recently, so the chances are good For a replacement to be approved.

Usual caveats about rumors, even ones from Kenwood USA reps.

Alan WA4SCA

Hi All,

I talked to the Kenwood national sales manager at Dayton Hamvention about the shortage of TH-D7Ag HTs. He told me that one of their parts suppliers had stopped making some of the ICs and that he doubted if they would produce more large production runs. Some parts were to become available, however this would most likely satisfy the outstanding backorders. After that it was doubtful that anymore TH-D7Ag s would be made. A quick check for the HT at Dayton turned up some at HRO, AES and R&L. Many other dealers were out of stock and had units on back order.

The TH-D7A been in production since 1996. There has always been a shortage of these units and production has seldom kept up with demand. A few years ago I waited 5 or 6 weeks for one of the radios to be shipped to my dealer.

Lesson: If you want one and find it at a dealer, don't hesitate! Buy it right away. There will not be any TH-D7As available when current stocks are sold out.

Ed Collins N8NUY Dayton AMSAT Hamvention Coordinator

-------------- Original message from joe cassano aka jmario [email protected]: --------------

All

I've wanted to purchase a Kenwood THD7AG for several weeks but the place that I usually purchase from has been saying (on their web site) that the D7 is out of stock for more than a month. I called them and I was told that Kenwood is basically noncommittal and perhaps even evasive when asked about future THD7 shipments. Did anyone who attended Dayton happen to engage any Kenwood reps in a conversation about the THD7? If so would you tell us what you heard?

The THD7AG is presently listed on the Kenwoodusa'a web site.

Inquiring minds would like to know what is going on here...

My list of possibles are RoHS compliance issues (aka tin whiskers are in your future), someone is trying to avoid the classic Osborne-I to Osborne-II sales and marketing debacle prior to introducing a follow on to the D7, or perhaps the market is too small to justify continued manufacturing...

JoeC K3FMA _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb