OK, I know this is the Elecraft list, but since the topic of the Rockwell-Collins KWM-380 seems to be of interest, I have one (serial number 14), and yes, it is no comparison to the rigs of today, especially the K4. It was introduced at the 1979 ARRL Midwest Division Convention in Cedar Rapids, IA with a price tag of $2,995 without options. Using an inflation calculator would put it at $11,704 in today's dollars, fairly close to the cost of an ICOM IC-7851. It really is a sweet radio, and VERY fun for non-competitive operating. It truly was ahead of its time. Only 3000 of these units and the HF-380 (its commercial cousin) were made. Production ended in 1986, and was the last amateur radio unit made by the company.
I don't want to continue an OT discussion here, but if you have an interest, please look at my QRZ.com page for a few pictures. '73 de JIM N2ZZ -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Fred Jensen Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2022 9:39 PM To: Scott Manthe <scott.man...@gmail.com> Cc: Elecraft List <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4 and Delivery Delays There's not a lot on the web re: KWM-380 except for sales. I recall little about it except that it was very expensive for the time. I think the KWM-2 went for about $1,500 new? in the 60's, that would be about $15,000 in today's money, although it wouldn't be an attractive transceiver in today' world. But, a -380 was a pretty hot radio in those days. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County Scott Manthe wrote on 3/30/2022 3:53 PM: > Back in the late 70s or early 80's, when I was a teenager and a > "lowly" Technician, one of my teenager Technician friends won a > KWM-380 at the Cedar Rapids hamfest. The old-timers were not amused. > I'd have preferred to win the radio, but barring that, seeing the > reaction of those old guys to a teenager Tech winning that KWM-380 was > pretty priceless. Of course, now I am one of those old guys... > > 73, > Scott N9AA -- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jboehne...@yahoo.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
