What's New
Here are the happenings in the W8FGU world!
dust
cover for the brand new k-pod
I have sent a prototype to Elecraft for fit testing and as
soon as I get a working version up and running I will
offer it for sale. It will be very much like the KX3 and
PX3 dust covers and will sit on top of the face of the
K-Pod. I will not interfere with any of the attached
cables to the K-Pod. You'll just simply remove it and
start operating. More details to come...May 1, 2016
Redesigned
W1 enclosure tilt stand
I
have received a few reports of the velcro showing signs of
heavy wear after a few years of use on the tilt stand. So,
I redesigned the tilt stand without the velcro and
improved the sturdiness of the enclosure in the process. I
moved the hinge point from the bottom of the enclosure to
near the top. Rubber U-channel has been added to the
bottom edge of the tilt panel and the bottom of the
enclosure that really improves the stability of the entire
unit on most surfaces. The tilt angle is now held in place
by a shock cord loop and lock for angles from 90 to 40
degrees. The tilt stand easily folds flat to the enclosure
for storage and the shock cord can be wrapped around the
top of the stand to hold everything in place. I will offer an upgrade path to current users for $19.95 that will simply include the back half of the enclosure with the tilt stand. This will allow you to simply mount the front half with the W1 installed, to the new back half and stand. I will just need to know which version of the enclosure you have (Bottom Mount, Straight BNC, Top Mount, Right Angle BNC or Bottom Mount, Right Angle BNC).
March 5, 2016
Enclosure Price and Shipping rate changes
I have not had to increase the price of my enclosure line in over three years. But with steady increases in my raw material costs and their associated shipping costs, I am forced to raise my prices 5 - 10% (typically $1 - $2 per enclosure). I am constantly looking for lower cost alternative sources for my materials but with my low volumes I don't get much of a break. The new prices will be effective March 5th, 2016.
Also, due to the recent USPS price increases in January of this year, I can no longer offer the flat $8.50 domestic shipping charge. I have restructured the shipping charges based on weight and zip code zone (by state). In the zones closest to my location (MI), the rates have actually dropped from the $8.50 flat fee. Obviously, the farther out from my location, the higher the cost. PayPal is now allowing the use of First Class mail for packages 16 oz or less. Most of my enclosures, with packaging, weigh in around the 15 - 16 oz mark, so this will be a good economic option for single enclosure orders to all areas serviced by the USPS. Both Priority Mail and First Class Package Service (Standard Shipping) will be presented for your selection during the checkout process.
I have also entered tables for calculating International shipping rates for all countries serviced by the USPS. International customers will also be presented with Priority International Mail and First Class International pricing options during the checkout process. The USPS is now offering tracking of First Class International parcels, although they will not guarantee a delivery time. This is a very cost effective alternative to the Priority shipping for all international customers. I you receive a $0.00 shipping cost, please contact me ASAP. This means there is no USPS shipping option defined or needs correction for your area.
If you pick a shipping option that presents with a $999.00 shipping price, it means that it isn't a viable option for the products you've selected. Through the standard PayPal setup, there is no way to apply rules to eliminate options in their checkout. So if you get a $999.00 shipping cost, either change the shipping option or contact me and we'll get it straightened out.
Please contact me for a direct shipping quote for 5 or more enclosures. And as always, contact me for a quote for all custom orders.
