View Full Version : Motorola putting in bid to buy Vertex/Yaesu
KS4VT
11-05-2007, 08:02 PM
This will make future AR radio designs very interesting if it goes through....
Article (http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?guid=%7b9EE2DFC5-414E-4210-956A-2ACDC840E4CE%7d&siteid=yhoo&dist=yhoo)
Maybe, or they will sell the amateur unit to a Chinese company.
n4bfd
11-05-2007, 08:08 PM
According to the article, the Vertex board approved it, I wonder what other hoops will have to be jumped through.
I see this as a good thing... I think. Is there a down side to it?
The MotoWhackers are sure to be drooling over this.
As for me, I have the yaesu radios I want/need. Maybe I'll see what I can get before the ham division goes down the drain (or gets sold to the chinese.)
WA2ZDY
11-05-2007, 08:57 PM
Motorola knows who their stiffest competetition, aside from themselves, is. If ya can't beat 'em, buy 'em!
kd4sm
11-05-2007, 08:59 PM
Buy your Yaesu equipment now! After this merger, things will go bad fast if Yaesu starts making radios like Motorola, JUNK.
KS4VT
11-05-2007, 09:03 PM
Quote[/b] (n4bfd @ Nov. 05 2007,16:08)]Is there a down side to it?
http://www.motorola.com/governmentandenterprise/contentdir/en_US/Images/ProductPhotography/xtl5000_72_461x182.jpg
Don't know....but from what I'm used to it's a difficult product line to beat.
I doubt you will be see any D* in their products.
KS4VT
11-05-2007, 09:05 PM
Quote[/b] (WA2ZDY @ Nov. 05 2007,16:57)]Motorola knows who their stiffest competetition, aside from themselves, is. #If ya can't beat 'em, buy 'em!
Yep /\/\ is sure good at that....instead of developing their own they go and buy the competition, or license it for their exclusive use.
W5IEI
11-05-2007, 09:34 PM
After the FT-2000 fiasco,can it get worse?
Quote[/b] (KS4VT @ Nov. 05 2007,16:03)]Quote[/b] (n4bfd @ Nov. 05 2007,16:08)]Is there a down side to it?
http://www.motorola.com/governmentandenterprise/contentdir/en_US/Images/ProductPhotography/xtl5000_72_461x182.jpg
Don't know....but from what I'm used to it's a difficult product line to beat.
I doubt you will be see any D* in their products.
That is ugly. Yuck.
That big, white microphone will not blend in anywhere in my car either.
Yaesu's 8900R on the other hand is sleek and sexy, and the microphone is black (which blends in anywhere).
I have a normal, regular car, not a police car, ambulance or a whackermobile. I don't need any motorola-esque radios in my car.
I hope that moto doesn't change up the style of the ham lineup too much. They may make rugged radios, I will give them that, but whoever designs the look and feel (including the UI) of their products needs to be fired ASAP.
Heard Motorola is buying into Seimens. They will market under the new name S&M Telcom.
KC9ECI
11-05-2007, 09:50 PM
Bummer. Vertex is making a good public service line of radios right now. Just as good as Moto and half the cost. We just bought 4 new Vertex rigs for the FD. I installed one in the tanker the other evening, I've got three more to go. Just need to figure out where the time will come from now.
Motorola is the bottom of the barrel. Breaks down more often than any other brand. Pure junk and has been for years.
Company policy…”Tell them it’s out of date, sell them a new one.”
That’s even if it’s only 6 months old!!!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
w3dub
11-05-2007, 10:53 PM
Well, it was probably that or lose the brand altogether. In such a low margin market as AR is, these deals don't happen unless there is some kind of trouble FWIW.
KU0DM
11-05-2007, 10:58 PM
Quote[/b] (aa9ya @ Nov. 05 2007,15:44)]Company policy…”Tell them it’s out of date, sell them a new one.”
most of the time they are right, it IS out of date and their NEW technology has a NEWER way to break/fail/all of the above
KS4VT
11-05-2007, 11:23 PM
Quote[/b] (aa9ya @ Nov. 05 2007,18:44)]Motorola is the bottom of the barrel. #Breaks down more often than any other brand. #Pure junk and has been for years.
Company policy…”Tell them it’s out of date, sell them a new one.”
That’s even if it’s only 6 months old!!!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
We have over 6,000 in service of the PS grade (MT & XTS/XTL series) and don't see that many come in for repair, maybe 1% into the shop due to user abuse or battery issues. Rarely will a new one out of the box not working.
What radios are you referencing?
Quote[/b] (KB3JGU @ Nov. 05 2007,17:53)]Well, it was probably that or lose the brand altogether. In such a low margin market as AR is, these deals don't happen unless there is some kind of trouble FWIW.
I don't think moto cares about AR. YAESU (Vertex) may hold on to the AR division or MOTO may trash it.
Quote[/b] (W5IEI @ Nov. 04 2007,15:34)]After the FT-2000 fiasco,can it get worse?
After the FT-2000 fiasco?
I just saw the ARRL bulletin on this and I don't really know what to make of it. 80% of Vertex Standard for "only" $108 million seems quite cheap for a major electronics manufacturer. The bulletin doesn't say whether Motorola or current VS management will run the day-to-day operations.
At least now it's clear why Chip jumped ship to Heil Sound.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Quote[/b] (n4bfd @ Nov. 05 2007,16:08)]Is there a down side to it?
Yes, there is a down side if Motorola is involved. My company is a Motorola "partner". Yeah right. Even our "partner" rips us off.
As N2RJ stated, I also doubt that Motorola has any interest in the AR division.
Best,
Brian
w3dub
11-06-2007, 02:05 AM
$108 million sounds cheap.. but you have to also remember, at that rate it would place a value of about $135 million on the entire division. Considering sales of AR equipment probably only numbers in the thousands each quarter.. it really isn't that big a business.
Low margins and relatively low sales is going to equal a low valuation. Overall it seems (I don't have exact statistics) that Yaesu is likely #3 in overall sales anyway... so figure that in too.
Quote[/b] (KS4VT @ Nov. 04 2007,15:03)]Quote[/b] (n4bfd @ Nov. 05 2007,16:08)]Is there a down side to it?
http://www.motorola.com/governmentandenterprise/contentdir/en_US/Images/ProductPhotography/xtl5000_72_461x182.jpg
Don't know....but from what I'm used to it's a difficult product line to beat.
I doubt you will be see any D* in their products.
Hmmmm. #Looks like a Sony Xbox with a Spectra control head epoxied on the front. #And, from your link its supposed to be an "XTL5000?" #A smart net super trunker, I presume?
Don't let that head fool you though, its not as smart as a 20 year old Yaesu 2M rig.
First off, the FCC says the keypad can't be used to directly enter a frequency. #Only a "mode" number (Motorola's word for channel). #Or, possibly a phone number in DTMF dialing.
Perhaps, now, Mortorola can have Yaesu's name of one of those with keyboard frequency entry for amateur use. #That big, fat, cream colored mike isn't all that bad. #The connector on the end, though, is a bugger, especially with the 90 degree bend. #Better to have used the RJ-45 style mike jack as they did with the Maxtrac and Radius radios.
AS to D*, why not? #Yaesu, Kenwood and probably ICOM supply radios with APCO-25, don't they?
PS: If this is /\/\'s latest creation, at least I know I'll be able to order replacement buttons for my old Spectra A7 head......
And now that JVC owns Kenwood, it looks like ICOM is the only major independent manufacturer left! I wonder how long it will take before they get an offer from Sony!
Scott NØIU
EM - don't even try. The MotoWhackers will never like any "ham" type equipment since Motorola gear was made by god himself...
Quote[/b] (n0iu @ Nov. 05 2007,23:10)]And now that JVC owns Kenwood, it looks like ICOM is the only major independent manufacturer left!
Just as long as Ten Tec keeps making HF rigs I'll be happy http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
w6vps
11-06-2007, 04:55 AM
I do not believe the pending purchase bodes well for the
continuation of Yaesu Amateur gear. I believe we very soon will have orphan radios on our hands. Moto is all about making money. Amateur radio divisions make money but not in large amounts. I suspect Moto wants Yaesu for some other reason than continuing and improving amateur products. I hope my opinion on this one proves to be wrong. We shall see.
Paul/W6VPS
K7JBQ
11-06-2007, 05:22 AM
I suppose a cell phone with a built-in keyer is out of the question.
As a long-time Yaesu man, I'm not getting a warm fuzzy feeling right now.
73,
Bill
KD0BQM
11-06-2007, 07:56 AM
Back in the 80's, Moto was our biggest competitor but it was our third biggest competitor that bought us out. Wilson Radio then became Regency Land Mobile and about a year later, it was just plain Regency...and no more ham radios, either.
That's probably what will happen to Yaesu when Moto gets hold of 'em. Oh well, at least my FT-101EE Boat Anchor won't be wearing bat wings.
Hugh - KDØBQM
KS4VT
11-06-2007, 10:08 AM
Here is Motorola's take on it....
/\/\ Press release (http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail.jsp?globalObjectId=8909_8838_23)
Quote[/b] ]Vertex Standard is a leader within the Land Mobile Radio segment, where the company continues to demonstrate particular brand strength in high value, entry level solutions. The joint venture will develop and sell Vertex Standard branded products and develop select Motorola branded products. The Motorola brand will continue to focus on higher featured, higher tier products and continue to utilize existing Motorola distribution channels.
The joint venture will expand and develop a comprehensive suite of products to address the rapidly growing demand for 2-way radio solutions. Vertex Standard’s strength in the Amateur, Marine and Airband (Avionics) segments will also provide Motorola with access to new business opportunities. In addition, Vertex Standard’s solutions are highly complementary with Motorola’s products and will add greater depth and breadth to Motorola’s Government and Public Safety business. The venture will also provide additional engineering talent for Motorola.
Quote[/b] (KS4VT @ Nov. 06 2007,03:08)]Here is Motorola's take on it....
/\/\ Press release (http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail.jsp?globalObjectId=8909_8838_23)
Quote[/b] ]Vertex Standard is a leader within the Land Mobile Radio segment, where the company continues to demonstrate particular brand strength in high value, entry level solutions. The joint venture will develop and sell Vertex Standard branded products and develop select Motorola branded products. The Motorola brand will continue to focus on higher featured, higher tier products and continue to utilize existing Motorola distribution channels.
The joint venture will expand and develop a comprehensive suite of products to address the rapidly growing demand for 2-way radio solutions. Vertex Standard’s strength in the Amateur, Marine and Airband (Avionics) segments will also provide Motorola with access to new business opportunities. In addition, Vertex Standard’s solutions are highly complementary with Motorola’s products and will add greater depth and breadth to Motorola’s Government and Public Safety business. The venture will also provide additional engineering talent for Motorola.
Maybe someone at Motorola reads QRZ and made sure the press release would keep hams happy! Press releases are just that, press releases. It doesn't matter what their plans are for the amateur market, they will say good things about it as they don't want Yaesu's current amateur customers to jump ship right away.
NN4RH
11-06-2007, 12:41 PM
It's a CONSPIRACY I say!
Why? Because the BPL companies want to gobble up all the HF spectrum. Motorola is a BPL company - sure, they pretend to notch out the ham bands - but that's just a ruse to lull us into complacency - their profits would increase if they could use ALL the spectrum! So they want to eliminate all those pesky hams that would complain. What better way to do that than to buy out their appliance manufacturers and then liquidate them!
My GAWD people! What if - all the amateur radio manufacturers are bought up and liquidated - we would have to - GASP - HOMEBREW! And ham radio could not survive if we have to homebrew because of the ARRL Dumbing Down everything over the past century there are only a handful of hams left that can read a circuit diagram!
And who benefits from all this? The WINLINKERs of course! Winlink will evolve to become WIRELESS BPL!
Are you all BLIND to this EVIDENCE that Winlink, BPL and ARRL are out to destroy ham radio?
And who is behind all this? OBVIOUSLY the aliens from Zeta Reticulli. They need to disable ham radio before they can invade, because they know full well from monitoring the ARRL web site that they must utterly extinquish any ability of Earth-Hams to do anything When All Else Fails.
I had nightmares all night--MJF buys the Yaesu amateur division. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
OMG, I can visualize the ads now. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
And here I thought Halloween was over last week. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
NN4RH:, that's funny right there. I don't care who you are!
N5PVL
11-06-2007, 01:11 PM
Yaesu will still sell ham equipment - but you will have to send it back to the factory to have it programmed and it will cost you fifty bucks every time.
If you try to open the radio, a special dye squirts out to identify you for the Radio and Mattress-Tag police.
Anybody caught adjusting or programming his own radio will be shot on sight by inbred R&MT whackers who will be stationed in every town, with secondary duties related to the operation of WinLid2000.
Motorola will install ( infect ) each amateur with a submicroscopic carbon nanotube radio that will constantly keep them informed about that amateur's activities.
The ARRL will then declare Motorola the 'Ham of the Year' like they did with Riley Hollingsworth of the FCC, trying to stay out of trouble with WinLink.
Within six months, Motorola will rescue the ARRL from its falling fortunes by buying enough SCS corporation stock for a hostile takeover of the ARRL executive positions, thus gaining defacto control of the entire organization.
All HF spectrum will then be allocated for the exclusive use of the WinLid system. - Motorola succeeding where the ARRL had failed. WinLid will then be re-named the MotorLid System, and commercial liscenses will be issued to PMBO operators worldwide. Soon, the ARRL is back in the black again!
That's when we discover that it wasn't really Motorola at all, that it was the phone company all along, wanting the amateur community to be restricted to VHF frequencies so that our only remaining option will be to 'work the world' with EchoLink.
Ham radio won't be dead; It will just wish it was...
Our only hope - the President's Analyst!
FWIW, no one is forcing amateurs to BUY Yaesu (or Motorola) gear.
I'm less than impressed with any of Yaesu's current offerings save the VX6/VX7 lines. The FT1000D/MP series was IMHO the last real HF radio they produced; anything which came later is feature-rich for feature's sake.
As long as Ten-Tec, Elecraft, Icom and the other 'players' continue to produce their wares, we'll have lots of top-quality gear from which to choose. Indeed, there could be some interesting ramifications as part of this 'deal'...i.e., the further strengthening of each manufacturer's place in the amateur-gear market. Likewise, Yaesu's (eventual) departure from the amateur market may give several fledgling companies a much-needed shot in the arm, thereby allowing entrance into said market in a non-trivial sense...
Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Nov. 06 2007,09:23)]FWIW, no one is forcing amateurs to BUY Yaesu (or Motorola) gear.
That's true, but less choice isn't good.
WA6MHZ
11-06-2007, 02:48 PM
Quote[/b] (AB3BK @ Nov. 05 2007,17:40)]Quote[/b] (W5IEI @ Nov. 04 2007,15:34)]After the FT-2000 fiasco,can it get worse?
After the FT-2000 fiasco?
What was wrong with the FT-2000? A friend has one and he thinks it's a wonderful radio! I know if I was very wealthy, I would have one too!
WA6MHZ
11-06-2007, 02:53 PM
Motorola actually was in the Ham market, briefly. In the 70s, they came out with a 2 meter FM crystal rig, the Motorola Metrum II. I have one here along with the original manuals. It was rather large and few Hams bought them, so it came and went.
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Nov. 06 2007,07:43)]Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Nov. 06 2007,09:23)]FWIW, no one is forcing amateurs to BUY Yaesu (or Motorola) gear.
That's true, but less choice isn't good.
My commentary was offered as a rebuttal to 'PVL's post...but in a sense you're right.
Nature does abhor a vaccum, and if there's money to be made in the ARS gear market, someone will fill that void...
Motorola makes some good gear but they always struggled with ethics issues. I remember years ago the came out with a new analog cellphone who's sensitivity was crap. I complained and finally they sent factory guys out to measure the sensitivity. When they broke for lunch, they left their notes so I photocopied all of them. Their notes recognized a half dozen problems including poor rx sensitivity.
Two weeks later I got a letter from a Morotola VP saying the guys found nothing wrong and the radios were within spec. I faxed him a copy of the notes taken by his techs and told him to quit lying to me. They threatened to sue me for copying the notes. I told them go ahead because it would be in the Wall Street Journal the second I heard from a lawyer. Finally they stewed for a couple days then called back and with Galvin on the phone and apologized.
This was one of about a half dozen serious ethics issues I witnessed over 10 years. The only group recently that made me have the "M" sick feeling again when dealing with them has been the ARRL.
Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Nov. 06 2007,09:54)]Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Nov. 06 2007,07:43)]Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Nov. 06 2007,09:23)]FWIW, no one is forcing amateurs to BUY Yaesu (or Motorola) gear.
That's true, but less choice isn't good.
My commentary was offered as a rebuttal to 'PVL's post...but in a sense you're right.
Nature does abhor a vaccum, and if there's money to be made in the ARS gear market, someone will fill that void...
Well now that you mention it, the rest of your post -
I agree that the HF line leaves much to be desired. However, the FT857/897/817 seem to be popular.
The handhelds are nice, and the mobile FM radios are nice too. I have the FT8900 which is a solid radio. Only problem is that it costs more than Alinco and isn't as pretty as Icom's offerings.
Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Nov. 06 2007,10:23)]I'm less than impressed with any of Yaesu's current offerings....
I just bought a FT-60R 2/440 HT and I am extremely impressed with it. I was able to program the FT-60R easily without referencing the manual. It wasn't until I read through the manual that I realized the advanced features offered in this inexpensive HT. The receive is very good and the audio through the HT speaker is powerful and excellent.
In the 1990's I had a Yaesu 220 mobile (I forget the model) radio and it was also top notch. I always wanted a FT-1000 but could never justify the cost.
If this buyout affects Yaesu's AR gear it would be a loss for us.
Best,
Brian
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Nov. 05 2007,08:53)]Motorola actually was in the Ham market, briefly. #In the 70s, they came out with a 2 meter FM crystal rig, the Motorola Metrum II. #I have one here along with the original manuals. #It was rather large and few Hams bought them, so it came and went.
I guess I owe them an apology. #I forgot all about it. That one came out about the time Regency had the HR2B. #All I could think of that they made for the amateur community was an 11 meter radio with an SWR/power meter accessory. #We had Betty Ford to thank for that.
Actually, acquiring the Yaesu name might me useful. #For instance, they could ensure that all Yaehoo 2M HTs and mobiles could not be modified for out of band operation, thereby forcing CAP, MARS, Coastie Aux and others to buy commercial radios at three times the price.
And, of course, lest we forget the lessons of Katrina, where single-point-failure prone trunked radio systems failed miserably and what worked were simplex, analog 2M radios. #Especially those that were modified and frequency agile and could communicate with the Coast Guard and military helos.
Yes, Motorola can help make sure that fewer options are available besides 700MHz trunked radio.
N3ATS
11-06-2007, 03:21 PM
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Nov. 05 2007,22:12)]EM - don't even try. The MotoWhackers will never like any "ham" type equipment since Motorola gear was made by god himself...
Do you mean the guys who take their radios to dinner and have their pictures taken with them? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I can't imagine what they do with their radios in the privacy of the own houses!
Does /\/\'s warranty cover liquid damage? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
KC0OFZ
11-06-2007, 03:38 PM
Quote[/b] (ni3b @ Nov. 05 2007,18:28)]Quote[/b] (n4bfd @ Nov. 05 2007,16:08)]Is there a down side to it?
Yes, there is a down side if Motorola is involved. My company is a Motorola "partner". Yeah right. Even our "partner" rips us off.
As N2RJ stated, I also doubt that Motorola has any interest in the AR division.
Best,
Brian
I agree. Motorola will not want to have anything to do with AR. It will not make them enough money and they will not be the only player. Motorola can not run with the competetion so they will simply axe the entire AR business. Will it happen this year or next? Maybe not but my guess in less than 3 years. Motorola will see that they have to make cuts to pay their execs more and AR wil be the first to go. Yaesu, you were good while you lasted. Another radio company for AR goes the way of Hallicrafters, Collins, Heathkit, Swan and others.
kn4ds
11-06-2007, 03:40 PM
Quote[/b] (NN4RH @ Nov. 06 2007,08:41)]And who is behind all this? OBVIOUSLY the aliens from Zeta Reticulli. They need to disable ham radio before they can invade, because they know full well from monitoring the ARRL web site that they must utterly extinquish any ability of Earth-Hams to do anything When All Else Fails.
Spending too much time with Nancy Lieder?
zetatalk.com *can* be entertaining... 'specially when you consider there are folks who believe it...
As far as this buyout, joint venture, whatever it ends up being, none of us knows what Motorola might have in mind for the amateur lines... so all we can really do is wait and see.
Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Nov. 06 2007,10:40)]As far as this buyout, joint venture, whatever it ends up being, none of us knows what Motorola might have in mind for the amateur lines... so all we can really do is wait and see.
But we can certainly speculate.
In fact, that is what investors do - they speculate. We are invested in amateur radio, not necessarily as shareholders, but as end users.
And, based on Moto's past actions, it is an entirely reasonable assumption that they are going to dump the AR division, and it is also reasonable to assume that they are not going to make the ham gear look like the commercial gear, which is what the MotoWhackers are hoping for...
Quote[/b] (N3ATS @ Nov. 06 2007,10:21)]Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Nov. 05 2007,22:12)]EM - don't even try. The MotoWhackers will never like any "ham" type equipment since Motorola gear was made by god himself...
Do you mean the guys who take their radios to dinner and have their pictures taken with them? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I can't imagine what they do with their radios in the privacy of the own houses!
Does /\/\'s warranty cover liquid damage? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
LOL!!
Or what about the MDC whackers who want to show the world (or at least everyone on the repeater) that they are using retired public safety radios...
It would be bad to lose Yaesu.
On the other hand, folks like TenTec and Elecraft could easily fill in.
The reviews on the K3 have been nothing short of stellar. Perhaps we are about to see the second renaissance of U.S. built amateur radio equipment.
Quote[/b] (n0iu @ Nov. 05 2007,23:10)]And now that JVC owns Kenwood, it looks like ICOM is the only major independent manufacturer left! I wonder how long it will take before they get an offer from Sony!
Scott NØIU
And Ten-Tec and Elecraft.
If the deal goes through as proposed, Motorola will control Vertex -- but not own it outright. So it remains to be seen what, if anything, will happen to the Amateur Radio and other divisions.
Of course, here's a real whacky thought. Motorola is, of course, a public company. Now, you buy some stock, I buy some stock, and so on and so on...
nah. that would be too easy.
ka5piu
11-06-2007, 04:25 PM
Hello.
I am not sure of what Circle M is up to, but it gets me to thinking.
Yaesu has several radios that are built for the Japanese government.
The VX-7R is offered in the US in the marine and aviation markets also.
In Japan, the V-7000 is commercial/military version, 26 to 512 MHz and 700 to 999 MHz.
This was developed with Japanese government funding.
So, a really advanced radio with a UI that makes no sense.
Circle M has the poor UI down pat, so it sort of makes sense. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
And, yes, the radio in the picture is real.
This is the replacement for the Astro Spectra.
This radio is the same for the commercial and government market, so converting it to direct entry is super easy (FPP), it is one byte, or, a well placed diode.
The Astro Spectras are now suffering from the dreaded leaking caps. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
But, I really like a non-wacker line of radios, and so any real changes in Yaesu will be seen with sadness.
WB8MKV
11-06-2007, 04:41 PM
a strange marriage......
KC0REY
11-06-2007, 04:56 PM
What I have a hard time believing is how any self respecting Amateur would own any product produced by /\/\ after the President of Motorola publicly stated,"Amateur Radio Operators are over rated" when he was asked about the amateur radio communities responce to Katrina. And this after Motorola's multi million dollar emergency radio sytem failed to work.
Edit: I forgot to mention that acording to this, http://www.reuters.com/article/mergersNews/idUST30762720071105 , it is a done deal.
Quote[/b] (WB8MKV @ Nov. 06 2007,09:41)]a strange marriage......
Yep, little lotus blossum marries sleazy used car salesman.
Quote[/b] (KC0REY @ Nov. 06 2007,11:56)]What I have a hard time believing is how any self respecting Amateur would own any product produced by /\/\ after the President of Motorola publicly stated,"Amateur Radio Operators are over rated" when he was asked about the amateur radio communities responce to Katrina. And this after Motorola's multi million dollar emergency radio sytem failed to work.
Edit: I forgot to mention that acording to this, http://www.reuters.com/article/mergersNews/idUST30762720071105 , it is a done deal.
They want to pretend that they are using "serious" radios and they think that all ham gear are kiddie toys.
I don't own or use any motorola anything anymore and I hopefully never will.
The cellphones I had from them were complete POS. Not only did they lock up daily and looked and felt really flimsy, but the batteries died really quickly.
The Vonage ATA made by Motorola that my wife had (before we were married) overheated, locked up daily and eventually died. Vonage replaced it TWICE and the same thing happened, TWICE. Talk about lousy design and quality control.
I have to be suspicious of this - is moto looking to shut down AR to grab our (VHF/UHF) frequencies? Think of it for a minute.
Oh, one more thing - some of the hams who proudly display their ownership of Moto gear pretty much agree with what the President of Moto said...
KC0OFZ
11-06-2007, 05:09 PM
Quote[/b] (KC0REY @ Nov. 06 2007,09:56)]What I have a hard time believing is how any self respecting Amateur would own any product produced by /\/\ after the President of Motorola publicly stated,"Amateur Radio Operators are over rated" when he was asked about the amateur radio communities responce to Katrina. And this after Motorola's multi million dollar emergency radio sytem failed to work.
Edit: I forgot to mention that acording to this, http://www.reuters.com/article/mergersNews/idUST30762720071105 , it is a done deal.
Well that pretty much seals the fate of AR gear. If the president of company feels this way it is certain to spell the END of any AR gear. Circle M will end this line much sooner than I expected.
KS4VT, since you are a champion spokesperson for the almighty cirle M what say you? I will be waiting for your "spin" on this as to how this will benefit AR. It must be obvious even to you that circle M will have NOTHING to o with AR.
KC0OFZ
11-06-2007, 05:13 PM
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Nov. 06 2007,10:06)]I have to be suspicious of this - is moto looking to shut down AR to grab our (VHF/UHF) frequencies? #Think of it for a minute.
Good food for though seeing that circle M has NO time for AR. Circle M is looking to eleminate any competition in the radio world and this includes competition from radio operators.
KS4VT, any spin on this?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?
VE7DCW
11-06-2007, 05:54 PM
I own an FT-101zd,that can be Yaesu's legacy to me.But look on the other side of the coin,Vertex,instead of being sold out to Motorola,could easily have been sold to the "Dewey Cheatum and Howe" firm, manufacturers of fine cb radios everywhere http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif a scary thought indeed
73
KS4VT
11-06-2007, 06:41 PM
Quote[/b] (KC0OFZ @ Nov. 06 2007,13:13)]Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Nov. 06 2007,10:06)]I have to be suspicious of this - is moto looking to shut down AR to grab our (VHF/UHF) frequencies? #Think of it for a minute.
Good food for though seeing that circle M has NO time for AR. #Circle M is looking to eleminate any competition in the radio world and this includes competition from radio operators.
KS4VT, any spin on this?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?
Well I really don't have any "spin" on it as I don't remember seeing the quote from the Moto President downplaying AR's response to Katrina, but I'm not doubting it as CEO's do put their foot in their mouth at times.
Now what happens to the Yaesu AR line I feel is probably nothing, at least in the near-term. #Being a lot of their AR Yaesu radios look like the same internal design as their Vertex PS radios, especially the handhelds, and #Motorola has a lot of "3rd party" manufacturers that build stuff for them (e.g. modems, ruggedized laptops, wireless consoles) I think they will continue this practice as long as it makes them $.
http://www.vertexstandard.com/ProductImages/VX-800_thumb.jpg #Vertex VX-800
http://www.yaesu.com/ProductImages/VX-150_thumb.jpg #Yaesu VX-150
For those that think the Moto. want's our frequencies, I really doubt that. #Moto got out of the infrastructure ownership business when they developed iDEN and sold the 800 SMR's to NEXTEL to deploy the technology. #Motorola has enough to do to keep up with fast moving technology than to deal with end-user/subscriber billing and all the other things required to keep infrastructure operational.
Quote[/b] (VE7DCW @ Nov. 06 2007,10:54)]Vertex,instead of being sold out to Motorola,could easily have been sold to the "Dewey Cheatum and Howe" firm, manufacturers of fine cb radios everywhere
Try Uniden, GRE and a couple of others...all of whom are firmly established in the land-mobile/consumer-electronics markets - and whose subsidiaries produce and market the lion's share of current-day 11M gear. IMHO, the acquisition of Vertex by any of them would have proven less harmful to Yaesu's amateur-equipment division in the long run than its impending absorption by the WingBats...
Quote[/b] (KS4VT @ Nov. 06 2007,11:41)]...I don't remember seeing the quote from the Moto President downplaying AR's response to Katrina, but I'm not doubting it as CEO's do put their foot in their mouth at times...
One hopes that said CEO can find a brand of seasoned salt which is agreeable with both shoe leather AND crow. Methinks the boy's going to be eating more than his fair share...
K7JEM
11-06-2007, 06:50 PM
Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Nov. 06 2007,11:36)]Pictures just in....
I don't care who you are, that there is funny! (and accurate)
I was thinking more like this:
http://www.geishablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/kyoko1.jpg
Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Nov. 06 2007,11:50)]Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Nov. 06 2007,11:36)]Pictures just in....
I don't care who you are, that there is funny! (and accurate)
I was thinking more like this:
http://www.geishablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/kyoko1.jpg
There are certain hams who can relate to that photo.
Google is your friend, especially when one plugs the correct search terms into the site's UI ... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
KC0MIS
11-06-2007, 07:00 PM
Sadly, I have purchased my last Yaesu.
It was a nice ride, "Y", but I cannot stand "M".
KA4DPO
11-06-2007, 07:29 PM
I would be willing to be that Motorola will ditch the HR market soon after the buyout. I don't think it has anything to do with attitude and everything to do with profit and market share. Ham radio is a very small market with a low profit margin. It may yet turn out that Ten Tec and MFJ will be the only suppliers of ham equipment.
WA6MHZ
11-06-2007, 08:31 PM
SAVE YOUR YAESUs!!!
Soon to be a Classic amongst the greats!
Hallicrafters, Heathkit, Hammarlund, WRL, Globe, Galaxy, Johnson, National, Sonar, Swan, Atlas, Eldico, Eico, Lafayette, Knightkit, Gonset, Clegg, Harvey Wells, Howard, RME, Ameco, Drake, Multi Elmac, Morrow, B&W, Collins,etc.
Gone but certainly not forgotten!!
Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ Nov. 05 2007,13:29)]I would be willing to be that Motorola will ditch the HR market soon after the buyout. #I don't think it has anything to do with attitude and everything to do with profit and market share. #Ham radio is a very small market with a low profit margin. #It may yet turn out that Ten Tec and MFJ will be the only suppliers of ham equipment.
Not anything to do with attitude, eh? Try the flea market that used to be held annually at the Ft. Lauderdale (Sunrise) FL Moto facility parking lot.
About two years ago, /\/\ banned the sale of any /\/\ radios, parts, pieces, etc. in that flea market forevermore because they claimed that someone had appeared impersonating a police officer, complete with supposedly stolen trunked HT.
So, as a result "we can't have anyone here in possession of ANYTHING /\/\" because, well, why? Do you believe that story? Its true!!!! And, now, the annual Cy Harris Free Flea market, sponsored by the Palmetto ARC, is not even held there. Fancy that. /\/\other /\/\ really loves hams!!
KS4VT
11-06-2007, 08:54 PM
Quote[/b] (w6em @ Nov. 06 2007,16:40)]Not anything to do with attitude, eh? #Try the flea market that used to be held annually at the Ft. Lauderdale (Sunrise) FL Moto facility parking lot.
About two years ago, /\/\ banned the sale of any /\/\ radios, parts, pieces, etc. in that flea market forevermore because they claimed that someone had appeared impersonating a police officer, complete with supposedly stolen trunked HT.
So, as a result "we can't have anyone here in possession of ANYTHING /\/\" because, well, why? #Do you believe that story? #Its true!!!! #And, now, the annual Cy Harris Free Flea market, sponsored by the Palmetto ARC, is not even held there. #Fancy that. #/\/\other /\/\ really loves hams!!
But Motorola does sponsor two repeaters in Broward County, one on 146.79 that is located at the plant and one on 443.000 in downtown Ft. Lauderdale and I believe 3 in Illinois.
The Florida repeaters are 125 watt P25 and plans are in place to upgrade the satellite receive network for the VHF system, so they can't hate them that bad to be deploying $10K satellite receivers and P25 voter.
Rich K4XF is a good friend of mine who works at the plant and he keeps me updated as to the improvements due to my position in the Florida Repeater Council so I get the info first hand.
Quote[/b] (w6em @ Nov. 06 2007,13:40)]/\/\other /\/\ really loves hams!!
...and in a somewhat uncomplimentary fashion, if there's any truth to the statement about the hamfest proceedings...
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Nov. 06 2007,09:45)]In fact, that is what investors do - they speculate. #We are invested in amateur radio, not necessarily as shareholders, but as end users.
I beg to differ, as a licensee I am a shareholder of Amateur Radio. #If we licensees aren't the shareholders, then who is?
We may be no more than endusers for the manufacturers, but they do not exclusively hold the shares of Amateur Radio.
We all have a personal stake in Amateur Radio and some have a financial stake, but the financial stake of the few does not override the personal stake of all licensees.
As a shareholder in Amateur Radio I like to speculate on what will impact its future because I have a personal stake in seeing it thrive and flourish. #Like the marquees that have come and gone, losing another would have an impact on Amateur Radio in some way. #I do hope that all of the positive things that K7BV says this means for Yaesu will come to pass. #I really do.
k0cmh
11-06-2007, 10:46 PM
I guess Icom will be looking like the "most radio for the buck" soon. Who thought that would happen?
Who said Heck can't freeze.
KC0OFZ
11-06-2007, 11:18 PM
Quote[/b] (KS4VT @ Nov. 06 2007,13:54)]Quote[/b] (w6em @ Nov. 06 2007,16:40)]Not anything to do with attitude, eh? #Try the flea market that used to be held annually at the Ft. Lauderdale (Sunrise) FL Moto facility parking lot.
About two years ago, /\/\ banned the sale of any /\/\ radios, parts, pieces, etc. in that flea market forevermore because they claimed that someone had appeared impersonating a police officer, complete with supposedly stolen trunked HT.
So, as a result "we can't have anyone here in possession of ANYTHING /\/\" because, well, why? #Do you believe that story? #Its true!!!! #And, now, the annual Cy Harris Free Flea market, sponsored by the Palmetto ARC, is not even held there. #Fancy that. #/\/\other /\/\ really loves hams!!
But Motorola does sponsor two repeaters in Broward County, one on 146.79 that is located at the plant and one on 443.000 in downtown Ft. Lauderdale and I believe 3 in Illinois.
The Florida repeaters are 125 watt P25 and plans are in place to upgrade the satellite receive network for the VHF system, so they can't hate them that bad to be deploying $10K satellite receivers and P25 voter.
Rich K4XF is a good friend of mine who works at the plant and he keeps me updated as to the improvements due to my position in the Florida Repeater Council so I get the info first hand.
So what is the catch? There are NO free lunches in life, especially from companies like circle M. How long before they take it back or want something in return? Circle M has no interest in AR per the CEO unless you can prove otherwise.
Tell us, what do you "close" friends at circle M tell you about the future of AR with this deal?
N5PVL
11-06-2007, 11:21 PM
In this video (http://youtube.com/watch?v=MhUFCgHJ6r4), ( YouTube ) Yaesu employees are trained to work with the new Amelican Moto-Masters!
Who are the two Motorola execs in the video?
KC0OFZ
11-06-2007, 11:30 PM
Quote[/b] (KS4VT @ Nov. 06 2007,11:41)]Now what happens to the Yaesu AR line I feel is probably nothing, at least in the near-term. #Being a lot of their AR Yaesu radios look like the same internal design as their Vertex PS radios, especially the handhelds, and #Motorola has a lot of "3rd party" manufacturers that build stuff for them (e.g. modems, ruggedized laptops, wireless consoles) I think they will continue this practice as long as it makes them $.
...as long as it makes them $$$. Fat chance that AR will be earning enough for the execs at circle M. Why would the CEO give a da** about AR given his spoken record? Have you talked with the CEO and gotten his take on it? I give it 3 years or less. What time line do you give it?
KS4VT
11-07-2007, 12:16 AM
Quote[/b] (KC0OFZ @ Nov. 06 2007,19:18)]So what is the catch? #There are NO free lunches in life, especially from companies like circle M. #How long before they take it back or want something in return? #Circle M has no interest in AR per the CEO unless you can prove otherwise.
Tell us, what do you "close" friends at circle M tell you about the future of AR with this deal?
Well being it just came out and I haven't spoke to them in the last 24 hours I really can't tell you their take on it, but it probably won't be much as they are development engineers and don't work next door to the CEO and I doubt the CEO will call to tell me anything.
On your question as to the catch, beats me. #They do have an active ham radio club and the Southeast Florida Traffic Net meets every night from 6 to 7PM and mid-day around lunch time on this repeater. #Traffic does get passed on it, the repeater is #2 on the Broward RACES repeater list and it just got moved to a "hardened room" due to the issues they had during Hurricane Wilma. #So they are making a local corporate investments to the equipment above what I mentioned earlier.
I can tell by the tones of your posts that you don't like Motorola....that's ok, but don't take it out on me. #I use a lot of their products in my occupation and both Motorola and Yaeu's in AR and will continue to do so as I enjoy both product lines and they both have their positives and negatives.
KC0OFZ
11-07-2007, 01:58 AM
Quote[/b] (KS4VT @ Nov. 06 2007,17:16)]Quote[/b] (KC0OFZ @ Nov. 06 2007,19:18)]So what is the catch? #There are NO free lunches in life, especially from companies like circle M. #How long before they take it back or want something in return? #Circle M has no interest in AR per the CEO unless you can prove otherwise.
Tell us, what do you "close" friends at circle M tell you about the future of AR with this deal?
Well being it just came out and I haven't spoke to them in the last 24 hours I really can't tell you their take on it, but it probably won't be much as they are development engineers and don't work next door to the CEO and I doubt the CEO will call to tell me anything.
On your question as to the catch, beats me. #They do have an active ham radio club and the Southeast Florida Traffic Net meets every night from 6 to 7PM and mid-day around lunch time on this repeater. #Traffic does get passed on it, the repeater is #2 on the Broward RACES repeater list and it just got moved to a "hardened room" due to the issues they had during Hurricane Wilma. #So they are making a local corporate investments to the equipment above what I mentioned earlier.
I can tell by the tones of your posts that you don't like Motorola....that's ok, but don't take it out on me. #I use a lot of their products in my occupation and both Motorola and Yaeu's in AR and will continue to do so as I enjoy both product lines and they both have their positives and negatives.
Well time will ultimately tell. I do not think that this will bode well for Yaesu's line of AR equipment but there is a chance I will be wrong. I hope so. If I am, please remind me as this is one area I hope I am wrong. Yaesu has some fine gear for the AR world and it will be a shame to see that end. Motorola has some good gear in the commercial world and at least I am more pleased with the Motorola radios than the E.F. Johnson radios the former SD governer left the state with (a long story).
We have some Motorola gear operating on repeaters here as well as Yaesu repeaters. On the air they both sound good and work just fine. Lets hope this plays out in a good way.
N5PVL
11-07-2007, 03:31 AM
KS4VT says:
Quote[/b] ]
I can tell by the tones of your posts that you don't like Motorola....
I like Motorola!
Those big grey microphones! They are very tough and I've had good luck with them. Easy to find in the dark. My Dad bought a new Kenwood 2-meter mobile a while back, and it had a Motorola clone microphone, slightly smaller but the same basic shape and color.
That's because that shape and color are associated with good mikes.
As a Packet weenie, I have benefitted countless times from re-worked Motorola commercial mobile rigs from fire departments or what have you.
Motorola is fun to poke fun at, too! - I think it's a hoot that they are buying out one of the big boys in Japan.
Exciting times, huh?! #Clearly, many of you have read up – some paying more attention to the facts and details than others - on the news that Vertex Standard Co., Ltd, (Vertex Standard USA’s parent company) announced that they have agreed to form a collaborative joint venture with Motorola, Inc. I personally believe the most important words in this sentence are “collaborative joint venture” – a business relationship that indicates a far different outcome intent than the demise of one of the venture partners.
Since Yaesu is the Amateur Radio Division of Vertex Standard, I am sure you all are just as curious as me, a Yaesu employee with a job at stake (without a golden parachute), to know what this business transaction will mean to all of us in the hobby. Predictably, I see that the news about the pending new Motorola relationship with Vertex Standard, hence Yaesu, is giving life to all sorts of misinformation and “doomsday” Internet postings by the usual cast of characters who always seem to know so much more about things than the rest of us mere mortals. #After studying public announcements and considering the internal information that is made available to me in my role as the leadership individual for North American sales at Yaesu, I would like to offer the following FACTS about this exciting development.
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) will launch a tender offer to acquire a controlling interest in Vertex Standard Co., Ltd. (JASDAQ: 6821). Upon successful completion of the tender offer and subsequent restructuring process, Motorola will own 80% of Vertex Standard and Toko Giken, a privately held Japanese company, controlled by Jun Hasegawa, current president and CEO of Vertex Standard, will retain 20%, forming a joint venture. On 5 November 2007, the Board of Directors of Vertex Standard expressed their support of the tender offer. Yaesu, of course, as one of the Vertex Standard operations, will be included in this exciting development. #
I want everyone to know the following about the proposed merger:
• # #Vertex Standard (meaning Yaesu to us in the Amateur Radio hobby) will remain a separate, global organization with distinct resources governed by the Board of Directors comprised of four Motorola representatives and one Toko Giken representative. Toko Giken is a privately held Japanese company, controlled by the founder’s family. It currently holds 29.2% shares of Vertex Standard.
• # #Mr. Jun Hasegawa (my boss), son of Mr. Sako Hasegawa JA1MP - the founder of Yaesu, will continue to take part in the management of Vertex Standard in his capacity as the Representative Director, President and CEO of Vertex Standard after the Tender Offer. The day-to-day management of the joint venture will be the responsibility of Mr. Hasegawa and his senior leadership team, who are also expected to continue. #Count me as one of those who will continue with Yaesu.
• # #Our business will continue to be operated as is, and we will continue to actively develop new products and operate the business as a leading manufacturer of amateur radio, marine, land mobile, and airband radios. #
• # #The Vertex Standard brand of equipment (Standard brand in Japan) will continue to exist. The current Vertex Standard brand strategies are highly respected by Motorola and will be continued. Since Motorola appreciates our Yaesu brand strategy, there will be no change to it.
• # #There will NOT be a Motorola brand of Amateur Radio equipment replacing or competing with Yaesu.
• # #Yaesu customers can expect to see positive benefit from the fact that:
1. # #Vertex Standard has an experienced engineering team that, combined with Motorola’s extensive engineering talent, will develop new innovative products. Personally, I cannot wait to see what this joint engineering effort will bring to Amateur Radio!
2. # #Cost synergies will be realized through the use of Motorola’s buying power to reduce the joint venture’s costs for raw materials. Hams are known to enjoy seeking out the best buy for their hard earned money – expect to see Yaesu products remain highly competitive and providing excellent value for your investment.
• # #Because Mr. Hasegawa will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of Vertex Standard, we do not expect to see changes in the existing Yaesu dealership, pricing and warranty commitments and philosophies as a result of the joint venture.
These are historic exciting times for Yaesu, our customers, and Amateur Radio. The future is bright and the potential for incredible technological advancements for Amateur Radio are immense. I hope you folks will be there with us as the positive affects of the Vertex Standard / Motorola joint venture unfolds.
73,
Dennis Motschenbacher K7BV
k7bv@vxstdusa.com
K7JEM
11-07-2007, 06:17 AM
Dennis, I hope you are right.
Most of us here have no problem whatsoever with Yaesu vertex/Standard. They have been a fine company for decades.
Motorola is a different story. Many of us have been involved with the "Circle M Ranch" folks for some time, and it is not all roses. M has their own ideas about things, and they are a 400 pound gorilla, maybe even more so in this case.
That is the problem, and I can almost guarantee that it will rear it's ugly head in the future. Probably not this year or next, but sometime soon there will be major changes made, thats just the MO of Mo.
There are many jurisdictions, towns, cities and state agencies who will not deal with Motorola. There is a reason for this, one that you will soon find out.
Joe
Quote[/b] (k7bv @ Nov. 06 2007,17:59)]Because Mr. Hasegawa will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of Vertex Standard, we do not expect to see changes in the existing Yaesu dealership, pricing and warranty commitments and philosophies as a result of the joint venture.
80% of the stock sounds more like a buyout than a joint venture!
Scott NØIU
n6hcm
11-07-2007, 07:23 AM
Quote[/b] (n4bfd @ Nov. 05 2007,13:08)]I see this as a good thing... I think. Is there a down side to it?
as long as the yaesu radios don't get motorola user interfaces i'll be ok ...
Dennis, I appreciate your optimism, I really do, and I hope we see many positive benefits for Yaesu in the years and decades to come from this deal. I'm heavily invested in Yaesu gear so I do care that the company succeed.
I'm sure you can appreciate some of our skepticism where Motorola is concerned as many of us have had dealings with Motorola. For the most part, my experiences with Motorola equipment has been positive over the years. I have read and heard anecdotal "evidence" of their dealings from various sources over the years. Fortunately, my job keeps me out of that particular arena so I have no firsthand experience in that regard.
Also, I think that most of us fear the future of this deal based on what we have seen happen with similar mergers and acquisitions on the part of major American corporations over the years. So, don't take our opinions as outright hostility, but rather view them through the eyes of a loyal customer base that truly cares about what happens to Yaesu in the years to come.
Hi Dennis. I hope what you are saying is true.
However I have been in the corporate world and through mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures and I know first hand that what is said when it (merger/take over/joint venture) is announced often pans out differently.
We own three Yaesu radios and they are pretty good, best in their class in fact which is why we bought them. I have a vested interest in a healthy YAESU/Vertex Standard. I hope that Moto either leaves the amateur division alone or helps grow it. We have lots of new interest in the hobby and hopefully that translates into sales.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2673/motoes4.jpg
Quote[/b] (KS4VT @ Nov. 04 2007,14:02)]This will make future AR radio designs very interesting if it goes through....
Article (http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?guid=%7b9EE2DFC5-414E-4210-956A-2ACDC840E4CE%7d&siteid=yhoo&dist=yhoo)
I would be more concerned about support for the products, not design. Motorola Depot repair fees are the biggest threat to Motorola's market share.
The second biggest threat to Motorola is their poor product support, the big "M" is not what it used to be, and it makes me sad - and somewhat fearful for MY future, which is tied directly to Motorola's success.
I'v never been a big fan of Yeasu, not since the "Memorizer" (FT227) of the late 80's; quite a radio in it's day (IMO), so I am not too concerned, anyway.
Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Nov. 05 2007,15:12)]Quote[/b] (w6em @ Nov. 06 2007,13:40)]/\/\other /\/\ really loves hams!!
...and in a somewhat uncomplimentary fashion, if there's any truth to the statement about the hamfest proceedings...
Go Google the Cy Harris Free Flea and you'll see that its not even held at /\/\ Sunrise/Plantation any longer.
If you look back in the anals of QRZ, you'll find a rather extensive exchange between me and club members with respect to the restrictions at the "free flea."
73.
KS4VT
11-07-2007, 11:16 PM
Lee is correct...I was a regular there as well and he states correct facts.
Quote[/b] ]But Motorola does sponsor two repeaters in Broward County, one on 146.79 that is located at the plant and one on 443.000 in downtown Ft. Lauderdale and I believe 3 in Illinois.
How about in AZ, where they jettisoned their semiconductor manufacturing operation?
I suspect that the /\/\ clubs are not wholly supported by /\/\ money. #And, reading a bit on the web, they also have a digital club of sorts from Broward County that meets at the plant (after security screening of participants, searches of carry-on and carry-in, and mandatory escorting in and out). #Whew, I'm tired just from the typing.
Usually, corporate clubs are local in nature and funded by participants, at least in part. #I'll admit, having a nice yagi atop one of the buildings is ham-friendly for W4MOT.
A P25-only system isn't all that ham friendly, though, and if the primary intent is for a public safety back up of sorts for "approved" users only, well, only the anointed need participate. #And, how many amateur rigs offer P25 as an available digital mode? #I can't think of any right now. #So, that must mean that you *must* have a commercial radio to use the system. #Neat. #They can show off their /\/\ stuff, including HTs, at the Miami area fests. #Perhaps they ought to enable Securenet™ as well. #That's really a gasser. #The FCC wouldn't like that, though.
Quote[/b] ]Rich K4XF is a good friend of mine who works at the plant and he keeps me updated as to the improvements due to my position in the Florida Repeater Council so I get the info first hand.
OK, well, I didn't want to imply that hams who worked for /\/\ are specifically subjects of discrimination of sorts. #Just hams in general, since they don't like to pay inflated prices for radios or accessories. #Or, be told "we don't sell to hams."
As to FRC, did you guys ever join the 21st century and go with a 25MHz split on the 33cM band (instead of your old ARRL 12.5MHz split that won't work with most commercial gear)? #When I moved from FL in 2005, there were at least a half dozen 900MHz repeaters using the 25MHz split. #Perhaps you've picked up on SERA's plan.
#
And, well, yes, I, too, have way too much /\/\ gear. #And, my mobile qualifies as a "whacker mobile" with two 110W Spectras. #Analog-only, though, and I keep output power curtailed so I don't cook the finals......
Here's what I think will happen. Some really innovative entreprenuer, perhaps even a *savior* of other US amateur names like Martin F. Jue, K5FLU, will step up to the plate within a year. (I'll bet Martin's already thinking about it..... And, will call on the principals in Schaumburg before too long.)
And, you know what he'd do with Yaesu? Move the whole kit and kaboodle to Starkville, MS. Go, Martin!!! Go MFJ!!!
73. Enough from me.
R.I.P.
Yaesu
It was a good run http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
KA4DPO
11-08-2007, 12:47 AM
I wonder if the new company slogan would be something like:
Yesterdays Technology Serving Todays Needs At Tomorrows Prices. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
MOTOYEASU ----- You Can Buy Better But You Can't Pay More.
^^^^^^^^^^^ LOL @ KA4DPO !!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^
WA2ZDY
11-08-2007, 05:53 PM
Well, that Ma M is not particularly ham friendly is beyond dispute. Hams are not their bread and butter. The CEO's post-Katrina comments were probably a combination of him being uninformed and sour grapes that hams WERE getting done what his multi-million dollar trunking systems could not.
I truely hope K7BV is correct but I suspect his words are at least as much hope as they are accurate. Were I him I wouldn't want to be going back to Newington after such a short time either.
Ma M has shareholders to keep happy and theirs are not the types used to small potatoes ham radio stuff. The Yaesu ham line, a very good one, will remain until Ma M decides it's more trouble than it's worth. It's all about the money.
As for owning Motorola gear, I have said proudly that I do. For my uses it works very well. For the average ham it probably is not the best and I've said that too. For others to insult the owners of any particular brand of radio is just plain foolish. We each have our preferences. I'm as entitled to mine as anyone else is to his/hers.
The fact of the matter is that most - not all - Motorola gear is superior to most amateur grade radios. That does not mean Ma M stuff is more user friendly, prettier, etc. It simply means what I said - in a head to head comparison of performance and specs, the Motorola stuff will usually outperform the others.
The same can be said for GE equipment. The "which brand is better" debate will rage on until there is only one company making radios. As for Motorola cell phones, the V325 I have right now is holding up well after nearly three years. The other Motorola phones we've had have not been impressive.
So . . . I urge all to keep this thread to the subject - a discussion of the suspected pros and cons of Motorola's "agreement" with Vertex-Standard. There is no useful purpose to be served by an ugly "my radio is better than yours" grudge match.
If you want to understand Motorola's purchase of Vertex, try this link:
http://enews.penton.com/enews....display (http://enews.penton.com/enews/mobileradiotech/mrt_bulletin/2007_november_09_110907/display)
I think the guy 'nails it'. Hams will like the article, as it (without trying to do so) explains why we can expect Motorola to take a "hands off' approach to the Vertex sector. If you actually read the whole article (not likely, as the average IQ in the USA is going down with every beer consumed) you will understand their reason for buying Vertex.
I actually think I understand now. But I still think Motorola's future is questionable at best, for reasons too complicated to go into here.
73,
Mark
WR8Y
In private email with a friend of mine I alluded to the same thing. #Only that I was using Kenwood as example (my company has been buying Kenwood commercial mobiles for a few years) of being able to build a better product at a lower price than Motorola's Radius line.
Considering the move as Mr. Bischoff does, it appears that Motorola could be moving into a near monopoly market position and that isn't a good thing at all for anyone.
KI6ATB
01-27-2008, 12:10 AM
Now that Motorola has officially taken over Yaesu, the next question is what happens now that Motorola is officially on its Death Bed. Wall Street has all but written Motorola off as defunct and dead by the end of 2008. :eek: What a horrible time for Yaesu to jump onto a sinking ship. I only hope that Yaesu can get out from under Motorola before she is officially bankrupt and joins PanAm and other Icons that are now little more than historical footnotes.
Eh? Do you have some references about Motorola's financial state? I don't spend a lot of time reading Wall Street rags or listening to pundits so a bit of corroboration of what you're saying would be good.
ka0gkt
01-27-2008, 12:43 AM
Now that Motorola has officially taken over Yaesu, the next question is what happens now that Motorola is officially on its Death Bed. Wall Street has all but written Motorola off as defunct and dead by the end of 2008. :eek: What a horrible time for Yaesu to jump onto a sinking ship. I only hope that Yaesu can get out from under Motorola before she is officially bankrupt and joins PanAm and other Icons that are now little more than historical footnotes.
Please support your statement with sources.
The term "End Game" used in the article mentioned (above) refers not to the demise of Motorola, but to the completion of the plan...when it becomes Fait Accompli.
I am not saying that Motorola buying an 80% stake in Yaesu isn't a bad thing for Amateur Radio, that is yet-to-be-seen. Motorola's bond rating was lowered by S&P; however that is more a knee jerk reaction to the total economic outlook in N. America than an individual indictment of Motorola. I expect to see Motorola split off its cell phone division as it did its other consumer electronics operations (remember the Quasar works-in-a-drawer color TV set?) back in the '70s and retain its core communications business...into which Vertex (Yaesu) fits quite nicely.
WA9SVD
01-27-2008, 12:47 AM
If you want to understand Motorola's purchase of Vertex, try this link:
http://enews.penton.com/enews....display (http://enews.penton.com/enews/mobileradiotech/mrt_bulletin/2007_november_09_110907/display)
I think the guy 'nails it'. Hams will like the article, as it (without trying to do so) explains why we can expect Motorola to take a "hands off' approach to the Vertex sector. If you actually read the whole article (not likely, as the average IQ in the USA is going down with every beer consumed) you will understand their reason for buying Vertex.
I actually think I understand now. But I still think Motorola's future is questionable at best, for reasons too complicated to go into here.
73,
Mark
WR8Y
It hardly takes a mental giant to figure that out, and it's hardly a "miraculous revelation" of Battywing's motives.
But your description of the members who post here is highly offensive and insulting. Perhaps you are the one who needs a few less beers.
KC9JIQ
01-27-2008, 12:49 AM
I expect to see Motorola split off its cell phone division as it did its other consumer electronics operations (remember the Quasar works-in-a-drawer color TV set?) back in the '70s
Whoa dude, there is a old T.V. repair shop(defunct for years) that *still* has a "Quasar Color" sign up, and a logo that reminds me of the "ATARI" logo.
:eek:
KI6ATB
01-29-2008, 12:36 AM
Here is what you asked for. Taken from 24/7 Wallstreet on CBS Marketwatch. You can also find several stories in the Wall Street Journal over the past 3 months.
"Motorola (MOT) was the No.2 handset maker in the world a little more than two years ago. Its Razr took the wireless industry by storm. It did not follow that product up with another winner and its larger rival, Nokia (NOK) began to take up market share. Smaller competitors Samsung and Sony Ericsson came out with popular phones and Motorola was under siege. Carl Icahn took a stake and tried to get the company to improve its pay-out or sell-off some of its divisions. The board sent him away. Since then things have gotten worse. Motorola's share price was over $25 in late 2006. It is now at $10. The company's handset business may well be bought by Samsung and its enterprise telecom and home set-top business to companies could be acquired by Cisco (CSCO) and Nortel (NT). A tech-oriented private equity firm might also buy the set-top box unit. As an independent company, MOT has no future. "
WA9SVD
01-29-2008, 12:52 AM
So, does Battywing rely entirely on the cellphone business for survival? Or are the pundits saying they will spin off (or sell off) the cellphone products?
KE7JFA
01-29-2008, 12:57 AM
Get ready for Yaesu cell phones now.
WA9SVD
01-29-2008, 12:58 AM
Dennis, I appreciate your optimism, I really do, and I hope we see many positive benefits for Yaesu in the years and decades to come from this deal. I'm heavily invested in Yaesu gear so I do care that the company succeed.
I'm sure you can appreciate some of our skepticism where Motorola is concerned as many of us have had dealings with Motorola. For the most part, my experiences with Motorola equipment has been positive over the years. I have read and heard anecdotal "evidence" of their dealings from various sources over the years. Fortunately, my job keeps me out of that particular arena so I have no firsthand experience in that regard.
Also, I think that most of us fear the future of this deal based on what we have seen happen with similar mergers and acquisitions on the part of major American corporations over the years. So, don't take our opinions as outright hostility, but rather view them through the eyes of a loyal customer base that truly cares about what happens to Yaesu in the years to come.
So will the new Battywing/Vertex-Standard/Yaesu company support Yaesu equipment as well as Vertex-Standard now supports the loyal customers that bought Standard Amateur products over the years?
K7JBQ
01-29-2008, 04:54 AM
SVD,
In a word, no.
Yaesu, before the deal, stopped supporting a lot of gear, my FT-890 among them. The Cerritos guys were kind enough to refer me to a local, who has done a wonderful job.
But the whole Japanese idea of "support" has me going back to buying Amercan for my next rig.
73,
Bill
WA9SVD
01-29-2008, 05:00 AM
SVD,
In a word, no.
Yaesu, before the deal, stopped supporting a lot of gear, my FT-890 among them. The Cerritos guys were kind enough to refer me to a local, who has done a wonderful job.
But the whole Japanese idea of "support" has me going back to buying Amercan for my next rig.
73,
Bill
Glad they were willing to help. The Cerritos gang are generally pretty nice, but it's just not the same since Chip went to work for Bob Heil. Most of the folks there now don't understand too much about Amateur Radio as an institution; to most of them it's just another piece of electronic equipment. They were looking for a new Amateur Radio rep at the Hamcon in September; not sure if they have hired anyone yet.
KD4LEI
01-29-2008, 05:40 AM
If they are going the route I suspect, I might eventually consider selling that equipment. However, at this moment I don't plan to...
The 8500 is still going strong so might not sell it. The 51R maybe a different story. Glad I decided to transfer over to Icom...
KC0UWF
01-29-2008, 06:01 AM
wow, i heard about this and posted it on the local clubs board almost 3 months ago... isn't it done yet?