GatesAir FLEXIVA 3DX AM transmitter (Source: GatesAir)
(Source: Radio World via Bill Patalon)
GatesAir is suspending the sale of new AM transmitters.
When a prominent radio engineer passed along word to Radio World that he’d sought a quote from the manufacturer on a new transmitter but was told the company had discontinued the model and was assessing its AM line, we sought to learn more.
Chief Product Officer Rich Redmond replied: “Recent changes in the long-term availability of critical components from our suppliers, including several last-time buy notices, have caused us to take proactive steps to ensure we can meet our continued support obligation of our AM products,” he said.
“To safeguard our ability to offer an ample supply of spare components — and to secure the ongoing field support of our AM transmitters — GatesAir has taken the responsible step of suspending new AM transmitter sales, and will instead focus on supporting existing customers’ transmitters with our available components.”[…]
A no growth industry, no significant numbers of new AM licenses been issued since the 1950’s. Largely relegated as a service industry with razor narrow profits.
Gone the way of the Gates cart machines, I suppose.