The RC Model Workshop unit was a good one and worked well, products like these are in many hobbies, and ours is no exception conceived , manufactured and sold by people with a passion for their hobby and a real will to help out their fellow modellers only to be let down by bad business practice, cash flow, unreasonable and stroppy customers, the list is endless!
I for one still hope that Anthony can get himself back on track, he has done this once before and pulled through and would like through the forum to say to him if he logs on to PM me.
Thank you for this post Chuffy.
Here at Reade Models, we have had a lot more experience than most with electronic sound units, having originally been distributors of both Jim Casey's JJC Electronics products and more recently Anthony Kirks products from RC Model Workshop. This post is NOT intended to defend or condone either of them.
The truth is that both of these chaps have suffered from the circumstances that Chuffy has described so well. I could add that both also suffered from an insatiable demand for their products, and given the complexity of the electronics and software, both battled with quality control issues. Add to that the fact that electronics engineers, bright as they are, aren't always endowed with bucketfuls of business acumen. This doesn't make them bad people.
I know that a lot of Forum members have had bad experiences with sound modules from whatever source, and having paid your money, you are entitled to the benefit of a 'fit for purpose' product. If you bought one of these products from Reade Models and were unhappy, you have had the unit replaced. We don't believe in unhappy customers.
I have the feeling that if both of the sound module manufacturer's concerned had concentrated on production issues, and on perfecting their products, leaving the marketing and sales to others more able, we would all probably be in a position now where we would have had a choice of different manufacturer's products, and much bigger ranges on offer?
At Reade Models, we still get calls on a daily basis asking us for JJC equipment, and also asking if we know of Jim Casey's whereabouts - we have no idea. We also get similar calls regarding RC Model Workshop. Anthony Kirk is also uncontactable as far as we are concerned.
I echo Chuffy's comments regarding Anthony getting himself back on track.
Malc