The last SW200 in factory inventory shipped about the time that new tariffs were announced for certain imported items, which included electronic component parts. Based on proposed tariff rates and our projected component costs, the selling price of the SW200 would have put that product further out of reach for many of the amateur radio, 'Part 15' and other non-commercial users that the SW200 targeted. That's the bad news.
But the good news is that the continued demand for a specialty audio processor for AM radio has inspired two new processing products to replace the SW200.
Our new SW210 will offer additional features and improved performance in a full 19" 1U rack package. Intended primarily for commercial applictions, the full-featured SW210 will sell between $500 and $600.
However, a no-frills version, the SW205, will do just about everything the SW200 did at a reduced price point, somewhere in the $300 range. It will be packaged as an unenclosed circuit board behind a fully-appointed and attractive front panel for custom-mounting by cost-conscious ham radio operators and hobbyist broadcasters.
A 'checklist' will be coming soon to the Schlockwood Website that will list features of both new units. The discontinued SW200 will be included in the matrix for comparison.
Production will begin toward the end of 2025, with limited quantities from small-lot pilot runs of both products available in the first quarter of 2026.
We would like to extend our thanks to the loyal SW200 users, many of whom provided valuable ideas and inspiration for our new product development.
That's outstanding, particularly the $300 SW205. Ain't that cheaper than the original?
Funny.. no mention of it at HB