You know, it costs money to certify a transmitter. A lot of money, actually, considering the limited market that you are attempting to sell it to.
That's worth something, at least to me. It's very easy, unless you're a station engineer, to operate outside the bounds of Part 15 (BETS in Canada) and I'm sure that the FCC/Industry Canada looks upon a certified station somewhat differently than a merely (theoretically) 'compliant' one.
Comparing the Rangemaster to a kit, or a real estate transmitter isn't a fair comparison. The closest is really the ProCaster, which is certified and has similar (although not identical) features.
I'm willing to pay the extra costs for certification (and assembly).
And I still haven't seen any side by side comparisons between that kit and the Rangemaster, using a 3 meter whip (which is the only way to determine which may be 'better').
You do make some very good important points ArtisanRadio! But....you also leave out the fact that a TH, as all of them are, and were, FCC certified. They also have the provision of an external antenna system built and ready to go, including keeping the TX indoors..where it should be IMO.
Both Rangemaster and Procaster do not offer that unless you order specifically an indoor unit of the Rangemaster. The Procaster does not have an indoor only unit.
The TH units are not kits either. So I don't agree with your point on a fair comparison between the Rangemaster, Procaster and TH. Those ARE a fare comparison because all 3 are similar and all 3 are FCC certified...going through the same expense and process for that certification.
AND..to add, the TH units were also sold to a specific market..the real estate market, which no doubt had MORE sales than either the Rangemaster and Procaster. The market between Part 15 "broadcasting" and Part 15 talking house real estate sales is a huge difference..with the advantage to the real estate aspect.
Now as to "kits"...I totally agree that there really can't be any comparison on a number of factors. Cost, certification vs non certification, and that the kits don't come with an antenna system already incorporated or one designed to add on, with whip, tuning circuits, metering etc.
When you say "that kit"...it could mean any kit or a specific kit. You did not specify which kit you were referring to. Right now there is a video, I'm sure most here have seen it, of an AMT3K unit on a 3 meter stick and good ground system showing excellent coverage as the owner drives away from the TX location..and at a good distance too. I think that one video is a great comparison example of a kit with a home made 3 meter antenna versus a pre built Rangemaster which needs a whip at added cost. But a side by side comparison has yet to emerge and you are right about that.
If it were me in the market for one of these 3 units..ie Rangemaster, Procaster or a TH with the external ATU, I would go with a unit that has everything needed to complete a system in one shot, and its price versus a unit that needs extras to make it a system with the added costs for those necessary items. Obvious choice for me would be the complete system in one box ready to be installed and fired up.
There are only two units that fall into that category.
RFB
"the amt5000 which is essentially a rangemaster on steroids"
LOL!!! Oh my gut is aching from laughing so hard! 😀
Well there still has yet to be an AMT5K unit demonstrated on a 3 meter system. Who cares about some custom outdoor cabinet! That is not necessary to get some test results on a 3 meter stick..and I am totally puzzled as to why one has not been demonstrated yet, which to me only raises suspicion that the claimed efficiency is not so acclaimed when running on a 3 meter antenna system. A 10 foot long wire doesn't cut it. And (sorry Carl) but neither does a window frame.
RFB
ive tested amt5k on 1700 against my revB hamilton. it put out a much stronger signal with the same install config.