END OF THE JONES COUNTER?
The electronic counter is very useful, but more complex and error-prone than is the Jones counter. Its chief virtue is that it is cheaper. On the downside it provides more complex data-reporting to assure that the various operating tricks have been performed correctly.
I’ve been in contact with Tom regarding the potential effect on the supply of Jones counters should electronic counting become widely used.
Tom’s initial inventory of counter parts is getting to the point where a resupply of parts is being considered. Tom says:
Your read on my inventory is about right. I have 2 years of chassis parts, 6 months supply on-hand, and about the same on gears / counters. 120 6's and 60 5's, beyond a few more I assembled in VA. I'm a bit short on the 3mm screws, but I'll get them soon.
So, there is about a two year supply of Jones counters presently held by Tom. The chassis parts supplier (a small operation) may or may not be in business if they are hard-hit by the sagging economy. A purchase of 2000 sets of chassis parts is contemplated, requiring an investment of about $8000. The question is: Is this investment a wise one? If the impact of electronic counting should be large, the demand for Jones counters will decline, making further investment unwise.
The initial development and sales will show a modest profit if Tom simply uses up what he has on hand, and goes out of business. This is an option. The other is to sink $8000 into a future supply.
I would hate to see the Jones counter disappear. It’s the national and international standard, and all the measurement manuals refer to its use.
Commentary is invited.
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