On 7 Oct 2004 00:45:48 -0700, (Malc)
wrote:

Hmmm, begs the question, why have an electronic equivalent of a
standard thermostat, or was there something else to it.

It was the cachet of having "Electronic" controls. It supposedly
implied accuracy and up to datedness in an era when most easily
affordable controls were electromechanical. The controls were designed
to be as accurate as the most accurate electromechanical control and
no more expensive than the average electromechanical equivalent.
Unfortunately this meant quality/size compromises in the components
selected and the standard of assembly.

Ooops, the UK has a history of invention but isn't very good at
innovation. A quality culture like the Japs (and to some extent the
Germans) have is needed to get it right, plus consumers ready to pay a
bit more for something better.

cheers,
Pete.