Sunday, May 17, 2009

#6 Getting That first rig


Oh Boy! Here we go getting that first rig. For me that was December, 1987. The snow was flying outside and, I was twelve years old again. Bought my first rig from a radio store.

Well, with the wise advise of Uncle Ralph (W6WET) I picked out an Astron RS20. That is a 20 amp power supply. A Kenwood TS130SE Transceiver and cut a wire dipole L=468/f, and purchased a length of RG8U coax. Then waited six weeks before the license arrived. That was painful because, I had the station set up and could only listen.

I made many mistakes over the years and, I hope you can avoid some by reading this blog.

Head my advice #1: Never buy something from a friend if you want to keep the friend.

#2: Never buy anything unless you can try it out first. #3: Don't buy anything if it smells of smoke. #4: Do not buy anything "used", unless you get a 100% money back guarantee for 30 days, in writing. #5: Don't buy anything if it looks like it was pulled from a junk pile. #6: Don't buy it if the seller says "it worked the last time I turned it on 2 years ago." #7: Don't buy it if it comes from an "Estate Sale". #8: Don't buy it if the seller does not have a call sign. #9: Don't buy it if you don't need it. And, #10: Don't buy it if the deal is too good to be true!

Buying anything over the internet is a risk unless, you buy from an established business or someone with a reputation as a good dealer. It is always wise to check out the seller on one of the trading sites like QRZ.COM or, QTH.COM or, EHAM.COM

Also, look into the reviews on EHAM.COM. There are first hand reports on gear you may be interested in. Post #7: The next time will be about selecting the rig.

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