Hey, you Americans. Where do you buy your HAM gear? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / rf-microwave

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 11:04:22 pm
content: The internet is awash with HAM sellers and recommendations and warnings. I can't tell who's a shill and who isn't.Who have you used and been happy with? I'm thinking actual shops as much as online.Also, what info is required to buy stuff from a shop? Do you have to take your licence?

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 11:20:18 pm
content: I have a storefront for Ham Radio Outlet in my city. That is where I buy things over the counter.They seem to be completely legitimate. Appears to be operated by actual ham licencees in the local shop.They have my license in their database of customers. So I just give them my call sign.Ref:http://www.hamradio.com/And I also buy from some online/Ebay, etc. with the same caveats and precautions as for anything else.

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 11:39:49 pm
content: HiBack when I lived in CT,http://www.lentinicomm.comwas the local over the counter radio store. Their prices were "good enough" that most of my gear came from there. Where I live now ... there's nothing but the internet.Bob

author: MisterBiscuit
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 12:32:27 am
content: Ham Radio Outlet, primarily. Additionally, AES and DX Engineering plus an order or two from GigaParts. Never a problem with any of them.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 12:42:20 am
content: Quote from: MisterBiscuit on May 02, 2016, 12:32:27 am

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 12:04:03 pm
content: The few new bits of gear came from AES (Amateur Electronic Supply) in Orlando, FL. and a small ham shop in S. Fl but not sure if they are still in existence.Most of my gear came used from other hams.

author: xyrtek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2016, 02:44:33 pm
content: +1 Ham Radio Outlet, check if you have a local one or within driving distance. Call them, a good bunch of the nicest ppl there.local hams, local stores, hamfest, qth.com, qrz.com, ebay.comI think i mentioned it to you before, get local help, it's a gold mine at your fingertips.

author: integritetus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2016, 04:20:45 pm
content: I'm another long-time satisfied customer of Ham Radio Outlet. I've had exceptional customer service from the store that is about an hour's drive away. The people who answer the phones have been in my experience knowledgeable hams who have been happy to answer questions about products.Most of my HF transceivers have been bought directly from Ten-Tec. They've recently changed hands yet again. Hope they can continue to produce products that are consistent with their heritage.

author: integritetus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2016, 04:36:30 pm
content: Other vendor-manufacturers I've had good experience with, buying directly from their sites:West Mountain Radio. They have a unique line of DC power distribution panels using Anderson Powerpoles. I've also had good experience with their sound card gear for digital modes. High-quality, well-engineered products.Cable X-perts. For cable assemblies and all flavors of coax.

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2016, 04:59:36 am
content: I'm satisfied customer of Ham Radio Outlet, DX Engineering, West Mountain Radio, Quicksilver Radio, Morseexpress.com, and qrpkits.com. I've also bought factory direct from Elecraft, American Morse Equipment, Begali, and hobbypcb.com.I haven't had a problem with any of them.The ham community is small enough and gossipy enough that nobody could be outright fraudulent and build a significant long-lasting business. Most places have well-deserved good reputations for customer service. There may be individuals and very small sellers on the used market or on eBay who don't follow the best ethics and/or don't pay enough attention to prompt customer service, but the major players are generally pretty good.

author: ldillon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 03:22:21 pm
content: I've had great service from Ham Radio Outlet. I've also had no issues with DX Engineering. I can also recommend Arrow Antennas.

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 09:16:03 pm
content: http://www.universal-radio.com/I live in the same town

author: ECEdesign
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2016, 12:47:15 am
content: Quote from: eugenenine on June 02, 2016, 09:16:03 pmYep I have been to that candy store many times. Nice place!

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2016, 02:47:32 pm
content: Wherever I can...We do have an HRO here in town that I patronize often, other than that..Other hams, E-Bay occasionally, and QRZ.com..

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2016, 02:52:07 pm
content: I used to always buy from Universal Radio, but their lack of online stock status and refusal to call/email when something is back-ordered finally got to me after a decade of ordering.I now solely use DX Engineering.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2016, 04:52:49 pm
content: Quote from: dr.diesel on July 13, 2016, 02:52:07 pmDXE is good, they are fast..When I cannot get it locally I look first to DXE

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2016, 09:01:46 pm
content: Every time I see this post float to the top I feel I'm being yelled at!

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 08, 2016, 05:39:09 am
content: Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I'm sorted for a while now.Quote from: GreyWoolfe on May 02, 2016, 12:04:03 pmMine too. Thanks for the tip.Unfortunately their Orlando shop closed its doors at the end of July.Picked this stuff up the other day:

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 08, 2016, 05:55:31 am
content: You will love the 7300 - it's a ground breaking radio with very good performance.

author: The_Penguin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2016, 08:41:56 pm
content: Quote from: eugenenine on June 02, 2016, 09:16:03 pm+1 for Universal, and I live in Canada!

author: bicc1306
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2016, 06:58:12 am
content: ebay and amazon are preferable I think.

author: howsad4me
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 29, 2016, 07:15:34 pm
content: Primarily Ham Radio Outlet... lucky for me, there's one that's less than 10 minute drive away. And, it has a fantastic burger & beer place in the same building.