Barn full of test gear FS - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Ultrapurple
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 12:17:17 pm
content: On the front page of the Times (UK) 28 January 2019 there was a story about how a Norfolk warehouse full of all sorts of high-tech military equipment was going to be sold by the liquidators (and the Powers That Be were concerned that things like jammers would fall into the Wrong Hands).Due to my day job I was contacted today by someone working on behalf of the Liquidators asking if anyone I knew of might be interested in the auction. As I write there are no lotson the auction sitebut I understand they will start going up today.There is a relatively mediocre but HD video (jerky, never in one place long enough) that looks at some of the racks of test gear that will be on offer. There's a lot of what you'd expect - relatively vintage HP, Tek, Anritsu, Philips, Marconi etc.videoApologies if this is posted inappropriately; I normally hang around the Thermal Imaging area and am not certain of the etiquette of the Test Gear section. If a Moderator believes I'm out of order please delete this post and drop me a line - I'm here in good faith and not in any way connected with the sale.

author: Miti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 12:29:24 pm
content: Do you know which piece of equipment Keysight may want back later? I want it...

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 01:19:22 pm
content: An Alladin's cave indeed.Looks like they will be selling it by the shelf-load, not individual items. I wonder if the pics will enable you to see what's on each shelf, rather than just "count the items" and "guess the logo"?Viewing this Thursday, pickup 15th Feb.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 01:25:18 pm
content: Hmm... only a couple of hours from me. it's a while since I had some interesting teardown stuff..

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 01:39:23 pm
content: Having watched the video, I think I'll pass - mostly low-value and ancient garbage.May be the odd nugget in there, and I bet the interesting military stuff has been pulled due to the times story.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 03:05:04 pm
content: This looks kind of interesting but only if the lots are not going to be sold by the shelf / bay type of thing but it does last 6 days on a timed basis so heres hoping that it does indeed go down to single items, especially on the larger stuff.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 03:25:17 pm
content: If it goes by the shelf it’ll be bloody cheap. Keen eye might make a bargain or two.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 03:51:44 pm
content: Already spotted some interesting stuff, definitely worth keeping an eye on but only if it goes for cheap

author: srce
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 04:06:32 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 29, 2019, 01:39:23 pmGood advertising too, though.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 04:16:11 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on January 29, 2019, 03:25:17 pmA potential issue is that unless you get in first on collection day, if there is one valuable item in a shelf of crap you may find it no longer there when you go to collect. Especially in a fairly ramshackle place like that. The auctioneer just wants it gone and isn't going to have many staff around to keep an eye on things.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 04:22:00 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 29, 2019, 04:16:11 pmCollection is normally by appointment and the auctioneers bring the stuff to you so that should not happen.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 04:36:09 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on January 29, 2019, 04:22:00 pmIME not if it's being sold by the rack/shelf in an in-situ type setting like this.I have experience with this auctioneer, though that time it actually worked out in my favour - they were embarrassed about missing items, and there was a big pile of un-lotted stuff in the corner they were happy to let me have as compensation.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 04:40:44 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 29, 2019, 04:16:11 pmYeah been there when I did IT auctions years ago. Anything missing, contract voided. If you want me to take it away now you can reneg for at least 50% off or hire a solicitor. Usually get to meet somehwere in the middle. I had I think 50 aeron chairs once loaded into a luton and threatened to unload them allQuote from: Specmaster on January 29, 2019, 04:22:00 pmMost of them do this now thank goodness. Many a time have I been a member of the chuckle brothers hauling shit around that they should have handled

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 05:17:54 pm
content: And obviously take your own photo of any lots you're interested in.

author: bicycleguy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 05:49:44 pm
content: No wonder people complain of no good surplus deals in UK. Somebody's been hoarding it all

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 05:53:11 pm
content: Quote from: bicycleguy on January 29, 2019, 05:49:44 pmOh OK, so it's not the other auction then, boo hiss to them then. Might still go and see if anything, if its not yet on line. Asked for a catalogue not heard back yet.

author: factory
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 07:43:09 pm
content: So that explains what happened to UES&S, their online store disappeared some time ago, I didn't realise they had gone into liquidation.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/keysight-ip-intimidation/msg2157823/#msg2157823David

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 09:04:34 pm
content: On a positive note, most of this shit is going to end up on ebay and it's going to be saturated for months which should keep the prices down.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 10:48:08 pm
content: So what if the equipment does have some government only upgrades in them, who the hell is going to know about them and or know what the hell they are or how to make use of them? The only thing I can think of is that maybe there is some memory storage in them that may not have had any sensitive data deleted and that begs the question of, how would any know what the data related to anyway and aren't they more likely to just flush the memory in order to make way for their own data to be stored?Edit. As of 10:49pm the auction house still has not listed anything on their online site and neither have they replied to my email requesting a list, so have been asked not to do anything with at the moment???

author: Romain
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 10:51:51 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on January 29, 2019, 10:48:08 pmI don't think the equipment would have left the premises with data stored in them (procedures anyone?).By the looks of the gear, even if it did, I doubt the information would still be pertinent nowadays...

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 10:59:49 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on January 29, 2019, 10:48:08 pmThey might be satisfied with people visiting on Thursday; no visit = not serious = don't want as customer.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2019, 11:38:04 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on January 29, 2019, 10:59:49 pmSo it you're right, how do they propose to dispose of the gear, its advertised on their web site as a 6 day on line auction with each lot being allocated a time slot to sell in?

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 01:03:37 am
content: Quote from: Specmaster on January 29, 2019, 11:38:04 pmThe same way most auctions work: viewing on one day, auction process on a different day, pickup on yet another day?

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 07:41:10 am
content: It’s 2019. This needs to change. No one wants to haul their arse up to Norfolk and then do the same thing again for some potentially broken stuff. Should be lot listed and catalogued properly if they want to clear it.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 07:48:19 am
content: Half of that stuff looks older than Mr Carlsons Cave, and also in much worse condition.The video also makes me motion sick so I did not see much of it.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 07:57:58 am
content: Quote from: Doctorandus_P on January 30, 2019, 07:48:19 amThere's a load of nice Marconi signal generators in there I saw, still wrapped and sealed.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 08:01:44 am
content: Yeah I'd be quite happy with a 2019A at the moment!

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 08:15:19 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on January 30, 2019, 07:41:10 amYou don't have to convince me of that! Especially for a 15% buyers commission, and unknown sellers commission.Still nothing on website at 8am today, the day before the viewing and two days before bidding starts.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 08:58:50 am
content: I reckon they can't handle it and it'll turn to shit. That's a big lot.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 09:10:52 am
content: I'm going to give them till 10.00am and then I'm going phone them. I'm not driving for 5 hours on a wild goose chase, I need to see what is on offer and if it is lotted per item or per shelf, bidding starts on Friday 1st. I have also applied to bid and still have heard nothing back from them if they'll accept me as a private bidder because the registration form insisted that I include a company name

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 09:26:59 am
content: Just make up a company name. You can be a self employed sole trader just by making one up.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 09:43:36 am
content: I did, just entered "Private Person" as the company name.This is looking like it's going to be a right old cluster fuck, no communication from the auction house, no catalogue online and yet the viewing is "supposed" to be tomorrow between 11:00 and 16:00 and on the auctioneers web site it lists the sale details and states "to be lotted" but one page it says "Feb 6th @ 16.00" what is that meant to indicate? On another page it states that the sale starts 1st Feb at 07:00 and concludes 6th Feb at 16.00.So far it does not look very promising does it?

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 09:55:44 am
content: OK everyone, I took the bull by the horns and phoned them and I believe I got through to a director of the auctioneers, a man called Mark Palmer and he informed me that the sale has been postponed and he has no idea as to when it will now take place or even if it will happen. He said that they were seeking further clarification on their position. I could not get any further information other than to say that they will be putting this information on their website and that everyone who has applied to be registered to bid will be notified.Asked about the viewing day was tomorrow and I was again told that it is postponed and will be posted on their website, I just checked and so far that has not happened?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 09:56:17 am
content: I wonder if this is one of those situations where they go through the motions of offering for sale but there is already a buyer lined up who will take the lot.I've been to auctions from big-name auctioneers where half the lots were withdrawn on the day and being collected during the viewing.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 09:58:11 am
content: Possible. Either that or someone at the MoD has waved a big stick at them and decided to do an audit.Either that or it kind of looks like this in the office at the moment

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 09:58:53 am
content: Well if thats what's happening then they are bastards for misleading people and also for causing people to take time out to make the journeys and incur costs in doing so for nothing.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 10:00:25 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on January 30, 2019, 08:01:44 amYep, count me in on that as well, been after one of those for a long time now, since I saw the one that Simon Speirs got.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 10:08:15 am
content: Quote from: Specmaster on January 30, 2019, 09:58:53 amTheir customer is the seller. Their job is to raise as much money as possible - selling to a single buyer incurs much less cost than running an auction with uncertain returns, especially where there are so many small items.Until a deal is confirmed and paid, they need to keep options open.Nobody is forcing you to spend time with them, though they do seem to be leaving things to the last minute.Bear in mind that a lot of these auctioneers are little more than one-man bands with a client list.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 10:24:18 am
content: Of course if it is just a case of disorganisation and poor info that puts buyers off, that's a bonus for those who do - less competition!I once went to a small auction where there were only about 6 buyers - most lots were multiples and we ended up giving each other the nod as to which we were interested in, so everything went for peanuts and everyone except the auctioneer left happy!

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 10:30:48 am
content: There is only one piece of equipment I covert... A Fluke 9010A with a Z80 and 6809 Pod... looks like this is more RF stuff?

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 10:45:58 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 30, 2019, 10:24:18 amThat is an interesting thought, I'm ok with that notion.

author: Ultrapurple
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 12:55:44 pm
content: I feel like I've been left with egg on my face - sorry all. I relayed the original information about the sale in good faith, having been contacted by a person I reasonably believe is directly involved (particularly because of the video, which had one view when I first saw it). I will await developments with interest but won't be heading to Norfolk anytime soon.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 01:18:59 pm
content: Quote from: Ultrapurple on January 30, 2019, 12:55:44 pmI don't thinkyouhave egg on your face.Hazells, OTOH....... might note that this kind of behaviour can sometimes be seen in organisations that are having difficulties. No, I have no idea whether that is relevant in this case.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 02:08:25 pm
content: The sale is now officially postponed, they have just updated their website.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 04:04:51 pm
content: Latest information just received about the sale follows below.Vehicles: Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 CDTi van (2008), TCM FB15 1.5 Tonne electric counter balance forklift,Kardex Lektriever SYS-115-1510-04 electronic storage unit,Miscellaneous, Collectable and Military THERMONICS T-2500SE Precision Temperature Forcing System, Edwards Spectron 5000 Helium Leak Detector, Ultrafilter Ultraviolet MSD 050 Air Dryer, Bassaire S5 & S6 Room/Tent air filtration units, Emergency Power Systems CONV-MK333 Static Frequency Converter, Laboratory ovens by Stuart Scientific and Gallenkamp, MDE Whirlwind 50 three stage dive compressor, Errut PRM floor grinder, Purex Fume Extraction and Purification unit, Ealing precision table with pneumatic stand, JRC JLZ-700 marine colour plotter including keyboard and display. Vintage test equipment, various military fixiings.Military and Commercial testing Equipment including Oscilloscopes, Logic analysers, Digital meters, Modulators, Frequency Counters, Precision power supplies, Signal Generators, Function generators, by HP, Tektronix, Gould, Marconi Philips, etc, including a lot of specialist radio, video, and avionics test equipment.Sea Wolf missile simulator unit, military communication head sets, antennas, etc. Seaward PAT testing equipment.Component Parts all with Certificate of Conformity for military use /support for obsolescence with associated database IC,s, transistors, resistors, capacitors, connectors, fixings, sockets, diodes,and some photos I received, to wet your appetite with.

author: IanPop
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 08:25:11 pm
content: Hi all,It was me that asked Ultrapurple if he would forward details of the sale to any relevant clubs, groups and forums and I am grateful to him for his help. He certainly in no way has "egg on his face".I also acted in good faith in that I thought radio and/or electronics enthusiasts may be interested in some of the items that were for sale.I also uploaded that terrible video. I know, it made me feel motion sick watching it also :-)I have deleted the video now, if they reschedule the auction I will try and make another one for you if it helps.It is a shame that is has been postponed as there certainly was some interesting lots.Regards,Ian

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 08:39:32 pm
content: Quote from: IanPop on January 30, 2019, 08:25:11 pmAgreed, and there are interesting items there.I would probably have spotted them if they used bidspotter and the titles contained relevant keywords. I wouldn't spot anything on Hazell's own website - so I'm grateful for the heads up.Bit of a shame Hazell's websitestillsays viewing is tomorrow.QuoteIt was better than nothing, and enough to pique our interest.

author: IanPop
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 08:46:40 pm
content: Yes, I would have liked to list each piece of test equipment individually along with the model number for that reason.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 09:14:38 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on January 30, 2019, 08:39:32 pm

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 09:52:13 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on January 30, 2019, 09:14:38 pmAnd here is what I can see on two of my machines (linux and android) after shift-clicking "reload" to refetch from the original site. The auction catalogue .pdf has changed, however.Looks like there are some caching problems somewhere.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 10:25:50 pm
content: I agree, I was getting the same thing myself, but I previously discovered that it was mentioned on their site in 2 locations and during my telephone chat this morning with Mark Palmer who I understand is a partner in the firm was that they were going to update the website and he also said that they were desperately seeking clarification on the sale itself and where they stand within that process . Therefore it is my educated guess that this has been hastily dropped upon them from either the owners of the surplus equipment business or from a higher authority and as a result the auctioneers are running around trying to resolve this and simply forgot to post the same message in both locations on their website.I'm just glad that I made that phone call otherwise this announcement might not have taken place and I and many others could have driven hundreds of miles for nothing.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 08:47:42 pm
content: Update.This morning I received an email informing that both the viewing and sale had been postponed until further notice, so I presume that anyone else who had contacted them expressing an interest in this sale also got the same message?

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 09:34:21 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on January 31, 2019, 08:47:42 pmEarly on, i used the form on their website to ask if they were going to use bidspotter. No response from them.

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 09:43:28 pm
content: The impression that I get is that this "sale" is more of a ploy to force the owners of the equipment to pay additional money to the now owners of the warehouse in order to prevent the sale of their expensive (and militarily sensitive) equipment and that's why they have made sure that the pictures and word of the "sale" have been widely and very publicly spread.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 11:17:19 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on January 31, 2019, 09:34:21 pmThat's about par for the course, I filled the online form in to register with them for the sale and so far no response about my registration other than the email I got this morning saying it had been postponed so I know for a fact that they have received the registration request.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 11:20:30 pm
content: Quote from: Stray Electron on January 31, 2019, 09:43:28 pmHmm, if thats true then what they have also done is to highlight publicly just where this sensitive military equipment is stored which I don't think was a good move.

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 01:43:46 am
content: That just puts more pressure on the equipment owners to hurry up and pay them off and to get their equipment out of the warhouse. Besides I doubt that the equipment will be there for long, either the equipment owners will pay up or the warehouse owner will sell everything off at auction.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 02:49:43 am
content: Well it's the latter that we all are hoping for

author: factory
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 07:58:56 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on January 31, 2019, 11:20:30 pmIt's hardly a secret, I recognise one of the items in the video from the companies ex-online store, I still have a now dead link to the website for Used Equipment Surplus & Storage, it's not hard to find out where they were based either.Hopefully they will see sense & list the items better, from the lot numbers in the video it looked like it was being sold per shelf or in some cases the whole rack, that hardly helps people like me that are only interested in a couple of the vintage items.David

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 08:42:42 pm
content: I'm only interested in a one or 2 items myself as well.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 09:53:20 pm
content: With that amount of gear, a lot of it junk, it just isn't worth their time to list it individually, or cater to hobbyists who only want a few oddments.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 10:32:43 pm
content: If the price is right, I'll take a few more bits if I need to, even if its junk.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 10:44:45 pm
content: I’d probably shift a car load without too much hassle. Easy to ship stuff

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 11:01:43 pm
content: Yep, I'd second that, but we need that full listing to see what actually is there first.

author: 9aplus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 02:18:01 pm
content: This is the same case?!https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/security-fears-over-auction-of-sensitive-military-tech-k25v0vwpcIf yes, may be the huge noise&smoke curtain around the pile of techno junk

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 02:26:30 pm
content: Yes that’s the lot.There’s nothing sensitive in there unless someone fucked up big time.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 02:42:32 pm
content: Yes, I think it is just the national press hiking the sensationalism again in order to sell newspaper. If it just read "Barn full of ex military test equipment" most people would not give the headline a second glance. That day must have a been slow news day or they were trying to keep away from the Brexit issues as most people are getting bored with it now.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 04:32:16 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on February 02, 2019, 02:42:32 pmIt is clear from the video that there is more than merely bog-standard test equipment. Since I don't know the other stuff, I can't form a judgement as to the threat it posed.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 04:39:46 pm
content: They do on site disposals for sensitive stuff. It’s shredded there and then without transport. This may have not happened. Hence my comment about someone fucking up big time.To note, old tech isn’t necessarily “classified” or anything like that. You can quite happily go and buy Tornado GR4 parts on eBay which have been disposed of legitimately.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 05:57:19 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on February 02, 2019, 04:39:46 pmTornado GR4s are still flying up at RAF Marham until middle of March this year then they will be taken out of service.

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 07:13:36 pm
content: And Clansman radio jammers appear on ebay from time to time.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 10:58:48 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on February 02, 2019, 04:39:46 pmJust so. I have bought bits of a Vulcan n fleabay, forma relative who worked on them in the 60s.

author: factory
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 11:47:55 pm
content: Quote from: 9aplus on February 02, 2019, 02:18:01 pmLazy journalist that couldn't be bothered to find out the truth and/or only focused on the stored military items & created a load of made up BS, most of what was in the video of the storage unit/warehouse was old test gear. Could it even be the paper version of fake news?Link for the dead UES&S website on the internet archive.https://web.archive.org/web/20180629012137/http://www.surplus-electronics.co.uk/David

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 11:33:28 am
content: Couple more sections from the Times article

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 12:12:32 pm
content: LOL so someone fucked up. Everything in that warehouse will be shredded now just so someone doesn’t have to be accountable for a sorting decision.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 03:04:40 pm
content: I really hope not, there is shit loads of good non sensitive stuff that is more than likely still in good working order that would be could be put to service with loads of hobbyists and smaller companies. I personally would call it a crime if the normal standard industry item do get destroyed.This is yet again another shining example of governments around the world fucking up yet again by their insistence of using private companies to take on roles that years would been done by the armed forces. Existing secure compounds such as airbases, naval yards and army barracks etc where they already deploy their own armed security guards so all that would be required extra would be a suitable building for storage and the job is done at zero extra cost.Private companies only have one goal, that is to make money.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 03:40:16 pm
content: I spent a couple of weeks on an air base. Private contractors are far better than MoD police!

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 04:00:15 pm
content: Not in my experience, especially with the Americans at Lakenheath. There I reckon that they would shoot first and then ask questions if you were still breathing.I've been on many RAF bases, Waddington, Marham, Northolt, Benson, Brize Norton, Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Coltishall, Weathersfield, Scampton, Coningsby, Wittering, Alconbury, North Weald and Wyton and Cottesmore while they were active bases and I'd not pick a fight with any of them.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 04:15:32 pm
content: If you have the right ID you can waltz around anywhere on them as a private contractor which is not good. Don’t even check your badge on entry.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 04:19:18 pm
content: I agree in that the military are the ones in a position to know what is sensitive and what is not and they should just be given any sensitive equipment back.If its being held hostage for money that is not appropriate as the ultimate payer is the taxpayer, it should just be given back to them. And the rest should be sold or given to public colleges for actual use in their labs. i.e. noncommercial, educational use.it seems all of the equipment is likely obsolete from a military standpoint but if any of it is sensitive or could be used destructively it should not be sold, definitely.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 04:21:43 pm
content: That's not what I have found.The toughest places I've been to is AWE at Foulness Island and Aldermaston, there as an outside contractor you can go nowhere without a police or an Aldermaston personnel as an escort and are checked in and out of each building, bags and tool boxes checked on the way in and out as well.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 04:24:43 pm
content: Quote from: cdev on February 03, 2019, 04:19:18 pmNot only should it not be sold, it should never have been allowed to leave a military confine either.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2019, 04:29:04 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on February 03, 2019, 04:21:43 pmI can’t say the facility as it was unlisted but we got checked in and out as well. Sometimes we just didn’t use the main gate, particularly because the local shop was too far to walk if you went out of there

author: 9aplus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 12:02:24 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on February 03, 2019, 11:33:28 amNow all makes much more sense.The Leonardo name includes few other names and brands purchased along the way.During that process it is possible that some of new management, skip over some practice from the past.Knowing Leonardo from the first hand, also know about very strict policy of keeping the things right.Any way it is shame that some still usable "civilian" componentsare not able to be offered on market.Recently have purchased one nice 3 GHz RLB, brand new old stock for 1/10 of original price.Reading some remain of labels, the unit must be on some similar pile of "junk".

author: philpem
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 09:01:51 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 30, 2019, 10:24:18 amHah, this brings back some nice memories. Johns Radio auction some years ago, sat across from Lee Davison and next to a very nice gentleman who shared some hints... first tea-break we all agreed on a similar strategy.£45 + VAT and I came home with a Fluke 25 DMM, a Tek 466 scope and a Farnell L30B twin 30V power supply... it's been a slippery slope since then!I still have the scope and DMM, incidentally... I think the power supply might be in my dad's garage...I don't think I've seen another auction quite like it, not for a long while. Even ebay seems to have more or less dried up.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 09:19:37 pm
content: Gumtree still knocks out a good one occasionally. Got a working Marconi 2019A for £5 once!But yes eBay is depressing at the moment. What does appear goes for stupid money. Hence why I was looking forward to this.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 09:31:45 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 30, 2019, 10:24:18 amI know of a case where the RAF was selling anentire airfieldin very inconvenient sections. All the parties had to get together and agree that ifyouby this section andwebuy that section, then we can get together afterwards and you can have the bit inside the peritrack and we can have the bit outside the peritrack.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 02:48:17 pm
content: On Monday, I sent the auctioneers an email requesting an update on the status of this postponed sale, today (Thursday) I still have not had the courtesy of a reply or even an acknowledgment that they have received said email and will get back to me ASAP they have news. Certainly does not sound very promising at all

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2019, 07:49:41 pm
content: Today I heard back from the auctioneers and they confirm that a meeting was being held today with regard to the position of this proposed auction and that more news should be forthcoming in a few days. I'll keep everyone posted on developments as I get the information.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2019, 09:46:37 pm
content: Further update on this auction, I had a reply from the auctioneers saying that there was going to be a meeting last week to discuss the sale and was happening about and also that I should keep an eye on their website for updates.Today I checked their website and the auction has been removed and another for a electrical contractor (Bloom & Wake Ltd (Who I used to call in my days as a sales rep/engineer)) but there is no further info regarding what is happening regarding the UES&S sales. So I have again emailed the auctioneers for a further update but it does appear to be a dead duck but it would be nice to have this confirmed and as soon as I get confirmation one way or the other, I'll update this thread.