Buyer Beware

[NorthPacific]

Well I hate admitting to being had but, well I've been had!

After many trials and tribulations I bought and assembled all my bits into my boats new SSB configuration. It has taken awhile, first the M710, then the 130 tuner, then the cables and Kiss and antenna and well you know.

So anyhow I bought the M710 on Ebay from a "marine dealer" as used but working. It is not and never will without significant rebuild. Icom Canada just phoned me that told me that unfortunately it showed all the signs of a set that had been hit by lightening!

So I am $500 in the hole plus the Icom bill. But what I can't get over is the blatant dishonestly of some people! Sorry I could not do that to anyone.

I feel like I should go and drown my sorrows, but I can not afford it!LOL

To all those that tried to help me buy the right stuff, and persevered when I did the install and could not get it working thank you. At least now I feel less of a dork for not getting it to work!

[Cheechako]

Isnt this a repeat thread...?

[NorthPacific]

O god I hope not does that mean I've been ripped off twice!

If it is Could a mode kindly delete my confession.

[NorthPacific]

Looking at another M710. Refurbished and with Guareentee no Lightening strikes, from an established vendor.

Offering to install a fl-100 cw narrow filter. Is this need or a good thing. Also fiting a 2 tone alarm what does this do? Also opened for HAM channels this is a good thing for the future?

[SoonerSailor]

You would only want the CW filter if CW was going to be a particular hobby interest for you. And if that were the case, you would probably want a real ham transceiver anyway. I suspect its being offered because no one buys them for this rig - CW is no longer a supported high seas communication mode, hams doing it for fun excepted.

Yes have it open for ham channels.


Chip

[NorthPacific]

Thanks, I'll stay simple for now. Just out of interest Sooner what is CW? The Alarm option?

[SoonerSailor]

CW is continuous wave, the mode for sending Morse Code.

Chip

[SeaBuffalo]

eBay is know in the ham radio circles as a dead or bad radio dumping ground. Even if the seller says its good eBay has a as-is policy on electronics, at least they did. After being burned twice I stick to local people hams and boaters to buy used gear.

You will never know if the "marine dealer" really knew if it was hit or they just plugged it in turned it on and said it works send it out the door.

The CW filter can also be of use if you get into narrow digital modes like PSK-31 in the ham bands.

[NorthPacific]

Population within 500 mile radius here is in total probably 120,000. Not much option. I also bought the Tuner on ebay wonder if that works!

The seller makes his coin from selling Marine gear! Gone to ground since I contacted him.

[SVNeko]

At least go back and give the seller a terrible review so other buyers can be warned.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by SVNeko

At least go back and give the seller a terrible review so other buyers can be warned.

Yes. Please do.

[NorthPacific]

rainbottomcom on EBAY.Rainbottom.com on the web have not heard back from him since last week. He has/had a small Marine selling site operational at the time.

[NorthPacific]

Just got an Ebay mail from him. Claims it was in working condition when it left. Seems quite happy that he is under no legal obligation to do anything about it. Apparently I had a Lightening Strike under my bed and did not notice.

So Beware of Rainbottom.com FOlks

[Sailor_Hutch]

Originally Posted by SeaBuffalo

eBay is know in the ham radio circles as a dead or bad radio dumping ground. Even if the seller says its good eBay has a as-is policy on electronics, at least they did. After being burned twice I stick to local people hams and boaters to buy used gear.

You will never know if the "marine dealer" really knew if it was hit or they just plugged it in turned it on and said it works send it out the door.

The CW filter can also be of use if you get into narrow digital modes like PSK-31 in the ham bands.

Caveat Emptor! Yes, buyer beware! Hams know about ebay, but many (including myself) have had good success there. The trick I use is to buy only from hams. You can usually tell whether or not the seller is a ham. Either it's in his/her seller name, he/she says he is, or it's obvious in the write-ups. I've purchased two or three tuners, two radios and an assortment of other goodies with a one hundred percent success rate. I'm looking for some wood to knock on.

I think many hams sell to clean out excess, and not necessarily to make a quick buck ... may spell the difference.

-Ron

[Sailor_Hutch]

Technically you're supposed to have a license to buy any gear capable of transmitting on ham frequencies. Logically, that statement would apply to sellers as well. I wonder if it is the same for maritime radio sales. If there is a licensing requirement for maritme radio sales, then ... is the guy you've purchased equipment from a duly licensed maritime radio seller?