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K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

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Dennis Moore

K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

I bought a used K2 and it was damaged during shipment. The UPS place
that packed it wrapped it in plastic and set it on the bottom of a box
with no padding around the bottom or sides so that the VFO knob was
against the side of the box along a bottom edge. The only padding was on
top. The VFO shaft was bent up, VFO knob was dented, AF and RF Gain pots
were damaged and need to be replaced. I'm waiting for Elecraft to let me
know how much the two pots and the VFO Encoder will cost.

This is insured, but UPS wants to see the radio to assess the damage,
like they would have any idea. I can give them the cost of the parts but
how much should I ask for in cost to repair the radio? I can do the
repairs myself but realistically how much is my time worth according to
UPS? They'll probably want a repair estimate from a shop, which as we
know isn't how this is done.

Sending the radio back to the seller isn't an option.

Any comments/feedback is appreciated.

73, Dennis NJ6G
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N0AZZ

Re: K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

The best way is to ask Don what he would charge for a repair and include the
shipping costs both ways. He is one I would trust for an answer.

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dennis Moore
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2012 4:40 PM
To: Elecraft
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

I bought a used K2 and it was damaged during shipment. The UPS place that
packed it wrapped it in plastic and set it on the bottom of a box with no
padding around the bottom or sides so that the VFO knob was against the side
of the box along a bottom edge. The only padding was on top. The VFO shaft
was bent up, VFO knob was dented, AF and RF Gain pots were damaged and need
to be replaced. I'm waiting for Elecraft to let me know how much the two
pots and the VFO Encoder will cost.

This is insured, but UPS wants to see the radio to assess the damage, like
they would have any idea. I can give them the cost of the parts but how much
should I ask for in cost to repair the radio? I can do the repairs myself
but realistically how much is my time worth according to UPS? They'll
probably want a repair estimate from a shop, which as we know isn't how this
is done.

Sending the radio back to the seller isn't an option.

Any comments/feedback is appreciated.

73, Dennis NJ6G
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No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2634/5434 - Release Date: 12/03/12

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Josh Fiden

Re: K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

In reply to this post by Dennis Moore

FYI... UPS guidelines are 2" of padding on all sides of the box. As you
described the problem, they are likely to deny the claim. I don't know
if this would be treated differently since a UPS store did the
packaging. I hate seeing things damaged this way. Usually now I
interrogate how they intend to package items, which is often not well
received but hopefully saves the distress of seeing nice equipment
needlessly banged up.

73,
Josh W6XU

On 12/3/2012 2:39 PM, Dennis Moore wrote:

> I bought a used K2 and it was damaged during shipment. The UPS place
> that packed it wrapped it in plastic and set it on the bottom of a box
> with no padding around the bottom or sides so that the VFO knob was
> against the side of the box along a bottom edge. The only padding was
> on top. The VFO shaft was bent up, VFO knob was dented, AF and RF Gain
> pots were damaged and need to be replaced. I'm waiting for Elecraft to
> let me know how much the two pots and the VFO Encoder will cost.
>
> This is insured, but UPS wants to see the radio to assess the damage,
> like they would have any idea. I can give them the cost of the parts
> but how much should I ask for in cost to repair the radio? I can do
> the repairs myself but realistically how much is my time worth
> according to UPS? They'll probably want a repair estimate from a shop,
> which as we know isn't how this is done.
>
> Sending the radio back to the seller isn't an option.
>
> Any comments/feedback is appreciated.
>
> 73, Dennis NJ6G
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

daleputnam

Re: K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

Hi Dennis, If you'd like, I can send you an email with a cost estimate for the repair of that radio. With explanation of expectations.On my letterhead, for them to work with. OR.. you could sure send it to Elecraft, they may do the same thing.

--... ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy
> Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2012 15:39:25 -0800

> From: [hidden email]
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Cost estimate for repairs
>
> FYI... UPS guidelines are 2" of padding on all sides of the box. As you
> described the problem, they are likely to deny the claim. I don't know
> if this would be treated differently since a UPS store did the
> packaging. I hate seeing things damaged this way. Usually now I
> interrogate how they intend to package items, which is often not well
> received but hopefully saves the distress of seeing nice equipment
> needlessly banged up.
>
> 73,
> Josh W6XU
>
>
> On 12/3/2012 2:39 PM, Dennis Moore wrote:
> > I bought a used K2 and it was damaged during shipment. The UPS place
> > that packed it wrapped it in plastic and set it on the bottom of a box
> > with no padding around the bottom or sides so that the VFO knob was
> > against the side of the box along a bottom edge. The only padding was
> > on top. The VFO shaft was bent up, VFO knob was dented, AF and RF Gain
> > pots were damaged and need to be replaced. I'm waiting for Elecraft to
> > let me know how much the two pots and the VFO Encoder will cost.
> >
> > This is insured, but UPS wants to see the radio to assess the damage,
> > like they would have any idea. I can give them the cost of the parts
> > but how much should I ask for in cost to repair the radio? I can do
> > the repairs myself but realistically how much is my time worth
> > according to UPS? They'll probably want a repair estimate from a shop,
> > which as we know isn't how this is done.
> >
> > Sending the radio back to the seller isn't an option.
> >
> > Any comments/feedback is appreciated.
> >
> > 73, Dennis NJ6G
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

In reply to this post by Josh Fiden

Yes, UPS guidelines are for 2 inches of padding on all sides, and I am
certain that official UPS stores would adhere to that. There are many
independent shipping stores that are not sanctioned by UPS. Whether UPS
would stand behind the damage and then charge the independent shipper
for their cost is unknown to me.

I receive many K2 that have been shipped from a UPS store - they
normally come in a 14 x 14 x 12 box with the K2 "neatly" cocooned in at
least an inch of bubble wrap, and at least 2 inches of peanuts on the
bottom and all other available space in the box filled with peanuts.

If you ever deal with those shippers, please ask them NOT to wrap it all
up on all surfaces with tape. When I receive one that has been wrapped
by a "professional", I can plan to spend at least 10 minutes getting it
out of the wrapping. The bubble wrap only has to be secured by one or
two pieces of tape to keep it in place.
(rant off)

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/3/2012 6:39 PM, Josh Fiden wrote:

> FYI... UPS guidelines are 2" of padding on all sides of the box. As
> you described the problem, they are likely to deny the claim. I don't
> know if this would be treated differently since a UPS store did the
> packaging. I hate seeing things damaged this way. Usually now I
> interrogate how they intend to package items, which is often not well
> received but hopefully saves the distress of seeing nice equipment
> needlessly banged up.
>
> 73,
> Josh W6XU

ke9uw

Re: K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

Ditto on the tape monsters!

Sent from my iPad
Chuck, KE9UW
(Jack for BMW motorcycles)

On Dec 3, 2012, at 5:53 PM, "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Snip
>
> If you ever deal with those shippers, please ask them NOT to wrap it all up on all surfaces with tape. When I receive one that has been wrapped by a "professional", I can plan to spend at least 10 minutes getting it out of the wrapping. The bubble wrap only has to be secured by one or two pieces of tape to keep it in place.
> (rant off)
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 12/3/2012 6:39 PM, Josh Fiden wrote:
>> FYI... UPS guidelines are 2" of padding on all sides of the box. As you described the problem, they are likely to deny the claim. I don't know if this would be treated differently since a UPS store did the packaging. I hate seeing things damaged this way. Usually now I interrogate how they intend to package items, which is often not well received but hopefully saves the distress of seeing nice equipment needlessly banged up.
>>
>> 73,
>> Josh W6XU
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Chuck, KE9UW

Richard Gillingham

Re: K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

In reply to this post by Josh Fiden

In my experience, once you've determined that UPS did the packing, the argument stops. BTW, also in my experience, the 'Improper or inadequate packaging' ploy is the first one they use. Doesn't work when they're the culprit.

YMMV
73
Gil, W1RG

> Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2012 15:39:25 -0800
> From: [hidden email]
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Cost estimate for repairs
>
> FYI... UPS guidelines are 2" of padding on all sides of the box. As you
> described the problem, they are likely to deny the claim. I don't know
> if this would be treated differently since a UPS store did the
> packaging. I hate seeing things damaged this way. Usually now I
> interrogate how they intend to package items, which is often not well
> received but hopefully saves the distress of seeing nice equipment
> needlessly banged up.
>
> 73,
> Josh W6XU
>
>
> On 12/3/2012 2:39 PM, Dennis Moore wrote:
> > I bought a used K2 and it was damaged during shipment. The UPS place
> > that packed it wrapped it in plastic and set it on the bottom of a box
> > with no padding around the bottom or sides so that the VFO knob was
> > against the side of the box along a bottom edge. The only padding was
> > on top. The VFO shaft was bent up, VFO knob was dented, AF and RF Gain
> > pots were damaged and need to be replaced. I'm waiting for Elecraft to
> > let me know how much the two pots and the VFO Encoder will cost.
> >
> > This is insured, but UPS wants to see the radio to assess the damage,
> > like they would have any idea. I can give them the cost of the parts
> > but how much should I ask for in cost to repair the radio? I can do
> > the repairs myself but realistically how much is my time worth
> > according to UPS? They'll probably want a repair estimate from a shop,
> > which as we know isn't how this is done.
> >
> > Sending the radio back to the seller isn't an option.
> >
> > Any comments/feedback is appreciated.
> >
> > 73, Dennis NJ6G
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

N0AZZ

Re: K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

That is "ONLY" if it was a "UPS OWNED STORE" not one contracted, been there
done that I paid!

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Richard Gillingham
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2012 6:31 PM
To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

In my experience, once you've determined that UPS did the packing, the
argument stops. BTW, also in my experience, the 'Improper or inadequate
packaging' ploy is the first one they use. Doesn't work when they're the
culprit.

YMMV
73
Gil, W1RG

Encoder will cost.

> >
> > This is insured, but UPS wants to see the radio to assess the
> > damage, like they would have any idea. I can give them the cost of
> > the parts but how much should I ask for in cost to repair the radio?
> > I can do the repairs myself but realistically how much is my time
> > worth according to UPS? They'll probably want a repair estimate from
> > a shop, which as we know isn't how this is done.
> >
> > Sending the radio back to the seller isn't an option.
> >
> > Any comments/feedback is appreciated.
> >
> > 73, Dennis NJ6G
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
> > email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email
> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

______________________________________________________________
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2634/5434 - Release Date: 12/03/12

______________________________________________________________
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Dennis Moore

Re: K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

In reply to this post by Dennis Moore

Thanks everybody for the replies. I've got some ideas on what to do if
UPS wants repair estimates. Toying around with it, I was able to
straighten the encoder shaft. Don't know if I was shifting the position
of the encoder within the case or the shaft in the encoder, but at any
rate it now appears straight, turns smoothly and doesn't seem to have
any tuning errors. Not loose or wobbly at all. When I get in to the
front panel I'll see where it was bent.

Yeah, you'll say I should have left it alone until after UPS looks at it
but I'm a tinkerer and want to get this radio on the air. If I can get
by with just replacing the AF and RF gain pots then that's what I'll do.
They need to be replaced but they work if I adjust them just right.
Touchy settings.

Don mentioned offline that the K2 encoder changed to the same style as
used in the K3, when did that change occur? This K2 is #5711.

73, Dennis NJ6G

On 12/3/2012 2:39 PM, Dennis Moore wrote:
> I bought a used K2 and it was damaged during shipment.

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K2 - Cost estimate for repairs

Dennis,

That change of encoders occurred well into the 7000 serial numbers.
If the knob does not wobble (or bind), then the encoder shaft is not
bent, but I suggest replacing the front panel metalwork since that is
most likely what is bent.

Do subject the remainder of the K2 to a thorough checkout, it is unknown
what other damage may have occurred. Damage to the electronics is not
likely (solid state devices are not fragile like vacuum tubes), but it
is worthy of a good checkout before signing off on any damage papers.
Check for physical damage to any of the other enclosure parts - bottom
panel, side panels, rear panel (heat sink), and top cover. If the
enclosure parts do not align with minimal clearance, then something is
wrong.

The most vulnerable parts are on the Front Panel and the Rear Panel, so
check the BNC connectors on the rear as well.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/3/2012 10:04 PM, Dennis Moore wrote:

> Thanks everybody for the replies. I've got some ideas on what to do if
> UPS wants repair estimates. Toying around with it, I was able to
> straighten the encoder shaft. Don't know if I was shifting the
> position of the encoder within the case or the shaft in the encoder,
> but at any rate it now appears straight, turns smoothly and doesn't
> seem to have any tuning errors. Not loose or wobbly at all. When I get
> in to the front panel I'll see where it was bent.
>
> Yeah, you'll say I should have left it alone until after UPS looks at
> it but I'm a tinkerer and want to get this radio on the air. If I can
> get by with just replacing the AF and RF gain pots then that's what
> I'll do. They need to be replaced but they work if I adjust them just
> right. Touchy settings.
>
> Don mentioned offline that the K2 encoder changed to the same style as
> used in the K3, when did that change occur? This K2 is #5711.
>
> 73, Dennis NJ6G
>