Amateur Ham Radio Repair/Alignment
Emails:
Communicating thru email, though not very personal, is very efficient for me. I check emails several times a day. I have to in order to keep the number of emails down to a manageable number. I can send status updates, estimates and invoices automatically from the Applications that I use for business. I can answer yours when best for me rather than right in the middle of replacing a 240 pin SMIC. I can copy and paste info right to my database as opposed to writing down a 9 when you actually said 5. I can go back later a review your info.
Always include model number and serial number, a detailed description of the problem – which modes, which bands, after it’s warm, only when Jerry Seinfeld is on TV…..
If your name or address is not on the box (you use a shipping service and their name and address is on the box) put this information right on top, just under the lid where the label is so we can get your info put into the database right away. Some times it takes a few days to get the radio out of the box and on to an available shelf. That’s the advantage to filling out the form – when you hit submit the work order is created right then.
Any previous repair history could save me some time and you money. If someone tried to fix it and failed – I need to know that. If you bought it on eBay under the assumption that it was working – I need to know that so I can specifically look for the tell-tale signs of shipping damage.
Please indicate if you want Priority Shipping or Express Shipping in return. Indicate the amount of insurance to apply to the package. This keeps me from stopping in the middle of shipping and waiting for your answer. By default I ship via USPS ground. The post office treats our toys better than the rest. If you prefer UPS or FEDEX – send a prepaid label .l I do not have a UPS or FEDEX account.
Note that I get over a hundred emails a day. Sometimes it may take 2 days to get to yours. I will.
**I do not use a spam blocker. Type the make and model in the subject line. I have dozens of rules set up to make certain I get the ones I need to.**
Make sure the email address I use is allowed past your spam blocker. If not – you will miss status updates and tracking numbers.
lee at hamradiorepairfix dot com
IF YOU DON’T USE EMAIL – then please call me.
The form to submit equipment for repair is HERE
Phone Calls:
I spend as much time as possible each day on the bench with your equipment. Keep in mind that on some days I am the receptionist, bookkeeper, receiving department, shipping department, parts department, counter sales and QC/QA desk. Though I spend more than 8 hours every day in the shop – actual time on the bench is typically 3 to 4 hours. Sometimes less. Both hands are usually occupied. I may not be able to answer. It is best to leave a message. Be sure to call between 9AM and 2PM, Tuesday thru Friday my time (Tampa, FL). I try to be able to answer during those times. I am allowed 25 voicemails per day. There are times when more than that come in and the first ones get wiped. If you don’t hear from me – call back.
I send and receive CW about 25 to 30 WPM. I don’t type half that fast. Some things just need to be done on the phone. If you’re the same way I expect you to call me (don’t send CW on the phone it sounds like a bunch of e’s and t’s…).
Older Equipment:
Much of the older equipment has survived the test of time. It was well built with quality materials. Tube manufacturers stop making tubes more than 40 years ago. Some tubes are impossible to find and others are available but at a VERY high price. Many of those are only in other countries like Bulgaria and Russia. Shipping is more than the cost of the tube.
Interstage transformers were custom made. If a tube gets a cathode or grid to plate short it will burn out the windings. Wax was used to keep the adjustments stable. Now, 50 years later the wax has become closer to cement. You try to adjust it and the tuning slug breaks. Those transformers are nearly impossible to find.
The same with mechanical parts. Anything that moves is going to wear out eventually. That includes dial strings. I DO NOT replace dial strings unless you furnish the proper string and a clear diagram.
A few notes about shipping are HERE
Shipping Address:
TSI
2014 Finland Drive
Spring Hill, Fl 34609
Back to Home page – Click HERE
Other repair services:
Automotion 115975 Photo Eye repair
Anytone D578 & D878 DMR radio factory authorized service. Out of Warranty Only
If you are looking for vintage manuals, service manuals or schematics – I suggest vs4u.org