Hi Cait:
As one who has recently made a decision to purge the shack of all but US made
radios, in my humble opinion, you are on the right track. That's not to say
that Japanese made radios are inferior in any way, most of them are very good.
But, there's a real comfort factor in being able to call the factory, ask
questions and get parts with very little hassle. I've only had TT gear for
about four months now, but I now have three of their HF rigs, and a fourth on
the way....and....I've loved every minute of it.
The issue with buying a used kit is; once it's built, the owner has added value
by virtue of the labor that went into building it, and is calculating that
labor into the price. The basic unbuilt kit price is no longer the starting
point. Of course there are exceptions, but on equipment that is popular, and
in demand, that value-add process is in full swing.
Don't be discouraged; there's another radio deal around every corner. Maybe
one of your local techie friends would even build a new kit for you.
Good Luck --- TT forever
George - K1GXT.
Caitlyn M. Martin wrote:
> Hi, everyone,
>
> This past spring there were three TenTec 1260 6 meter rigs offered for
> auction on E-Bay. They all went between $105 and $125. I paid the highest
> price, but got one that works perfectly and is in mint condition. I really
> think I got a bargain, and I like the rig. Since I have neither the skills
> nor the time to learn to build a rig, I am very glad to have picked on up
> on the used market.
>
> I had thought it might be nice to have the matching 2-meter rig, or even
> the 222 rig. I saw recently that TenTec wanted the price of the kit for
> their factory-built, used, demos. That would make the price of a low power
> version of the 1220 around $195, and a 1230 was listed for $295. Since
> *new* 2 meter Icoms, Kenwoods, Yaesus, etc... are selling for $189-$199,
> and an ADI AR-146 is down to $179 *new*, I thought I might do just a little
> but better on a used 1220.
>
> Anyway, I posted a want for a 1220 here a while back and got one response.
> The gentleman asked me what *I wanted* to pay. I told him what I payed for
> my 1260, and told him that I'd *like* to get a 1220 for around the same
> price. I assumed this was a fair starting point for negotiating, and
> figured I might get it for a somewhat higher price than that. I received
> no response, so I assume he found my offer insulting.
>
> So, I ask the TenTec afficianados here to honestly tell me what is fair for
> a built, used, working 1220 without the 35 watt PA. I still wouldn't mind
> having one, and would sell the higher-powered Yaesu I have, probably at a
> loss. For that matter, I wouldn't mind having a 1230 or a 1254.
>
> I am not a collector. I just like TenTec gear. I find it easy to use (and
> I am *not* technically inclined), I find their service and support to be
> fantastic, their stuff works very well, and it's American made. Maybe I'm
> biased, but I'd rather support the good people of a neighboring state than
> people in Japan. I'm kind of on a limited budget due to some upcoming
> medical expenses, but I thought selling off some Japanese gear and
> replacing it with TenTecs might be practical. Was I wrong?
>
> Anyway, I am really curious to hear your opinions, particularly on prices.
>
> Thanks and 73,
> Cait
> KU4QD
>
> ____________________________________________________________
> Caitlyn M. Martin "They have computers, and may have
> cait.martin@ibm.net other weapons of mass
> http://www.caitys-world.com destruction" -Janet Reno
> ____________________________________________________________
>
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