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What rig should you buy? The answer to that question depends largely on available resources and personal preferences. Older issues of amateur magazines can provide a lot of information on equipment you may see on the used market. The Product Review and Short Takes columns in QST, information available at ARRLWeb and The Radio Buyer's Sourcebooks are good places to start. Some libraries carry back issues of QST. Local hams may also have some QSTs. If you can't find the issues you need, you can purchase many of them from ARRL HQ. Article photocopies are available from ARRL HQ for a small handling fee.
It's best not to just rush out and buy the first piece of equipment you can find. Buying used radio equipment is much like buying a used car: Don't hesitate to "kick the tires" a bit. Examine the equipment as closely as you can. A couple of old adages apply: In general, "You get what you pay for" and "caveat emptor" -- buyer beware. Perhaps we should add a third: "All things come to those who wait!" Have patience, and you'll find the radio that's best for you.
Tubes
You might wonder about the practicality of buying tube-type equipment. After all, modern equipment uses integrated circuits and microprocessor chips. Aren't tubes hopelessly old technology? Well, yes and no. Although many companies have stopped making them, tubes are still available from a few electronic supply houses or the "junk boxes" of amateurs who have had tube gear. Some excellent transceivers from the 1970s used tubes in the power-amplifier stage. These tubes are often available.
Where Can I Find Used Gear?
There are many different sources of used ham gear. You can buy gear from equipment retailers and local hams. You may see what you want listed in the pages of ham magazines (see the QST Ham Ads or Radios Online. Used equipment is often found at auctions, flea markets, hamfests and even garage sales. The online auction site eBay had more than 500 listings under the heading "Ham Radio/Transceivers" recently. It's best to know exactly what you want, and the conditions of the sale, before purchasing or bidding on a piece of used equipment. Bring an experienced Amateur Radio operator along with you if you can.
The instructor who taught your ham radio class or members of your local Amateur Radio club are great sources of leads and other useful information. Club members may be able to help you select a transceiver, pick the right antenna or even choose and set up a complete station. They can also help you test it to ensure it works properly.
One of the safest ways to purchase used equipment is to buy it from a local retailer. Many dealers set aside a section of the store for used equipment. When you buy from a dealer, there's usually some sort of warranty (30 days is typical) on the equipment. If a problem comes up within that time, you can bring it back to the retailer for repairs. Ask about the warranty and the return policy before you buy.
Many dealers send used equipment they've received to their service shop before offering it for sale to ensure that it's working properly. Some will even allow you to operate the equipment before you buy it. This is the best way to determine the rig's capabilities and condition.
When you buy used gear from an individual, you generally have no guarantees. Ask to see the unit in operation. You might even wish to take along a more knowledgeable ham who can help you make the decision. A local ham can be your best source of information on used equipment.
You may already know what type of radio you want. The hard part is deciding which of those used transceivers provides the best value for your hard-earned dollars. An experienced ham can be an invaluable source of information. Chances are, he or she may have at one time owned a similar piece of equipment. With the seller's permission, your ham friend could operate the equipment and note any potential problems -- your future headaches!
At a hamfest or flea market, you may not be able to test equipment before you buy it. A thorough visual inspection by an experienced eye will generally suffice if the price is right, however. Again, it's always helpful to have an experienced amateur along.
There are some simple precautions to take if you're buying gear from another ham through the mail. Try to be sure you'll have the right to return the equipment if you don't like what you receive. Shipment by truck freight with the right of inspection permits you to examine the package contents before you accept delivery. If you don't like what you receive, simply refuse delivery. You may be asked to pay by bank check or money order, rather than personal check.
There is one other important point to keep in mind when you buy used equipment from any source. Be sure you get an owner's manual with the radio. Some hams may even have the service or shop manual. A shop manual can be a valuable addition, because it generally has more complete service procedures and troubleshooting guidelines.
If you are not getting at least an owner's manual with the radio, be cautious about making the purchase. Manuals for some pieces of equipment are available from the manufacturer. Several companies sell manuals for used or surplus equipment; see Table 1.
When you get your license, you will want an amateur station of your own to operate. Many hams choose a VHF or UHF hand-held radio for their first station. Shop carefully, and you will find just the right equipment!
