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N2CKH Steve Hajducek bad seller beware!

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:42 pm
by W1GRM
I purchased a 440 amplifier from Steve he stated in the ad like new. I paid with a usps money order and then received the item. It was everything but like new. Now Mr. Hajducek wants me to defraud the United States Postal service. I have both my local post office and the Hendersonville NC post office and the Henderson Sheriff's office looking in to the matter. Please be careful of this man. :evil:

Comments by N2CKH

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 12:25 am
by N2CKH
Hello All,

This is an unfortunate incident of damage in shipping that W1GRM has handled all wrong from the begining by jumping to conclusions, making accusations of fraud and calling my house by phone and upsetting my wife as of today..

All that is required by W1GRM is to submit an insurance claim according to the post office on my end.

The photographs of the unit in question taken prior to shipping clearly show no damage. However they do not seem to be good enough proof for W1GRM.

This is the first time that anything I have ever shipped with the Post Office has ever been damaged and it probably won't the last time, I can only hope it is as dealing with W1GRM has been unpleasant.

I am very well known within the Amateur Radio community and I would NEVER purposely sell anything that was not exactly in the condition stated to the best of my knowledge.

Sincerely,

/s/ Steve Hajducek, N2CKH
www.n2ckh.com

unreal

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 4:28 am
by W1GRM
I also have photos of the "like new" amp when it arrived. Dirty broken switches and lots of corrosion. Now Steve wants me to defraud the USA! Any one wanting to see what like new looks like I will be more than glad to provide photos. As far as calling his house today it was to give him one last chance before turning it over to the proper authorities. I was called every name in the book by him and his wife while I remained very calm. Buyers BEWARE!

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:50 am
by KE3W
Wow - both ham's are talking about different things. Based on what I've read...

GEORGE is complaining about the definition of "like new" by stating "Dirty broken switches and lots of corrosion."

STEPHEN feels the equipment was in great shape and figures the rig was "damaged during shipping."

---THERE IS THE DISCONNECT---


STEPHEN thinks your issue was shipping damage and (appears) to be why he is saying put in a claim (GEORGE is calling this "fraud.") GEORGE - I wouldn't put in a "fraud" complaint until you are both on the same playing field.

Just my two cents...

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 2:07 pm
by hamradman
Hey guy's, this is not rocket science.
First question, does the box it came in look like it was damaged?
Second question, how well was it packaged, was it secure in side the box or did it move around?
Third question, was it insured? If not the US Postal Service will not do anything about it.
The other thing to consider is corrosion does not happen from shipping an item unless it was exposed to out side elements or got wet.

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 2:29 pm
by KE3W
I agree hamradman. George only states Dirty broken switches and lots of corrosion which has nothing to do with the packing. It sure sounds like George is talking about the way it was represented and Stephen is talking about the box (perhaps) being damaged. Looking forward to seeing their responses.

Comments by N2CKH

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 3:43 pm
by N2CKH
Hello All,

Yes it was insured.

I guess it was too well packed, which it why W1GRM thinks it was damaged before shipping. He stated it was very well packed and that the box does not appear damaged. I used lots of bubble wrap around the unit with extra bubble wrap front and rear and lots of shipping tape around the priority mail box. The box must have taken a very hard impact square on, I am sure USPS has tons of data to figure it out.

The corrision he states is regarding the DC power cable where the now exposed wire at the metal clamp for retention of the plastic shell shear off some insulation exposed green discoloration on the wire, likely from soldering, which I never seen as the jacket was in place when it was in my possession.

The physical damage to the unit is the front lower corner at the power on switch from th photo he sent, not the case before shipping.

However, he tells me it powers on and works as it should when he turns it on. He tells me he bought it to use wth a 25w Motorola UHF repeater and did not understand why the RX premap was cutting out during TX, I told him for his application it needs to be in the TX side of his repeater between the transmitter and the duplexer and that the preamp could not be used in the repeater application.

/s/ Steve Hajducek, N2CKH
www.n2ckh.com

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 10:42 pm
by KA2CDT
What is the definition of "like new" or "mint" or even "pristine"? Is "like new" as in new out of the box? Is "mint" better than "pristine" or are they equal? You see, these are the questions that will haunt us till the end of time. This is why pictures are so important because beauty is in the eyes of the beholder or in this case George and Steven. If pictures were sent prior to delivery and no damage was shown than it is obvious that something happened in shipping. I suggest that the two parties (George and Steve) settle this and move on. They are both from what I have read decent enough guys.Either that or a possible "beer summit" may need to take place.

Well Packed box perfect

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:32 pm
by W1GRM
My Post Master has the unit and the box and packing. The box wasn't even dirty or dented. The entire power cord is brittle and very corroded. The switch did not get broke in shipping, if it had I would have fixed it and we wouldn't be having this discussion. When I did get the switch to power the unit up it did not function. Again a "like New" unit should at least function. I'm going to try to attach pictures of it, a filthy non working amp.

A picture tells a thousand words

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:44 pm
by W1GRM
IMG_0019.JPG. IMG_0020.JPG IMG_0021.JPG
Check out the corrosion dirt, and grime.[/img]

Comments by N2CKH

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 3:52 am
by N2CKH
Hello All,

W1GRM has just stated "The switch did not get broke in shipping, if it had I would have fixed it and we wouldn't be having this discussion. When I did get the switch to power the unit up it did not function. Again a "like New" unit should at least function."

I guess W1GRM forgot about the e-mail that he sent me below in which he stated the amplifier worked once he powered it on but was confused as to the preamp.

This pretty much finishes this thread as far as I am concerned as W1GRM is not just twisting things but now contridicting his previous statements as well.

Sincerely,

/s/ Steve Hajducek, N2CKH
www.n2ckh.com

Delivered-To: n2ckh.com@gmail.com
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Subject: TE Amp
To: "Steve Hajducek" <n2ckh.com@gmail.com>
From: w1grm@aol.com
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:49:07 +0000


Hi Steve, I received the Amp Today. The first thing I noticed is the power button broke. And it wasn't broke in shipping. When I did figure out how to get it to turn on it does have power out but when on it kills the receive pre amp on or off. Do you have a working amp? I need something like the TE. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
George
W1GRM
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Thread is not finished

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 1:00 pm
by W1GRM
Yes, as I stated in the email the amp doesnt WORK! Not "like new" as stated in the ad. And the pictures Steve keeps talking about are pictures from TE not the amp it self. :evil:

Comment from N2CKH

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 2:51 pm
by N2CKH
Hello All,

W1GRM is now spiining the truth to a new low when he states "Yes, as I stated in the email the amp doesnt WORK! Not "like new" as stated in the ad. And the pictures Steve keeps talking about are pictures from TE not the amp it self."

W1GRM stated in his first e-mail to me after receiving the amplifier that the switch was broken but that that ampfier worked, now its that "the amp doesnt WORK! Not "like new"".

Now W1GRM states "pictures from TE not the amp it self." which is a comlete fantasy on his part. All of the photos for each and every item that I sell are taken by me of the actual item for sale. One photo is posted, some times just one view and some times a montage of views and additional photos are avaiable on request and I will take more photos as may be requested.

At this point W1GRM has lost all credibility with me.

Sincerely,

/s/ Steve Hajducek, N2CKH
www.n2ckh.com

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 3:16 pm
by lhk0pd
All i can say is i'm unable to open W1GRM's pics as there is no site to open them on.

The Original Ad

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 3:43 pm
by W1GRM
Callsign: N2CKH
Category: AMPVHF
Heading: FS TE Systems 4412G 70cm 25w In/100w amp
Ad Message:
Like new TE Systems 4412G all mode (70cm) amplfiier factory tuned for 430-440Mhz 25w In/100w Out with N connectors, low noise GaAsFET preampr and RF sensed T/R switching and accessory jack for hard keying, rear adjustment for TX hang delay and rear fuse holder with original manual and D.C. power cable. Additional photos available on request. Used with my FT-735R at 25w drive. For more details see: http://www.tesystems.com/am-radio.htm $325 via U.S. Postal Money Order, Shipped CONUS only via U.S. Priority Mail.

Credibility

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 3:56 pm
by W1GRM
I think Steve has lost all credibility when he asked me to commit fraud by turning this in as an INS claim to the United States Postal Service! The US postal service is in the hole and has to be dependent on US tax dollars. I know I pay high enough taxes. And it's stuff like this that drives them up. I can seem to post pictures so anyone wanting pictures of the "like new" amp email me
W1GRM@aol.com

Comments by N2CKH

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 4:15 pm
by N2CKH
Hi Larry,

Below are links to my website where I have posted the photos I took for sale and the photos W1GRM provided of the shipping damage.

The first photo of the front of the amplifier is what was provided in the for sale listing.

When he finally sent me photos of the damage I understood what he was talking about regarding the power switch, its amazing that it works at all in my opinion. Its also obvious, at least to me, that the damage to the amplifier and the cable happended in shipping, but then I know for sure the condition of everything that I sent.

Sincerely,

/s/ Steve Hajducek, N2CKH
www.n2ckh.com


PHotos taken prior to sale where the first one was use in the for sale listing:

http://www.n2ckh.com/FORSALE/AMPLIFIERS ... _front.JPG

http://www.n2ckh.com/FORSALE/AMPLIFIERS ... m_rear.JPG

http://www.n2ckh.com/FORSALE/AMPLIFIERS ... _cable.JPG

http://www.n2ckh.com/FORSALE/AMPLIFIERS ... _cable.jpg


Photos provided by W1GRM of damage in shipping:

http://www.n2ckh.com/FORSALE/AMPLIFIERS ... 6-0917.jpg

http://www.n2ckh.com/FORSALE/AMPLIFIERS ... 6-0918.jpg

Re: The Original Ad

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 5:56 pm
by KA2CDT
W1GRM wrote:Callsign: N2CKH
Category: AMPVHF
Heading: FS TE Systems 4412G 70cm 25w In/100w amp
Ad Message:
Like new TE Systems 4412G all mode (70cm) amplfiier factory tuned for 430-440Mhz 25w In/100w Out with N connectors, low noise GaAsFET preampr and RF sensed T/R switching and accessory jack for hard keying, rear adjustment for TX hang delay and rear fuse holder with original manual and D.C. power cable. Additional photos available on request. Used with my FT-735R at 25w drive. For more details see: http://www.tesystems.com/am-radio.htm $325 via U.S. Postal Money Order, Shipped CONUS only via U.S. Priority Mail.
That is top dollar for the amp. I see them advertised anywhere from $225-$275 price range. George may have expected something in newer condition from what he received. I could see from George's perspective that some disappointment is likely. Steve however did post pictures where you could clearly see the corrosion on the switches and from what I see some yellowing on the face plate.

Commwnt from N2CKH

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 9:26 pm
by N2CKH
Hi Donald,

It is not conrrosion its just finger tip contact oils mixed with dust. I could have cleaned if off but I don't use solvents or even water to clean electronics, I just use compressed air and a 2 inch paint brush for dusting. In this particular situtaion with those plastic rocker switches I see the use of any liquid as a bad idea. I could really clean up a piece of equipment for sale like many people do, but then I may be introducing problems for the next owner or even me by rubbing off lettering etc., so I just don't bother to take it to that extreme.

TE Systems uses a gold anodizing on their products that are not coated in a white paint and depending on lighting and reflections you get a what you see and that is from day one from the factory, nothing changed over time and those photos I took were taken on a nice bright day which clearly shows all aspects of the unit.

I don't know where to begin when it comes to pricing, its a very debatable subject. I asked what in my opinion it was worth based on the working condition and how I know it was treated in my possession, such as never being used on FM, just SSB and CW and with fan cooling at that as well as the cost of one new.

Pricing used equipment is an interesting subject in the hobby Donand, I have sold some rather interesting items that I have acquired over the years and one is often hard pressed to put a price on something considering the items status and lack of others being sold in the same condition or at all, One such item my Collins 204F-1 amplifier that I have for sale, its a collectors item and rare. I have spoken to many interested parties including others that wanted to sell one and I have lowered the price on mine as a result, I have had many good conversations on the subject and I have had offers close to my current asking price, but then winter came and that slowed the process on that one due to the logistics of moving it.

Sincerely,

/s/ Steve, N2CKH
www.n2ckh.com

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 1:58 pm
by lhk0pd
After seeing the pictures in all honesty being as i'm not that familiar with that amp model as far as i could tell i thought i noticed some discoloration on the power switch and the power cord looked old to me. As for the green or corrosive wiring i would guess from humidity.Other wise the outside appearance of the amp looked OK. So i will make no decision of who i believe is right and why not try between the two of you try and work out a compromise.

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 7:07 pm
by N6VMO
'Mint', 'Like new', etc...does mean anything.

1. The seller provided photos to the buyer and listed the asking price.

2. Buyer could see what he was getting for the asking price and decided to purchase the amp.

Seller 1

Buyer 0

:roll:

A seller's statement of the condition is EVERYTHING!

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 3:08 pm
by K4ICL
'Mint', 'Like new', etc...does mean anything.

1. The seller provided photos to the buyer and listed the asking price.

2. Buyer could see what he was getting for the asking price and decided to purchase the amp.
Question: How will pictures tell a prospective buyer how well the equipment works? Its over all condition?

The single most important piece of information a buyer needs is to know what condition the offered equipment is in.

The blurred pictures seen in this example tells us one thing for sure. The photographer did not focus his camera. The pictures shown in this case are useless for assessing the overall condition of the equipment.

K4ICL