I answered an ad for some Hustler Resonators placed by W8EK stating “Hustler HF mobile resonators: All work fine and are in good cosmetic condition.” I checked the Feedback Forum and W8EK seemed A-OK. We made a deal on the RM-80S and the resonator arrived quickly and was packaged well.
The condition of the resonator was questionable because of gaps between the end caps and the white sleeve covering the coil. These gaps had been filled rather messily with some clear silicone. The silicone was loose and pulling away from the coil. The mast on top was also bent slightly. When I contacted Ken, W8EK, about this his reply was “The silicon seal is to keep the water out. ALL Hustler Super resonators have a gap at the top and bottom, and the silicon is necessary to keep the water out. I have probably had 50 of them over the years, and they are ALL that way.”
Followed by an explanation of his idea of in good condition. “Yes, I would consider it to be in good condition – not very good, not excellent, not like new, and not mint, but good.”
When I questioned why there was no mention of this in the ad or why I was not told before we made the deal his reply was “Nick, if you would have asked about it, I would have told you. But you simply said you wanted it, and asked no questions. So I did not answer questions that were not asked. Maybe I am to be a mind reader. I don't know.”
I guess it was foolish of me to assume his description “All work fine and are in good cosmetic condition” as the full story.
I have asked for a refund and Ken has agreed to refund the purchase price. I offered to pay the shipping back to him if he would refund the purchase price along with the shipping I paid to get it to me. I believe this if fair considering the ad was deceitful. Ken refused this offer.
I have installed the resonator and it appears to load up on 80m. So, in conclusion, I have a very ugly resonator that seems to work, W8EK has my money, and hopefully you have additional information to help you make an educated decision when dealing with this seller.
73 Nick KC0YKO
W8EK and the RM-80S
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As of Dec 9, 2013: ONLY BUYERS AND SELLERS directly involved with a transaction can post here. Do not post replies in any topic if you are not the buyer or seller in the transaction being discussed! If you believe you can help the buyer or seller, please use the Private Message system to communicate with them. NOTE: if you have been scammed by someone pretending to be a ham, please post in the Scammer Reports forum instead. See viewtopic.php?f=2&t=136 for additional rules.
My thought on this is Ken answered you honestly and apparently told you the truth if your as you say are able to use the resonater. I think the lesson learned here is like Ken told you in his response you did not ask he did not volunteer information not asked. With that said Ken i felt should have been a little more upfront in his ad and possibly should have offered pictures of the resonaters. Don't feel too bad as i suspect many of us me included have jumped the gun and in our excitement forgot to ask important questions. Hopefully you did not pay too much for them,and do not forget that old saying when considering others descriptions,which is beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.
Larry Huff K0pd