Buying Used Radio Equipment
Hints on Buying Amatuer Radio Equipment
As long as manufacturers continue to develop and market new radios, there will be a good supply of capable used radios available. It is not at all unusual to find a ten year old radio priced at less than half its new cost. Such finds make good starter rigs. They may even offer a significant upgrade for those who settled for very inexpensive starter rigs.
Choosing such a rig can be as simple as settling for the first radio that appears to be in good condition at an affordable price. If it develops problems or shortcommings, you can either pay to have it repaired, repair it yourself or try to sell it.
Keep this in mind. As a buyer, you may want to avoid equipment that has undergone the recommendations in the preceeding paragraph. No one wants to buy a problem rig even if the price is attractively low. The goal is to pay a fair price for equipment in good condition.
Sometimes even qualified technicians have trouble determining condition. You may not discover problems until you have used the equipment for a while. Then there is the question of what to get. You can research old ham magazines (at the library) to get an idea of which models are considered best, but unless you have good technical skills, you may still end up with an undesirable rig.
I person with even moderate technical skills might be better off hiring someone to help in the buying decision. Join a local radio club, get to know its members. Identify a knowlegeable member and offer him $50 to help you buy a radio.
Oh, I see, fifty dollars is a lot more than you would want to pay for the radio itself. Good luck.