| Someone wants to sell you a Lear Jet and all you really
need is a Piper Cub! It happens every day. The harder we try to
control our budgets, and the more people try to convince us we need more bells and
whistles. New portables are being offered with 160 channels, dynamic grouping, 3 different
scanning options, and programmable function keys. You can spend extra money for extra
small radios, radios that have 8 character alpha numeric displays that are also
invertable. And all you really need is a couple of channels, good clear audio, and
reliability.
Here a few tips on buying radio equipment, that will save you money:
- Don’t pay extra for features you don’t need.
- Buy a radio that has expansion capabilities (open architecture)
- If you are buying a portable radio, make sure it has a die cast frame for
durability.
- Look at the manufactures warranty, it will reflect the confidence they
have in their product.
- Don’t be impressed by buzz phrases, such as "meets military
specs, 810 parts C, D, and E", (the military hasn’t used these specs for 3
years) or is "FCC compliant", (if it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be for sale!)
- Radios made in the good old US of A are a commodity of the past. There is
not a single radio manufacturer producing a product that is made and assembled in America.
- Determine the serviceability of the radio. Radios that can be serviced
down to component level (i.e. replace individual transistors, resistors or diodes) are
less costly to repair than those that require a board to be replaced.
- Programmable function keys are confusing to most people and invite
playtime from bored employees. If you need these special features make sure your dealer
explains their proper functions and use to all and that your users read and understand the
manual.
- What is the average repair cost of the radio your dealer is trying to
sell you? All servicing dealers should be able to provide these figures to assist you in
calculating out of warranty service costs. If it is a "New on the market" model
demand a 3 month no lemon guarantee. Radio manufactures seem to want the end user to test
their new radios for them, instead of working as a partnership and offering them for
evaluation. They would rather you invested your time and money in radios that may, have
flaws in them. Don’t be a guinea pig with a purchase order, be an informed buyer.
In closing, find a dealer that offers more than an off the shelf box.
Service means more than just repairing your equipment. Ask questions, and make cost
effective equipment choices. |
