What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

The place to talk about specific radios, equipment and accessories. Do you prefer the latest generation of rigs and antennas or do you like the classics? Discuss it here!
Astro fantom
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by Astro fantom »

Yeah im guilty as sin for all the charges of the above and now looking at a colt 485sx ssb..
Not the best in its time and if memory serves me where a bleedover box even back in the day but its boxed with manual and other bits jus missing bracket and thumbscrews but tempting all the same…
I probs need therapy to be totally honest and my missus probs needs another husband that has no mental issues but such is life😂
The Collector
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by The Collector »

Astro fantom wrote: 13 Sep 2022, 10:51 Yeah im guilty as sin for all the charges of the above and now looking at a colt 485sx ssb..
Not the best in its time and if memory serves me where a bleedover box even back in the day but its boxed with manual and other bits jus missing bracket and thumbscrews but tempting all the same…
I probs need therapy to be totally honest and my missus probs needs another husband that has no mental issues but such is life😂
Not that £333.33 one on ebay perchance? Lol. I think it's a 485 anyway???
Astro fantom
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by Astro fantom »

Yep that 485dx black shadow ssb on greedbay for £333.33 which cost me £140 posted instead lol..
I just see an old boxed up radio and go into child mode again like i did in the 80’s its a case of see it need it and buy it usually in that order too..
I broke the news gently to the missus and she didn’t seem to share my enthusiasm i have no idea why not🤔
I sold a radio two weeks ago and bought this one so its not like ive spent any cash i just found a new home for that cash
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cb4ever104
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by cb4ever104 »

Astro fantom wrote: 14 Sep 2022, 14:41 I sold a radio two weeks ago and bought this one so its not like ive spent any cash i just found a new home for that cash
That's right. Keep fooling yourself. We all do it :lol:
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Handle "Fortune Hunter" back in "the day"
Radios ....? Anything that says "TAIWAN R.O.C" on the back.
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beamer320i
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by beamer320i »

Nicotine, believe it or not, is a good preserver (not of life though!) and, like dirt/dust, helps prevent marking.

The best way to remove nicotine (and neutralise the smell!) is to use something I discovered years ago called TFR (Traffic Film Remover) Made for the motor trade primarily, you dilute it 1/3 part TFR, 2/3rds part water and spray it on with one of those hand sprayers. Soak for 30 seconds, agitate it with a tooth brush and it removes all Nicotine and dirt WITHOUT damaging the item. You can either rinse off with a water spray or just clean with a soft cloth before polishing.

I recently bought an Astatic Silver K Eagle from the States and it had a 'lovely' yellow tinge to it. I sprayed the mic and lead and after just one treatment it really is like new, no evidence of nicotine in either smell or vision.

The good thing with TFR is that it doesn't damage the item - As long as you remember to dilute it!! i.e. had a Galaxy Saturn which was heavily smoked over, sprayed the front and cleaned as described above but couldn't understand why the lettering was wearing off...It was only then I realised I had used the neat bottle of TFR instead of the diluted one!! Luckily, I managed to save it but lesson learnt!
The Collector
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by The Collector »

Sounds like acetone (nail polish remover). You can thin it down 50/50 or 30/70 with water for cleaning, but if you don't ....
Always try a test area first!



Isopropanol Alcohol is less aggressive and is good for cleaning too, as well as for removing sticky label residue and...

* A general cleaner - excellent for cleaning glass & lenses. Can be used to clean virtually any surface. Removes light grease, oils, dirt, food stains etc. Evaporates quickly and leaves surface squeaky clean.

• A specialist automotive cleaner, for wiping down waxed and painted panels, plus many more applications!

• A specialist cleaner for computer equipment, electronic devices, contact pins, lenses of lasers in optical disc drives (DVD,CD, Blu-Ray), removes thermal paste of CPUs. Cleans printer heads including Thermal Transfer.

• An Anti-Foamer and Foam Inhibitor.

• Can be used as a Deodoriser for spraying into shoes to eliminate odours.

• Used to make Rinse agents for Dishwashers.

• A solvent for diluting lacquers, PVC adhesives, dyes and printing inks.

• A graffiti remover for removing inks, markers, lipstick etc.

• A De-Icer for locks and windscreens.

• Add to Windscreen washer reservoir for a spotless windscreen every time.
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Mudslinger
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by Mudslinger »

I used Mannol brale cleaner spray to clean out a Maxcom 4E that smelled of Nicotine. I literally doused the whole radio in the stuff.

It is the first thing that I have tried that actually gets rid of the stench.

Just be careful on some plastics with it.
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Astro fantom
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by Astro fantom »

beamer320i wrote: 14 Sep 2022, 19:26 Nicotine, believe it or not, is a good preserver (not of life though!) and, like dirt/dust, helps prevent marking.

The best way to remove nicotine (and neutralise the smell!) is to use something I discovered years ago called TFR (Traffic Film Remover) Made for the motor trade primarily, you dilute it 1/3 part TFR, 2/3rds part water and spray it on with one of those hand sprayers. Soak for 30 seconds, agitate it with a tooth brush and it removes all Nicotine and dirt WITHOUT damaging the item. You can either rinse off with a water spray or just clean with a soft cloth before polishing.

I recently bought an Astatic Silver K Eagle from the States and it had a 'lovely' yellow tinge to it. I sprayed the mic and lead and after just one treatment it really is like new, no evidence of nicotine in either smell or vision.

The good thing with TFR is that it doesn't damage the item - As long as you remember to dilute it!! i.e. had a Galaxy Saturn which was heavily smoked over, sprayed the front and cleaned as described above but couldn't understand why the lettering was wearing off...It was only then I realised I had used the neat bottle of TFR instead of the diluted one!! Luckily, I managed to save it but lesson learnt!
That tfr is exellent stuff i use it to de grease engines altho i do use it neat on the gunky old engine oil but leave about ten mins and wash off with cold water pressure washer its fabulous..
Good tip that one i will try that next time i buy an old radio that was a chain smoker😂
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madsmells
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by madsmells »

without the spunks on the front control.
making the ham radio from bushes on side of M25 under my tarpulin
The Collector
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Re: What do YOU look for when buying a used radio ?

Post by The Collector »

madsmells wrote: 12 Oct 2022, 12:23 without the spunks on the front control.
I think that radio would need sending back :wtf:
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