View Full Version : Old Equipment Given as Gifts
W4MAJ
06-05-2007, 01:12 AM
A older friend of mine gave me a 40 year-old linear amplifier last month. It works, but has issues.
My problem is it will cost more to make it fully functional than what it would cost to buy a new unit. The amplifier is worth more parted out than it is whole. I'm having a hard time deciding if I should sell the unit whole, sell the parts or simply give it away.
I guess what I need to know is, is it ethical to sell something that was given as a gift?
KC7UP
06-05-2007, 01:16 AM
My understanding is once a gift is given its the receivers choice on what to do with the gift.
Curt
Just assume some day your friend will ask you about the amplifier and figure out what you will say to him under each of the scenarios for disposition you have described. Might be better to just hang onto it for a few years. OTOH, if your friend knew it didn't work and gave it to you rather than throwing it in the landfill maybe he wouldn't care.
KA4DPO
06-05-2007, 01:24 AM
Just tell him it blew up and your wife made you get rid of it.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Send it to me (ground is fine) & I'll cover the shipping and packing costs. I'll make sure it has a good home! Honest! (It can sit between my Corsair II and Swan 3Drifty, er, 350)
73
W4MAJ
06-05-2007, 01:29 AM
I should add this. This gentleman was my communications electronics professor when I was a senior in college. Even though I passed his class with an "A", I wonder if this isn't a final final exam.
I doubt he would ever drop by, he's now in his late 80s, he would ask about it.
wa9cwx
06-05-2007, 01:39 AM
You know, a LOT depends on the situation.....
I, personally, over the years have given away........
SERIOUSLY, probably $5000.00 worth of gear, easily.
I am by no means rich, but I simply attract gear, always have had tons of stuff, and have given away....to name a few, an FT ONE, Kenwood Twins, linear amps, Yaesu FT100, dozens of older receivers, VFO, six meter rigs, and a NEW (bought it for the guy) FT 847. (yes, all working gear)
I mention this to tell you I know where I am coming from on this.
IT DEPENDS on the situation.
YES, it IS YOURS...but what was his intention?
I have, on the few occasions that it was important to me, said, "Use it as long as you like, but IF you get tired of it, return it to me".
That statement was used only a few times in relation to gear that meant something to me for personal reasons. The only one I can think of right now, was an old straight key from my SK elmer, that I lent to a new ham. I would NOT be happy with that being sold.
All of the other times, (including all gear mentioned above), the gear was theirs, to do with as they wish, no issue at all, and I told them as such.
Or, some people will say, when you are tired of it, if still working, pass it on to another new or needy ham.
You really need to ask yourself (or HIM !) what the intent, and expectation was.....Don't lose a good friend over a tacky, or uninformed, choice.
It is ALWAYS harder to receive than give!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
wa9cwx
06-05-2007, 01:44 AM
Just read your post, he was your teacher, now in his 80s....MY GUESS, is hold on to it, play around with it, maybe use some parts, in a few years, sell it off as you see fit.
I don't THINK he wants to see it in pieces on eBay....at least not in the next few weeks.... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Frank
I would hang onto it. If you part it out or sell it you may regret it later on for sentimental reasons. I realize not everyone has unlimited space but if this person was special to you, you might enjoy having that amp years from now when he is gone. Even if it is just a decoration. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
WA9SVD
06-05-2007, 02:26 AM
I just wonder what "issues" a working amp could have that makes it more expensive to fix than to buy new. Since a new amp is going to cost at LEAST $600-$800, that's an awful lot of "issues."
Even if the supply components need to be replaced, parts shouldn't be more than $100 or so; but you MAY have to shop around.
Just what sort of amp IS it? Commercial or homebrew?
Quote[/b] (w3wn @ June 04 2007,18:27)]Send it to me (ground is fine) & I'll cover the shipping and packing costs. I'll make sure it has a good home! Honest! (It can sit between my Corsair II and Swan 3Drifty, er, 350)
73
Don't give it to no damn yankee. Give it to a good ol southern boy like me. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
ae4fa
06-05-2007, 10:43 AM
I'm quite sure that hearing, "That amp you gave me is on the air and getting great reports." from you.
And just what is wrong with it? Caps? Finals? I,too, wonder what would make repair cost prohibitive.
cu2jt
06-05-2007, 12:23 PM
Wish somebody would give me a 75A4...
K8YZK
06-05-2007, 12:35 PM
Be honest. Part it out, and then if he ask tell him the truth. If he is a electronics prof, he will understand, caps dry, other parts are hard to find. I think he will understand.
Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ June 04 2007,23:21)]Don't give it to no damn yankee. #Give it to a good ol southern boy like me. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Yankee?
I beg your pardon, I have the misfortune of being a Pirates fan.
W4MAJ
06-05-2007, 01:32 PM
I don't what it says about me to go to the 'zed to check my moral compass. But anyway, to answer some questions which were asked, the amp is an NCL-2000 manufactured by National Radio Company. I believe it was purchased in 1965.
When I say, "it works, but it has issues", I mean it powers up and it's still holding onto its smoke, but its tubes are suspect. They are two 8122 tubes which were replaced in 1974. I've looked on the Internet and they range in price from $100 to $700. Of course, buyer beware.
In the meantime, I've decided to hold onto the amp for sentimental reasons. Plus, I'm thinking I might want to see if I can bring it completely back to life.
Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ June 04 2007,22:21)]Quote[/b] (w3wn @ June 04 2007,18:27)]Send it to me (ground is fine) & I'll cover the shipping and packing costs. I'll make sure it has a good home! Honest! (It can sit between my Corsair II and Swan 3Drifty, er, 350)
73
Don't give it to no damn yankee. Give it to a good ol southern boy like me. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
You're just jealous you're not a damn yankee.
Quote[/b] (w3wn @ June 05 2007,05:36)]Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ June 04 2007,23:21)]Don't give it to no damn yankee. Give it to a good ol southern boy like me. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Yankee?
I beg your pardon, I have the misfortune of being a Pirates fan.
ROFLMAO!
KA4DPO
06-05-2007, 02:16 PM
Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 05 2007,08:32)]I don't what it says about me to go to the 'zed to check my moral compass. But anyway, to answer some questions which were asked, the amp is an NCL-2000 manufactured by National Radio Company. I believe it was purchased in 1965.
When I say, "it works, but it has issues", I mean it powers up and it's still holding onto its smoke, but its tubes are suspect. They are two 8122 tubes which were replaced in 1974. I've looked on the Internet and they range in price from $100 to $700. Of course, buyer beware.
In the meantime, I've decided to hold onto the amp for sentimental reasons. Plus, I'm thinking I might want to see if I can bring it completely back to life.
The NCL-2000 is actually a pretty good old amp. The power supply can deliver 2600 Volts under load and it will run about 1200 watts PEP output.
The power supply is fairly stout since things tended to be over built back then. Even if the 8122's aren't readily available, if the caps and rectifiers are sound the amp could be modified to run a pair of 3-500s. I know that's easier said than done but the power supply will handle the job and it would still be cheaper than buying a legal limit amp new.
Hi,
3-500Z's will never fit into that amp, they are much too large!
I wouldn't hack it up trying to 'shoe horn' in some other tube types. You can usually find 8122's with a little looking.
I just checked Ebay and here is a new pair up for auction. #Check auction # 140125514367. #They're at $89 presently.
I had a NCL-2000 several years ago. #It's a very nice amplifier and it takes little drive for full output.
W4MAJ
06-05-2007, 02:58 PM
Quote[/b] (K1KW @ June 05 2007,09:44)]I just checked Ebay and here is a new pair up for auction. Check auction # 140125514367. They're at $89 presently.
Did you notice who is the current (10 am Central time) high bidder? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 05 2007,07:58)]Quote[/b] (K1KW @ June 05 2007,09:44)]I just checked Ebay and here is a new pair up for auction. Check auction # 140125514367. They're at $89 presently.
Did you notice who is the current (10 am Central time) high bidder? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Did you notice who just outbid you?
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ June 05 2007,06:39)]Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ June 04 2007,22:21)]Quote[/b] (w3wn @ June 04 2007,18:27)]Send it to me (ground is fine) & I'll cover the shipping and packing costs. I'll make sure it has a good home! Honest! (It can sit between my Corsair II and Swan 3Drifty, er, 350)
73
Don't give it to no damn yankee. Give it to a good ol southern boy like me. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
You're just jealous you're not a damn yankee.
Or a sleazy foreigner too. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
KA4DPO
06-05-2007, 03:15 PM
Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 05 2007,09:58)]Quote[/b] (K1KW @ June 05 2007,09:44)]I just checked Ebay and here is a new pair up for auction. #Check auction # 140125514367. #They're at $89 presently.
Did you notice who is the current (10 am Central time) high bidder? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
That's a great deal and the Burles are a matched pair..
Perfect..
WA2ZDY
06-05-2007, 07:18 PM
Ah yes, the 8122. # We had an NCX1000 at the HS radio club (WB2JUK - now defunct.) #Heavy, well built, 600w out and gawdawful horrible to use on the air. #The receiver had two controls aside from the VFO: # RF gain and AF gain. # And it must have been about as wide as a Boeing factory hanger door.
Good luck with the amp, I hope you get those toobs. The guy bidding against you is a reseller. He'll stop bidding when he reaches his profit margin. If you get them then, you're still ahead of what the reseller thinks they'd go for.
That's what was nice about estate auctions. The antique dealers would stop bidding at their profit margin so we got the stuff for well below what it would sell for in the market. It was funny to see other stuff sell at auction on Friday night for $300 and see that item in the antique shop the next day for $900. Then to see someone buy and be happy about the price!!
K8MHZ
06-06-2007, 12:51 PM
Quote[/b] ]I don't what it says about me to go to the 'zed to check my moral compass.
Well, the end justifies the means. #Your quest for morality may have led you to a means to get the amp running much cheaper than you thought.
How often can you use technology to get yourself out of a situation in which morals would normally have to be relied upon?
wa9cwx
06-06-2007, 01:32 PM
Sounds like a sign in a condom factory.... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 05 2007,09:32)]I don't what it says about me to go to the 'zed to check my moral compass. But anyway, to answer some questions which were asked, the amp is an NCL-2000 manufactured by National Radio Company. I believe it was purchased in 1965.
When I say, "it works, but it has issues", I mean it powers up and it's still holding onto its smoke, but its tubes are suspect. They are two 8122 tubes which were replaced in 1974. I've looked on the Internet and they range in price from $100 to $700. Of course, buyer beware.
In the meantime, I've decided to hold onto the amp for sentimental reasons. Plus, I'm thinking I might want to see if I can bring it completely back to life.
Oh yes, I remember those. Back in my Novice days in NNJ, a friend had that amp along with his National transceiver.
If you change your mind on hanging on to the amp for sentimental reasons, I'll still gladly give it a good home. And I have some friends with access to power tubes (no, sorry, we do each other favors, but I can't get them on behalf of others so please don't ask) so suspect finals don't scare me.
Enjoy!
73
Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ June 05 2007,09:45)]Quote[/b] (w3wn @ June 05 2007,05:36)]Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ June 04 2007,23:21)]Don't give it to no damn yankee. #Give it to a good ol southern boy like me. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Yankee?
I beg your pardon, I have the misfortune of being a Pirates fan.
ROFLMAO!
You don't know the half of it.
Not only am I married to a Pirate fanatic (and yes, there's a difference between a fan and a fanatic) who's made my daughter into one... my son just graduated from California University of PA with a degree in sports management, and is now working for the Washington Nationals! #[Those who wish to make the obligatory obvious wisecracks about the frying pan & the fryer and anything like that, thanks, already heard them all]
I can't win.
...and don't say it, I know, neither can they... *sigh*