K9FI
03-07-2003, 06:41 PM
Greetings All:
A few weeks ago, a group of hams combined their efforts and created what, hopefully, will become a useful set of criteria for judging the condition of ANY radio equipment and assigning a condition GRADE, for use by traders.
We researched existing grading standards from the Collins owners group as well as the Drake owners group and made needed modifications and additions to make the grading standards UNIVERSAL and applicable to any manufacturer or style of equipment.
The final DRAFT of our efforts are provided below for your perusal. Please feel free to respond with any suggestions, questions, and other feedback you might have.
Thank You!
The UREGS Commitee
http://www.parismtnsignco.com/UREGS.htm
------------------------
Universal Radio Equipment Grading Standards
UREGS
Compiled and Edited By:
Al Link, K4ICL
Jim Fonte, K9FI
Don Stiles, N8CSP
Dave Kaiser, AL7HG
Greg Yost, W8RCA
Darren Taylor, KF9Z
INTRODUCTION
Universal amateur radio equipment grading standards have been needed for some time. To that
end, the Universal Radio Equipment Grading Standards, or UREGS (pronounced "U-regs") are
hereby offered for use by the amateur radio community at large.
UREGS grading is based solely upon the visual condition of the equipment determined through a
close visual inspection of the equipment. This grading standard may be applied to any piece of
amateur radio equipment, and does not rely upon equipment reviews, marketing information, or
any other external subjective resource.
To insure accuracy and reliability, only persons familiar with the equipment to be graded should
assign a UREGS grade. The original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) specifications should be
used by the grader when a UREGS inspection is done.
USING UREGS
When grade a piece of equipment, the following items should be kept in perspective:
1) Grade categories of NEW, AS NEW, EXCELLENT, GOOD, AVERAGE, POOR, and BAD
were chosen because of an existing common perception that one would have of these terms.
Most people have a grasp of the meanings of the categories "new," "excellent," "good,"
"average", "poor," and "bad." We have heard and used these words all of our lives. These
Standards do not attempt to change the common meaning of the terms. Instead, the
standards provide criteria for making judgments and deciding which grade category matches
the target equipment.
2) Grading should be based solely upon what can be seen and learned of the equipment
through a rigorous visual-and-tactical inspection that includes powering-up the equipment (if
applicable), and determining whether all originally specified functions and features are
working properly and satisfactorily.
3) The UREGS criterion is only concerned with equipment condition. Grading should not be
based upon the perceived value or age of the equipment. A totally useless piece of
equipment may have a UREGS AS NEW grade, and a highly sophisticated, current
production item may have a UREGS BAD grade.
4) Equipment cannot be graded without knowing the manufacturer's specifications. It is not
expected of the UREGS grader to be able to quantify equipment specifications using
laboratory-grade instrumentation. The grader should use his experience and common sense
to make any judgments relative to manufacturer's published specifications. It is expected that
the grader verify each-and-every function of the equipment to be graded, to verify that all
manufacturer's specifications are met, thus assuring that all circuits are working.
5) The objective of this proposed grading standard is to improve equipment-grading reliability
and provide consistency of technique. As such, the grading standards have been created to
"fit" any piece of amateur radio equipment. Compromises in process and procedure are
necessary to limit the number of grade categories to a useful number while not penalizing any
classifications or types of equipment. Transceivers can be judged and graded with the same
set of standards that are used to grade antennas.
6) Modified equipment is eligible for all grade categories except NEW and AS NEW. Generally
speaking, professionally done equipment modifications that enhances its usefulness and/or
performance will not reduce its grade. Modifications that collectively and/or individually
detract from the usefulness and/or performance of the equipment should lower the grade. In
any event, if the equipment is known to have been modified, the word "Modified" must
appear after the UREGS grade. For example, if a two-meter transceiver rates a grading of
UREGS EXCELLENT and is known to have been modified to operate on MARS frequencies,
the proper grade is UREGS EXCELLENT MODIFIED.
7) The addition of a manufacturer's accessory to a piece of equipment is not considered a
modification, since the manufacturer intended that certain accessories be used with the
equipment. For example, the addition of a filter to a receiver, using a filter designed for the
receiver, is not considered a modification of the receiver. The suffix "MODIFIED" is not used
in such cases.
8) The original user's manual, which often including user's instructions, schematics, and other
technical information, usually has a unique part number, and is part the equipment. If it is
missing, the equipment is incomplete and the grade of the equipment should be lowered.
9) Interconnecting cables originally furnished by the manufacturer also have part numbers. If
manufacturer-supplied interconnecting cables are missing, the equipment is incomplete and
the grade of the equipment should be lowered.
10) If equipment has been used and/or stored in a "smoking" environment, and has detectable
tobacco or other smoke-particle residue inside and/or outside of the equipment, its grade
should be lowered.
11) The chronological age of equipment should not affect its grading. Even if a piece of
equipment is totally obsolete, it might deserve a UREGS EXCELLENT grade.
Grade Descriptions
Universal Radio Equipment Grading Standards (UREGS) categories are based upon a seven-
level grading hierarchy:
NEW
AS NEW
EXCELLENT
GOOD
AVERAGE
POOR
BAD
UREGS NEW:
This grade is only given for equipment that is still in the control and domain of the
manufacturer or the manufacturer's authorized retail vendor or agent.
Equipment in UREGS NEW condition will still be in a factory sealed shipping
container or carton, if originally provided by the manufacturer, and will have
never been sold or used in any way.
A new users manual, interconnecting cables and other manufacturer-supplied
parts will be included, if originally furnished by manufacturer.
A vendor's stock item that has been used for demonstrations or customer
evaluation does not qualify as UREGS NEW but may qualify for UREGS AS
NEW grade.
A vendor's item that has sold and, returned defective, has been repaired and
resold does not qualify as UREGS NEW but may qualify for UREGS
EXCELLENT grade.
Equipment sold by an authorized manufacturer vendor or sales agent that is
classified as "New-Refurbished" does not qualify as being UREGS NEW grade.
Once an item is sold to the initial customer, it can not qualify as being UREGS
NEW.
UREGS AS NEW:
This condition is defined as being the same condition as the equipment exhibited
when it left the factory where manufactured.
Equipment in UREGS AS NEW condition will be functioning perfectly, meeting all
manufacturers' specifications.
There will be no damaged or missing parts, no sign of wear, and the outer finish
and other surfaces will be perfect, without showing a single sign of use.
A new users manual must accompany UREGS AS NEW graded equipment
along with interconnecting cables, and any other manufacturer supplied parts
originally furnished by manufacturer.
A UREGS AS NEW graded piece of equipment will be accompanied by any
normally supplied interconnecting cables, accessories, spare parts, original
user's manual (if any), and all other related paperwork.
For grade purposes, the presence of warranty documentation is to be ignored,
unless the warranty is transferable to the new owner. In such cases, a missing,
transferable warranty and associated documentation should lower the grade of
the equipment.
No components shall have been replaced or repaired, nor should any non-factory
modifications of any kind have been made to the equipment.
There should be no dust, smoke residue, corrosion, or other chemical alteration
on any inner or outer surface of the equipment. Any scratch, smudge, blister,
dent, smoke residue, rust, corrosion, discoloration or mar of any kind on any
surface disqualifies a piece of equipment from being classified UREGS AS NEW
Restored or refurbished equipment does not qualify for a UREGS AS NEW
grade.
UREGS EXCELLENT:
This condition is defined as being nearly in the same condition in which the
equipment left the factory when it was manufactured.
Equipment in UREGS EXCELLENT condition will be completely functional,
meeting all manufacturer's specifications, having no missing or damaged parts,
and may show only very minute signs of use.
A complete, clean users manual must accompany UREGS EXCELLENT graded
equipment along with serviceable interconnecting cables, and any other
manufactures supplied parts, and any other manufacture's supplied parts, if
originally furnished by manufacturer.
The inner and outer surfaces will be perfect, and have no scratches or dents.
There will be no dust, smoke residue, corrosion, or other chemical alteration of
any surface of the equipment.
The material from which certain parts are made may not show physical age.
Plastic parts may not have changed color with age.
The equipment may have had components replaced, but the workmanship must
be equal to the quality of the original manufacturer.
There may be modifications installed that were not performed by the original
manufacturer. The workmanship must be of professional quality, and the
modifications must not have eliminated an original feature or design
characteristic, and must have enhanced the usefulness of the equipment.
There may be repairs completed on the equipment but the workmanship must be
of professional quality, and the repair work must meet all original specifications
and applicable safety standards.
Any detracting scratch or smudge, blister, dent, smoke residue, rust, corrosion,
or discoloration on any surface disqualifies a piece of equipment from being
classified UREGS EXCELLENT.
If the equipment has been modified in any way that removes or limits the
manufacturer's designed usefulness, it is disqualified from being graded as
UREGS EXCELLENT.
Restored equipment may qualify for this grade.
Note: The suffix "MODIFIED" should be included with the grade, when
applicable.
UREGS GOOD:
This condition is defined as being visibly used, undamaged, complete and fully
functional, meeting the manufacturer's specifications as originally manufactured.
Equipment graded UREGS GOOD will be completely functional, yet there could
be some signs of use and wear.
A serviceable users manual must accompany UREGS GOOD graded equipment
along with serviceable interconnecting cables, and any other manufacture's
supplied parts, originally furnished by manufacturer.
Defective, damaged or missing parts must have been replaced with components
that match the original manufacture's design, look, and intent.
There may be modifications installed that were not provided by the original
manufacturer. The workmanship must be of professional quality, and the
modifications must not have eliminated an original feature or design
characteristic, and must have enhanced the usefulness of the equipment.
The outer surface finish will have only very minor wear (a few small scratches or
signs of wear but not into the metal), and dust may be expected on the inside of
any existing cabinets.
There shall be no visible rust or salt-water corrosion on any inner or outer
surface.
The outer surfaces may have been repainted, provided the quality, color, and
finish is equivalent to original.
There can be barely discernable fading of outer visible parts or components.
Equipment with extra holes drilled into visible outer surfaces will not qualify for
this grade.
If the equipment has been modified in a manner that has removed or limited a
manufacturer's designed usefulness, it is disqualified from being graded as
UREGS GOOD.
Restored equipment may qualify for this grade.
Note: The suffix "MODIFIED" should be included with the grade, when
applicable.
UREGS AVERAGE:
This condition is defined as having no major damage, may not be fully functional,
and may not meet all manufacturers' specifications, but must be readily
repairable and restorable to factory specifications.
Equipment in UREGS AVERAGE condition might not be complete, may have
been modified, and may need repairs or realignment.
To be graded as UREGS AVERAGE, the equipment must be easily repairable
using readily available parts.
It is likely that user's manuals, interconnecting cables, and other installation parts
originally supplied with the equipment will be missing.
There will be signs of use and wear, and there may be extra holes drilled in the
inner or outer surfaces.
Panel scratches may exist but may not be extensive
The outer finish may have scratches on the metal surface that will require touch
up or refinishing.
There may be very minor rust or other minor corrosion on some inner or outer
surfaces, but the extent must not be significant.
Any excessive scratches, signs of abuse, major damage such as might be
sustained if dropped, excessive rust, or heavy salt corrosion on any surface
disqualifies a piece of equipment from being classified as UREGS AVERAGE.
Note: The suffix "MODIFIED" should be included with the grade, when
applicable.
UREGS POOR:
To have a UREGS POOR grade the equipment must be at least partially
functional for it original intended use. If it is nonfunctional and unrepairable or
too expensive to repair, it must be graded USREGS BAD.
This condition is defined as being obviously damaged and/or incomplete,
excessively used, poorly modified, abused, or badly rusted and/or corroded.
Equipment in poor condition usually is not totally functional and may not be
complete.
There will be obvious signs of excessive wear and tear, or other obvious
damage.
Equipment with uncompleted repair work, cut wires, and missing components or
subassemblies also should be graded as UREGS POOR.
Equipment with heavy rust or salt corrosion also falls into this category, even
though it might be otherwise undamaged and functional.
Note: The suffix "MODIFIED" should be included with the grade, when
applicable.
UREGS BAD:
This condition is defined as being unserviceable for it intended purpose, and
having no use beyond that of providing parts for use in repairing other similar
equipment.
Any equipment that will not fit in a UREGS POOR or higher grade category is
automatically graded as UREGS BAD.
Equipment requiring unavailable key components to make the equipment
functional (such as proprietary microchips, etc.), are graded UREGS BAD, as
such equipment is unrepairable and unserviceable.
A few weeks ago, a group of hams combined their efforts and created what, hopefully, will become a useful set of criteria for judging the condition of ANY radio equipment and assigning a condition GRADE, for use by traders.
We researched existing grading standards from the Collins owners group as well as the Drake owners group and made needed modifications and additions to make the grading standards UNIVERSAL and applicable to any manufacturer or style of equipment.
The final DRAFT of our efforts are provided below for your perusal. Please feel free to respond with any suggestions, questions, and other feedback you might have.
Thank You!
The UREGS Commitee
http://www.parismtnsignco.com/UREGS.htm
------------------------
Universal Radio Equipment Grading Standards
UREGS
Compiled and Edited By:
Al Link, K4ICL
Jim Fonte, K9FI
Don Stiles, N8CSP
Dave Kaiser, AL7HG
Greg Yost, W8RCA
Darren Taylor, KF9Z
INTRODUCTION
Universal amateur radio equipment grading standards have been needed for some time. To that
end, the Universal Radio Equipment Grading Standards, or UREGS (pronounced "U-regs") are
hereby offered for use by the amateur radio community at large.
UREGS grading is based solely upon the visual condition of the equipment determined through a
close visual inspection of the equipment. This grading standard may be applied to any piece of
amateur radio equipment, and does not rely upon equipment reviews, marketing information, or
any other external subjective resource.
To insure accuracy and reliability, only persons familiar with the equipment to be graded should
assign a UREGS grade. The original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) specifications should be
used by the grader when a UREGS inspection is done.
USING UREGS
When grade a piece of equipment, the following items should be kept in perspective:
1) Grade categories of NEW, AS NEW, EXCELLENT, GOOD, AVERAGE, POOR, and BAD
were chosen because of an existing common perception that one would have of these terms.
Most people have a grasp of the meanings of the categories "new," "excellent," "good,"
"average", "poor," and "bad." We have heard and used these words all of our lives. These
Standards do not attempt to change the common meaning of the terms. Instead, the
standards provide criteria for making judgments and deciding which grade category matches
the target equipment.
2) Grading should be based solely upon what can be seen and learned of the equipment
through a rigorous visual-and-tactical inspection that includes powering-up the equipment (if
applicable), and determining whether all originally specified functions and features are
working properly and satisfactorily.
3) The UREGS criterion is only concerned with equipment condition. Grading should not be
based upon the perceived value or age of the equipment. A totally useless piece of
equipment may have a UREGS AS NEW grade, and a highly sophisticated, current
production item may have a UREGS BAD grade.
4) Equipment cannot be graded without knowing the manufacturer's specifications. It is not
expected of the UREGS grader to be able to quantify equipment specifications using
laboratory-grade instrumentation. The grader should use his experience and common sense
to make any judgments relative to manufacturer's published specifications. It is expected that
the grader verify each-and-every function of the equipment to be graded, to verify that all
manufacturer's specifications are met, thus assuring that all circuits are working.
5) The objective of this proposed grading standard is to improve equipment-grading reliability
and provide consistency of technique. As such, the grading standards have been created to
"fit" any piece of amateur radio equipment. Compromises in process and procedure are
necessary to limit the number of grade categories to a useful number while not penalizing any
classifications or types of equipment. Transceivers can be judged and graded with the same
set of standards that are used to grade antennas.
6) Modified equipment is eligible for all grade categories except NEW and AS NEW. Generally
speaking, professionally done equipment modifications that enhances its usefulness and/or
performance will not reduce its grade. Modifications that collectively and/or individually
detract from the usefulness and/or performance of the equipment should lower the grade. In
any event, if the equipment is known to have been modified, the word "Modified" must
appear after the UREGS grade. For example, if a two-meter transceiver rates a grading of
UREGS EXCELLENT and is known to have been modified to operate on MARS frequencies,
the proper grade is UREGS EXCELLENT MODIFIED.
7) The addition of a manufacturer's accessory to a piece of equipment is not considered a
modification, since the manufacturer intended that certain accessories be used with the
equipment. For example, the addition of a filter to a receiver, using a filter designed for the
receiver, is not considered a modification of the receiver. The suffix "MODIFIED" is not used
in such cases.
8) The original user's manual, which often including user's instructions, schematics, and other
technical information, usually has a unique part number, and is part the equipment. If it is
missing, the equipment is incomplete and the grade of the equipment should be lowered.
9) Interconnecting cables originally furnished by the manufacturer also have part numbers. If
manufacturer-supplied interconnecting cables are missing, the equipment is incomplete and
the grade of the equipment should be lowered.
10) If equipment has been used and/or stored in a "smoking" environment, and has detectable
tobacco or other smoke-particle residue inside and/or outside of the equipment, its grade
should be lowered.
11) The chronological age of equipment should not affect its grading. Even if a piece of
equipment is totally obsolete, it might deserve a UREGS EXCELLENT grade.
Grade Descriptions
Universal Radio Equipment Grading Standards (UREGS) categories are based upon a seven-
level grading hierarchy:
NEW
AS NEW
EXCELLENT
GOOD
AVERAGE
POOR
BAD
UREGS NEW:
This grade is only given for equipment that is still in the control and domain of the
manufacturer or the manufacturer's authorized retail vendor or agent.
Equipment in UREGS NEW condition will still be in a factory sealed shipping
container or carton, if originally provided by the manufacturer, and will have
never been sold or used in any way.
A new users manual, interconnecting cables and other manufacturer-supplied
parts will be included, if originally furnished by manufacturer.
A vendor's stock item that has been used for demonstrations or customer
evaluation does not qualify as UREGS NEW but may qualify for UREGS AS
NEW grade.
A vendor's item that has sold and, returned defective, has been repaired and
resold does not qualify as UREGS NEW but may qualify for UREGS
EXCELLENT grade.
Equipment sold by an authorized manufacturer vendor or sales agent that is
classified as "New-Refurbished" does not qualify as being UREGS NEW grade.
Once an item is sold to the initial customer, it can not qualify as being UREGS
NEW.
UREGS AS NEW:
This condition is defined as being the same condition as the equipment exhibited
when it left the factory where manufactured.
Equipment in UREGS AS NEW condition will be functioning perfectly, meeting all
manufacturers' specifications.
There will be no damaged or missing parts, no sign of wear, and the outer finish
and other surfaces will be perfect, without showing a single sign of use.
A new users manual must accompany UREGS AS NEW graded equipment
along with interconnecting cables, and any other manufacturer supplied parts
originally furnished by manufacturer.
A UREGS AS NEW graded piece of equipment will be accompanied by any
normally supplied interconnecting cables, accessories, spare parts, original
user's manual (if any), and all other related paperwork.
For grade purposes, the presence of warranty documentation is to be ignored,
unless the warranty is transferable to the new owner. In such cases, a missing,
transferable warranty and associated documentation should lower the grade of
the equipment.
No components shall have been replaced or repaired, nor should any non-factory
modifications of any kind have been made to the equipment.
There should be no dust, smoke residue, corrosion, or other chemical alteration
on any inner or outer surface of the equipment. Any scratch, smudge, blister,
dent, smoke residue, rust, corrosion, discoloration or mar of any kind on any
surface disqualifies a piece of equipment from being classified UREGS AS NEW
Restored or refurbished equipment does not qualify for a UREGS AS NEW
grade.
UREGS EXCELLENT:
This condition is defined as being nearly in the same condition in which the
equipment left the factory when it was manufactured.
Equipment in UREGS EXCELLENT condition will be completely functional,
meeting all manufacturer's specifications, having no missing or damaged parts,
and may show only very minute signs of use.
A complete, clean users manual must accompany UREGS EXCELLENT graded
equipment along with serviceable interconnecting cables, and any other
manufactures supplied parts, and any other manufacture's supplied parts, if
originally furnished by manufacturer.
The inner and outer surfaces will be perfect, and have no scratches or dents.
There will be no dust, smoke residue, corrosion, or other chemical alteration of
any surface of the equipment.
The material from which certain parts are made may not show physical age.
Plastic parts may not have changed color with age.
The equipment may have had components replaced, but the workmanship must
be equal to the quality of the original manufacturer.
There may be modifications installed that were not performed by the original
manufacturer. The workmanship must be of professional quality, and the
modifications must not have eliminated an original feature or design
characteristic, and must have enhanced the usefulness of the equipment.
There may be repairs completed on the equipment but the workmanship must be
of professional quality, and the repair work must meet all original specifications
and applicable safety standards.
Any detracting scratch or smudge, blister, dent, smoke residue, rust, corrosion,
or discoloration on any surface disqualifies a piece of equipment from being
classified UREGS EXCELLENT.
If the equipment has been modified in any way that removes or limits the
manufacturer's designed usefulness, it is disqualified from being graded as
UREGS EXCELLENT.
Restored equipment may qualify for this grade.
Note: The suffix "MODIFIED" should be included with the grade, when
applicable.
UREGS GOOD:
This condition is defined as being visibly used, undamaged, complete and fully
functional, meeting the manufacturer's specifications as originally manufactured.
Equipment graded UREGS GOOD will be completely functional, yet there could
be some signs of use and wear.
A serviceable users manual must accompany UREGS GOOD graded equipment
along with serviceable interconnecting cables, and any other manufacture's
supplied parts, originally furnished by manufacturer.
Defective, damaged or missing parts must have been replaced with components
that match the original manufacture's design, look, and intent.
There may be modifications installed that were not provided by the original
manufacturer. The workmanship must be of professional quality, and the
modifications must not have eliminated an original feature or design
characteristic, and must have enhanced the usefulness of the equipment.
The outer surface finish will have only very minor wear (a few small scratches or
signs of wear but not into the metal), and dust may be expected on the inside of
any existing cabinets.
There shall be no visible rust or salt-water corrosion on any inner or outer
surface.
The outer surfaces may have been repainted, provided the quality, color, and
finish is equivalent to original.
There can be barely discernable fading of outer visible parts or components.
Equipment with extra holes drilled into visible outer surfaces will not qualify for
this grade.
If the equipment has been modified in a manner that has removed or limited a
manufacturer's designed usefulness, it is disqualified from being graded as
UREGS GOOD.
Restored equipment may qualify for this grade.
Note: The suffix "MODIFIED" should be included with the grade, when
applicable.
UREGS AVERAGE:
This condition is defined as having no major damage, may not be fully functional,
and may not meet all manufacturers' specifications, but must be readily
repairable and restorable to factory specifications.
Equipment in UREGS AVERAGE condition might not be complete, may have
been modified, and may need repairs or realignment.
To be graded as UREGS AVERAGE, the equipment must be easily repairable
using readily available parts.
It is likely that user's manuals, interconnecting cables, and other installation parts
originally supplied with the equipment will be missing.
There will be signs of use and wear, and there may be extra holes drilled in the
inner or outer surfaces.
Panel scratches may exist but may not be extensive
The outer finish may have scratches on the metal surface that will require touch
up or refinishing.
There may be very minor rust or other minor corrosion on some inner or outer
surfaces, but the extent must not be significant.
Any excessive scratches, signs of abuse, major damage such as might be
sustained if dropped, excessive rust, or heavy salt corrosion on any surface
disqualifies a piece of equipment from being classified as UREGS AVERAGE.
Note: The suffix "MODIFIED" should be included with the grade, when
applicable.
UREGS POOR:
To have a UREGS POOR grade the equipment must be at least partially
functional for it original intended use. If it is nonfunctional and unrepairable or
too expensive to repair, it must be graded USREGS BAD.
This condition is defined as being obviously damaged and/or incomplete,
excessively used, poorly modified, abused, or badly rusted and/or corroded.
Equipment in poor condition usually is not totally functional and may not be
complete.
There will be obvious signs of excessive wear and tear, or other obvious
damage.
Equipment with uncompleted repair work, cut wires, and missing components or
subassemblies also should be graded as UREGS POOR.
Equipment with heavy rust or salt corrosion also falls into this category, even
though it might be otherwise undamaged and functional.
Note: The suffix "MODIFIED" should be included with the grade, when
applicable.
UREGS BAD:
This condition is defined as being unserviceable for it intended purpose, and
having no use beyond that of providing parts for use in repairing other similar
equipment.
Any equipment that will not fit in a UREGS POOR or higher grade category is
automatically graded as UREGS BAD.
Equipment requiring unavailable key components to make the equipment
functional (such as proprietary microchips, etc.), are graded UREGS BAD, as
such equipment is unrepairable and unserviceable.