Radio Shack SUCKS. [Archive]

kz9u

04-04-2002, 08:17 PM

hehe Wow.. Radio Shack.. What a great example of a good store gone bad. They've tried to get me to give them my name before as well. I'd just tell em Willian J. Clinton, 2100 Pennsylvania Ave. Washingtion DC. (Yes, thats out of date now, but I haven't been back in a while) They typically get the point around then and stop hassling me. Thats not even the worst thing about that store, though.

Once upon a time Radio Shack was a store where you, as a hobbyist, be it in Amateur Radio, or whatever, could go to for parts, supplies, even kits. The guys that worked at Radio Shack used to actually BE hobbyists who knew something about what they were selling. You could go there to test tubes (Ok, thats less important today than it used to be, I'll freely admit) or get advice.. Whatever.. In all honesty in the last 10 times I've tried to get something that I needed for whatever project I was working on at the time I've been tol "We don't stock that" and once even "What do those do, anyway?"

Yes, once upon a time, Radio Shack was a good store for nobbyists. Today its a place to buy clock radios, telephones, and Compaq computers (But God forbid you should ever need an ACCESSORY for one of those Compaqs as I found out, painfully, when I tried to buy a replacement power cord for a company laptop when I accidentally left the original in a hotel room while on a road trip). The vast majority of the people that work at these stores nowadays are high school kids who think the best way to fix something is to buy a new one.

Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that most Radio Shacks nowadays seem to be located in shopping malls. Not that I am opposed to malls, you know, but how high a percentage of their applicants do you suppose are people looking for part time work so they can buy whatever CD/DVD/Whatever is trendy this week? I'm guessing pretty high.

Perhaps, too, it is because there is a dwindling percentage of the population that ARE hobbyists? In this day and age of microwave coffee and drive through dinners, people, perhaps, are less inclined to be patient enough to enjoy the pleasures of the "Do it yourself" hobby.

No, I'm not thrilled about the direction that Radio Shack has gone over the last 25 years (And what ever happened to their Battery of the Month Club?) In fact, you could probably say that I am quite disappointed. But in spite of that, I can't say that I blame the upper management for their decisions. After all, if my choice was to "sell out" or "fade out", you can guess which way I'd go.

Although it would sure be nice if there was some sort of a nod to the hobbyists that made Radio Shack the store it was and gave them the money to turn into the king of the "Importers of Junk"

w8ob

04-04-2002, 09:20 PM

Ah Yesssssss Rat Shack, The only place where you can buy a product
and a fews days after the warrenty is up it dies. I'm on my 3rd rat shack
product that burned me this way.

KC2JCA

04-04-2002, 09:29 PM

Radio Shack - Several good slogans have evolved recently. Two of my favorites "You've got questions - We've got batteries" and "You've got questions - We've got your name and address"

But, you most certainly can purchase at Radio Shack without giving your name and other pertinent information. I once told a clerk at RS I refused to give my name, because between Radio Shack and EZ Pass (A toll road debit system) everyone in New Jersey knew where I was at any given moment.

I usually use phrases such as, "Look, I really don't have time to give you my name for the 1000th time, just ring me up." or "Well, call corporate headquarters then, and we'll see if I get this part or you keep your job."

Radio Shack has gone the way of most consumer product suppliers, their employees are paid on a commission basis. Hence their insistance that you take a gander at the latest offering in a Sprint phone. They have no time to waste on a $1 part, of which they get $0.02 worth of commission.

In fact, if you ever want Radio Shack clerks to ignore you totally, just stand in front of the capacitor rack. Not only do they not get commission on electronic parts, they have no idea what you're supposed to use them for. They can't figure out why anyone would want to build or repair anything when they have so many great sales this week. Can we show you something in a phone or satellite TV system?

73, Jim - kc2jca

NN6EE

04-04-2002, 09:41 PM

I've never run into a RATSHACK STORE that would actually be that ANAL!!!

But I'll guarrantee you that if any company tried that kind of ARROGANT BS I'd never deal with them AGAIN!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

nn6ee

KD5KUF

04-04-2002, 10:51 PM

I am lucky enough that my local RS has a ham working there and he is currently educating the new owner about ham radio and our needs. But to do so he needs to see sales of these items. Since they are the only electronic parts supplier within about 60 miles, if I don't give them my business, they won't stock what I, as a ham, need. The relationship has to work from both sides.
When ham radio evolved to buying ready made radios with all the bells and whistles, then shopping for the cheapest prices so we could afford them, they lost a lot of our business. We let them down and now they let us down. We helped create the problem and their only option was to go for the customers that still shopped with them for their electronic needs.
You just have to do what you can to repair the relationship on the local level. If you are lucky you will find a Mom & Pop owned electronics store instead of a teen hangout mall stereo store, and can start forming a personal relationship with the owners or clerks. Good luck! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

K9STH

04-04-2002, 10:59 PM

It is not Radio Shack policy to "demand" your name and address on a cash sale. On a payment by cheque or credit card, then it is. In fact, virtually any place of business requires your name, address, driver's license number, etc., for any purchase by cheque.

Unfortunately, Radio Shack, within the past six weeks, is in the process of eliminating even more of the parts and assemblies that they have "left", like replacement speakers and a lot more of the small parts. The manager of my local Radio Shack (who even knows my date of birth - it is one day after her's!) said that the corporate direction is now towards game systems, etc., and not even the automobile stereo, etc. that were the "mainstays" a few years ago. The games, along with the direct satellite, cellular, and PCS systems are to be their "bread and butter". I do know that little things that were in stock a couple of months ago have gone the way of the DoDo bird!

Glen, K9STH

WB2WIK

04-04-2002, 11:18 PM

I, too, have found it easier to just give them a name and address -- anyone's name and address -- rather than argue with them.

It's a shame R/S is trimming down the "parts" in favor of the games, or whatever. Well, not such a shame considering Digi-Key et al. has a much larger stock of a far greater selection of parts, and same-day mail order service. Oh well.

My local R/S stores (about 3-4 of them within a couple of miles here) always ask me about satellite TV and cellular telephones. Yep, got both. Nope, don't need more of 'em. They sure push them, though. If they intend to rely completely on these nearly saturated markets for survival, I guess we can kiss R/S goodbye sometime quite soon.

WB2WIK/6

04-04-2002, 11:41 PM

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif I'm sure glad I don't own stock in R/S! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Who among us is just now figurn' out that R/S sucks?

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif This factoid is nearly as worn out as code requirement wars ( I mean discussions ). http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

73 de Craig...........KCØGOA http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

W5ATX

04-05-2002, 04:35 AM

Radio Shack I think stayed in business through the 70's because of the CB boom. But long long ago, Radio Shack sold ham equipment - Collins, Hallicrafters, and the like - in downtown Boston. My my how things change.

I admit, I have a RS scanner that's worked for years. But overall, no, their stuff is junk. Realistically though, can anyone expect them to stock stuff they won't sell much of? How many folks are going in there buying discreet components? The hams? Not even most of them. So . . . sad to say, but retail is retail, and they have to stock what sells. Such is capitalism.

73,

Chris

wr6s

04-05-2002, 06:02 AM

Yea,radio shack sucks. Not the store i wishe dit was. The employees,for the most part,have no clue as to electronic parts. They do know sprint phones and direct tv,and now DISH also. Why,cuz thats how htye make ENOUGH MONEY TO JUST BARELY SURVIVE ON. The majority of stores ARE not on commision basis. ITS CALLED MINIMUM WAGE and perks,you guessed it,a small commision on CERTAIN things, sprint/verizon phones,satelite systems,instalation sevices,and credit card approvals. MOst of the poor "droids" that work there,or whatever other derogatory word you would like, do not like,and are sometimes embarrased to ask for the name,that the compnay requires them to do. They also have to have name ,add, for credit card purchasis, name add,dl,dob,and second id for checkes,and if the check is over 300 bucks,the stuff gets held till the check clears. WHY,probably cause some idiots like to commit fraud,or bounce a bit[ ive never had that happen http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ] The company,as glenn said,is turning to the new fad.The handheld games. and yes,they are moving out of the stereo business,in fact,good sale going on,i scored some good stuff at a good price.

Depending on the store,some of the employess,might get to sell 2-3 commisionable things a week. That adds a wopping 30 bucks to the minimum wage,,gee,living high on the hog. If your lucky,and have a ham working at your local store,he may know what that NPO cap is you need. BUt it probbaly aint in stock. hey folks,i had to eat didnt I http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif 73,pat dm14

AB6ND

04-05-2002, 07:00 AM

Hi Craig, I don't own stock in Radio Shack but I spend a fair amount of money there. They dont try to give the impression of being a store in business for hams and why should they? There is not enough money made from hams to even pay the stores rent. In my area there were two excellent stores owned by hams who spoke 'Ham Radio' and stocked ham radio parts etc. Both stores have closed due to lack of trade. Radio Shack know where the money is and I dont blame them. If I objected to giving them my name etc. I would simply stay away.I own a couple of RS Scanners, a Ten Meter Transceiver and a Battery charger. They all perform perfectly. 73 Roy

NN6EE

04-05-2002, 06:28 PM

Chris,

# Yah I remember the GOOD OL'DAYS at getting a "ALLIED RADIO/ELECTRONICS catalog in the mail, then looking through it and DROOLING at all the neat RADIOS they had to offer, but of course at that time most of the good stuff was WAY OUT OF MY PRICE RANGE!!!

# In fact we also had a couple of relatively large electronics Parts Suppliers here in the Bay Area, ELMARS, also E.C WENGER, and last but not least was BRILL ELECTRONICS!!! These places sold parts on an individual basis or in larger quanities, whatever you wanted!!!

# The good ol'days have undoubtedly DISAPPEARED forever!!! CORPORATE AMERICA RULES NOW!!! And SERVICE is definitely NOT IN THEIR VOLCABULARY!!!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif #es 73,

nn6ee

K0YNE

04-05-2002, 06:46 PM

Someone stated that a cash transaction didn't require a name. Not TRUE HERE. Call the Kearney, NE store and ask anyone there if they will sell you something cash and you don't have to give your name. That young man should remember me. I'm sure he was following company policy as he so pointed down to their policy that was posted below the cash register to read. He was a little too arrogant and I thought I could reach him better by an outburst. These people are too arrogant for the likes of me. Radio shack still sucks.

n0xu

04-05-2002, 07:21 PM

I worked at Radio Shack in the late Eighties. During that time the executive management decided that what meager commission we made on sales would be cut in half during the period between November 15th and January 1. Their reasoning was that "It is easier to make sales during that period; you aren't earning the commission, so we're going to cut it in half." Sure it was easier to make sales. But we were also working twice as hard stocking, cleaning, and dealing with the holiday shopping mayhem. We also had to stay at the store till 11PM or 12AM Christmas Eve putting up signs for the sales (again, half commissions) that happened at 8AM on December 26th.

Their policy was unfair, abusive and exploitative. It is why I don't buy anything at Radio Shack if I can avoid it.

73 Drew N0XU

04-05-2002, 07:31 PM

RADIO SHACK COULD CARE LESS ABOUT HAMS OR THEIR RADIO EQUIPMENT!!THEY JUST WANT TO SALE THEIR CHEAP CHINA MADE TOYS AND WHAT THEY DO OFFER IS A RADIO FOR TWICE THE PRICE AND HALF THE PERFORMANCE. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

n8emr

04-05-2002, 07:31 PM

So give them a name, who says it has to be yours.
Need an address 1600 Pa blvd works for me.

04-05-2002, 07:42 PM

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif AHHH Yes! The "Radio Shaft!" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

KC2JCA

04-05-2002, 10:09 PM

What is 1600 Pa Blvd?

Ummm, Radio Shack doesn't completely suck. I went in to by a 1/4 inch phone-jack equipped cable in September of 1998. The girl behind the counter said, "What's your name?" I said, "What's yours?" This September we celebrate our 4th Anniversary.

As a matter of fact I wrote a stupid song about it:

"Alice, The Radio Shack Clerk"

You can hear it free at http://www.mp3.com/jimhershey

73, Jim - kc2jca

kz9u

04-05-2002, 11:23 PM

Actually I didn't type 1600.. I typed 2100.. But you DID make me go back and look...

KC2JCA

04-06-2002, 12:00 AM

OKay, I'll bite, what's 2100?

K9STH

04-06-2002, 01:34 AM

To KC2JCA: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC, is the present residence of one George W. Bush, formerly governor of the Sovergn State of Texas, and a permanent resident of the small town of Crawford, Texas (near Waco).

Glen, K9STH

ka8jhm

04-06-2002, 01:55 AM

I made small purchase at radio shack in North Olmsted Ohio last week, when asked for name I just told them " ring it up as cash sale, I already get enough junk mail". No problem here. Bob

wa4cch

04-06-2002, 04:02 AM

i just tell em my name is john e cash they get the message it works everytime http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
73 chuck

KC2JCA

04-06-2002, 12:55 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (K9STH @ April 05 2002,18:34)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">To KC2JCA: #1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC, is the present residence of one George W. Bush, formerly governor of the Sovergn State of Texas, and a permanent resident of the small town of Crawford, Texas (near Waco).

Glen, K9STH[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Yeah, I know that. It's just this, so far in this thread I have seen the following addresses...

1600 Pennsylvania Blvd
2100 Pennsylvania Ave

My question still is "What are those?"

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

73, Jim - kc2jca

kz9u

04-06-2002, 02:27 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KC2JCA @ April 06 2002,05:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">1600 Pennsylvania Blvd
2100 Pennsylvania Ave

My question still is "What are those?"

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

73, Jim - kc2jca[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
My response is this:

Those are addresses typed when A: Very Tired and B: Distracted by.. ya know.. WORK.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

73

N9KZU - Mike

wr6s

04-06-2002, 03:50 PM

The clerk that refused to sell the gentlemen anything after NOT giving up his name,was either mistaken on the policy,and a new "droid",or was insensed by a possibily poor attitude. The name thing is a policy requirement,and depending on the district,anything below 70 percent the manager can get a warning. I play in a small town rat shack and know most of my customers. I know weather they are in the database or not. I know when they are removed from the database[ about every3 months] and then i will ask them again. did i get warned about it,YUP.did i explain i know they were good in the database. YUP. did i learn that the powers ot be dont care if i know or not,they want their statistics,YUP hihi.
I have run into these poor atitude people and in fact have refused to sell things to them.[im not saying the other gemtle man had a poor attitude,im sure he didint] against policy,YUP. do i have to put up with them?.NOPE. i enjoy doing my part time thing and have built up my base of customers becuase i look for the electronic types. If they want a cell phone i refer them to a "droid". THE RAT SHACK has some good deals a lot of times. in fact i do pretty well "fereting" out good stuff hihi. But abusive condescending people i will not stand for. If they dont like the products people,service,repair polocy etc.GO to "BEST BUY".try to even get someone to help you BUY something there. Those poor people are so thin their service is non existant. WHy do i go there sometimes,cuz they have something i need,and i recognise its easier for me. Are they nasty sometimes,YUP. Do i understand that usually their anger is out of frustration. YUP. If one of their employess is outwardly nasty to me,DO i complain.YUP http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif . becaus eof my prior job,i have found out that most people are idiots sometimes,including me http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif. Most of the shack employees are young folks trying to eeek out a bit of food money,in hopes of getting a better job. They dont owe you a thing,THE company should expect a poor quality of employee when they pay them minimum wage and a few perks,and the company is ok with that. For those thtaa re on the commision deal,i imagine they can make a bit more money. i am pleased wiht the company policies fro the most part. For the employees that can grab a set,and MAKE DECISIONS,and have a good manager,they have a lot of latitude to SOLVE customer problems ON their own. But at minimum wage,there arent a lot of the kids thta have the life experience or desire to make desisions. so they refer people up to the manager. For the most part they are pretty good. i am pleased with the customer service at the shack. Iam also pleased with their chain of command. If i have a problem pertaining to something i felt was wrong with the way i was treated,,i can instantly call the district manager,if my manager cant help me. and then i can go higher. Not a bad place ot work if you only need a bit of food money. BUT,if your doing it full time,,good luck on trying to live. And yes,during xmas and holidays and inventory,you are expected to work,give up family time,and stay till midnight. all this so you can get yelled at by a condescending idiot who expects the world for free,blames you because you didnt tell them that their product THEY bought wouldnt cook for them,that the manual is hard to read[if they read it at all],that the pricing was to high and WHY DO "YOU" charge so much[ but thye buy it anyway] http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif,etc etc.
The radio shack experience depends on the employee you deal with,the amount of common sense YOU have,and what type of attitude BOTH have for that particular day. If you shop around for a good shack,you will find one thta has some decent employees.Ingeneral,stay away form the young :"droids"[but not all of them]
Human nature. im not please about stocking game boy lights,i would rather be stocking BILLIONS of components,But for my minimum wage i am pleased ot do it to meet the people that i have,cultivate friendships on a retail basis,and do my little part to maintain out electronics parts for as long as i can. i do enjoy it quite a bit,and have no problem dealing with abusive idiot customers. it is truly fun http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif,pat/dm14

kz9u

04-06-2002, 11:44 PM

Well, thank you, WR6S, you have detailed VERY nicely what the problem with that store is. You said "Warnings for under 70% names", you said "They don;t CARE if you are already there". THATS the problem with Radio Shack and thats why I haven't been to one in so very long, and also why I won't be going back until and unless they change their ideas and policies. You see, I do not WANT to get the crap in the mail that they send out.. I don;t WANT the umpteen copies of it that I get when I DO give them my information. If their marketing information is more important to them than sales, then, frankly, I don;t give a damn about putting food on the plates of the people who work there for minimum wage. Frankly, I can get anything I can get at Radio Shack (Including Direct TV and cell phones) a LOT of other places.. And those places do not make it policy to INSIST that I tell them who I am (Unless of course I pay by credit card or check.. THen its to be expected) But on a cash purchase you do not NEED my name.. And I am not going to give it to you. And if being stubborn about it puts a few of those driods outta work, its no skin off my nose.

KC2JCA

04-07-2002, 02:59 AM

I'm surprised at the number of folks disgusted with Radio Shack who continue to patronize this Radio Shack sponsored website.

73, Jim - kc2jca

wr6s

04-07-2002, 08:35 AM

N9KZU,yup bud your right. it seems the "powers"that be,are not people that actually have to PESTERpeople for the name and such. i equate it to some miltary person that has never seen combat telling combat vets how to do their job. SOMEONE OR SOMWHERE,there are idiot management thta have decided that the name thing for the mailers is MANDATORY,and helps the compnay wiht sales. I would like to see a study done including NOT SENDING MAILERS and see what happens to sales.i would say about 3 months should tell the tale. BUT I REALLY DONT THINK THAT IS GONNA HAPPEN.why,,CUZ THATS THE WAY IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN. JUST LIKE ASKING A GANGBANGER WHY THEY BANG. THE TYPICAL ANSWER WAS "THATS THE WAY IT IS". aND IM SURE ITS NO SKIN OF YOUR NOSE,WHY SHOULD IT BE?!. and why should droids making minimum wage give a hoot about you. it seems ot be a catch 22,and i dont think corporate is really gonna change. that would require changing to many policies,and that would require too much work for some person somwhere up top. but then again,they make their 80k a year,and STATUS quo is usully the trend for people like that. If top managment would listen to some of the decent "droids" that actually like giving people a good deal,helping them find what they need,helping them design a project,they might get some decent ideas on how to turn the company around. But is that gonna happen. kinda doubt it. The fact that you said it was no skin off your nose,means that the company doesnt care about what they should care about. BUT then again,you cant please all of the people all of the time. And i dont see to many people that actually like the shack. but i would request that maybe you get lucky and find a decent one,,not all of the droids are bad. there are good ones out there,but as i said b4,this is the type of company where you have to find a GOOD store,that wont be afraid to treat people nicely,not be pushy about working them into a cell phone,,or ask for your name as if you OWED it to them! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif. It all comes down to the compnay is in busines to make money,not friends. i think the friend business model would work a bit better. im lucky to have aham and a just outstanding manager to work WITH,not for.,and have the latitude to make decisions and treat people the way they should be treated as a valued customer. i got lucky,but then again i would only owrk at this particular store. If your not an idiot[[ not referring to you http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif]and know what you want ,and can just tell the poor driod politely that you really dont want to be on the mailer,i think the repsonse will be no problem. but just like in law enforcement,you get a few bad apples out of 10,000 cops. human nature. i would compare our service to best buys as a winner anytime, offcourse when the compnay forces their managers ot work 56 plus hours a week,have employees run the store by themselves,customer service goes down the tubes. just a poor business model in my opinion. and offcourse if any high ups in the compnay read my ramblings,im sure i wont have the opportunity to serve the people i enjoy serving. and then they can take their minimum wage and higher another droid,and we all suffer. hey,THEIR decision,and i wont cry when the compnay stock goes to 4 cents,i told em so http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif.and from what i see,a lot of you are also. maybe the kids buying the gameboy stuff wont mind. BUT ILL BE DAMED if im gonna ask a 12 year old girl for her name and address so some freak can get her or his location. a little liability their,,they have been warned and it wil eventually bite them. but 80k a year and status quo seems ot be ok for managment huh? [watch,ill have pink slip on monday :O pat dm14

kc0kvu

04-07-2002, 10:09 AM

Last week I discovered that Best Buy in here in Lincoln is beginning to probe for names and addresses with the same amount of fervor. #
But I must mention that the RS's here are very well run. #One of the managers has been at his store for so long that at one point every other store manager in the city AND the district manager had all been trained by him. #You can still go into his store and get the service and respect one deserves. #Several hams work at RS's throughout the city and they DEFINITELY make the difference....especially when the other "droids" tried to sell my xyl a telescoping mobile scanner antenna instead of the 2M mag mount which she asked for.
The worst retail travesty for me however, was getting CARDED at Wal-Mart several years ago when purchasing an engine valve cleaning fuel additive (like STP). #A wee bit off the subject but hopefully amusing. #Cheers!

Adam, KCØKVU

ae5rc

04-07-2002, 04:51 PM

Radio Shack may not be "what it used to be", what is anymore? However, the store I go to has two (count'em,two) hams that are employed there. One is the manager, the other is a clerk.I always have good luck with my ham-related purchases,good service, and they know me when I go in. Sometimes, I go by just to "check in" with both of these gentlemen,see how things are going. The manager traded a new HTX 10 for one that I was having trouble with.(Nice touch) The clerk is a new ham, asking questions, learning, being active on the air, studying for an upgrade. Maybe I am really lucky here, but giving my address is no big deal ,considering how I am treated at this R.S. store.(My address is on their computer anyway. Most of the time they don't even ask for it.) I am sure there are many stores that are far from what a Radio Shack should be (from a ham's perspective), but this branch does not suck!!

wr6s

04-07-2002, 05:25 PM

KB5.. GREAT!.you found a good one. CAN you imagine if ALL shacks had hams working for them?!. Saya something about our ham community huh?. SO maybe all shacks dont suck huh? Just need to find one with a ham working their,and we can identify with them. And for the people that need a cell phone,most of the droids are pretty good and knowledgable about those. And if you want a sat tv system,they do good on those too. So not every shack is everything to everybody. Maybe the compnay shouold have an addtional sign out front,"HAM ON DUTY" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ] [Now,if i could onyl talk the compnay into letting me go around to every store and get at least one droid a ham license, i would do it for travel expeences only and have the best job in the world huh?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gifhttp://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif one last story. The other day a guy came in and asked for a certain sale item THAT HE HAD SEEN IN THE MAILER HAHAHA,and we were out of them. he got mad cuz he had driven abpout 40 miles and one of the other droids had told him we had plenty of them. little did he know i had sold a hwole bunch of them. sos the guy got pretty upset,cant blame him. after tryign to calm him down,i found out he was licensed,but only because he flew rc stuff on 6 meters. we had a great discussion,the manager authorized us to get some from another store and mail it direct to his house.[which had never been done b4,usually they have to come out of ft worth for direct mail to a customer] so its good to have a ham as a manager also,can you imagine a whole compnay employing ham operators,they might actually stay in business ahhaha,pat dm14

K9STH

04-07-2002, 07:51 PM

I stopped by my "local" Radio Shack store last evening to get some "zip" cord (they are still stocking that!). On the "junk" tables (these are the "close out" items) and I mean "tables" (there were four of them!) were all sorts of speakers, etc. at very low prices. Radio Shack has cut the prices of replacement speakers down to $2 or $3 just to "get rid" of them. Thus, if you need, or even think you will need, speakers from 4 inch to 12 inch (round and even some "oval" types), then I suggest getting there in the next few days before they are "gone forever" and you have to pay "list" prices for them again.

Glen, K9STH

AB6ND

04-08-2002, 02:42 AM

I should imagine that if they read some of the postings here the executives of Radio Shack will conclude they made a wise decision in getting out of the ham radio business. In addition they might be giving serious thought to hiring any hams. Apart from being a customer, I am no way connected with Radio Shack. In addition, why dont all the people complaining about RS pool their resources and start a ham radio business? 73 AB6ND

kf4lne

04-09-2002, 06:22 AM

I just go to the local dealer store, where its owned by a ham, managed by a ham, and where somehow the local hams seem to get together about closing time...oh, and thats where my current g/f picked me up when i worked there 2 years ago...and standing in front of the capicitor rack wont get you ignored, just asked to move over so someone else can stare at them. As for the company owned stores locally - i woundnt care one way or the other if they burst into flames because some 'droid' tried to actully help and put the batteries in wrong.

KD5NRH

04-09-2002, 10:25 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kc0kvu @ April 07 2002,03:09)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The worst retail travesty for me however, was getting CARDED at Wal-Mart several years ago when purchasing an engine valve cleaning fuel additive (like STP). #A wee bit off the subject but hopefully amusing. #Cheers![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Heck, I got a pack of cigarettes at WalMart without getting carded, then remembered I had wanted a box of BBs, too...the same clerk who sold me cigarettes on my looks wanted proof of age for BBs.

(Or is there some number x for which 16>x>18 is true?)

KD5NRH

04-09-2002, 10:29 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (wr6s @ April 07 2002,01:35)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">BUT ILL BE DAMED if im gonna ask a 12 year old girl for her name and address so some freak can get her or his location.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
IIRC, one of the recent child protection laws forbids asking for that information from kids under a certain age (13?) and also prohibits penalties for not getting it.

Maybe we should all just start claiming to be twelve at Rat Shack...the only thing I can think of that it might be a problem for is the ferric chloride.

AB6ND

04-09-2002, 03:53 PM

Many of the letter writers here appear to be twelve. No wonder RS asks for their age particularly if they use a credit card. 73 AB6ND

kd7qis

04-16-2002, 10:11 PM

There is another problem besides their employee's, their prices. Prices on cheap things ($1-5, or $25-30) are good for them, but $75 (at least) for a 11000 watt CB antenna, sucks. Besides, not even the government is allowed to transmit that much power around cities! For instance, a package of coils are at a good price, but they have a 1 amp, 12 volt battery (non-rechargable) battery for $50! Those are just a few of the bad things about (as w6ibd put it) RatShack!!!

KD7KOY

04-17-2002, 03:01 PM

Radio Shack has turned into more of a "Toy Store" than a serious electronics hobby center.
Peronally I like the name "Elmer Fudpucker".. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

kg6huf

06-30-2002, 02:22 AM

Now that is just plain stupid.

Tyler,
KG6HUF.

kg6huf

06-30-2002, 02:24 AM

Radio shack is such a good name for a ham radio store. Why do they have to use such a good name for a crappy store?

Radio Shack, baaaadd!

Tyler,
KG6HUF.

W0LPQ

06-30-2002, 04:00 AM

My 1962 ARRL Handbook, Page 73 has a Radio Shack Ad. This one is selling National stuff.

NC-270 at $279.50
NC-190 at $219.95
NC-155 at $199.95
and ... the NTS-3 Speaker for the above at $19.95.

Shows that over the years they have gone from a pretty fair Ham outlet, to superfolous junk.! However the speakers they had on sale for $2.95 or slightly more were a good dea. Found several that fit my 312B-4 in case I shell one..!

W1RY, Art Bates was one of their darn good salesman and trade in specialist.

They have been around for a long time, before they were part of the Tandy outlet. But time has passed them by.

Rat Shack is a fair nome'de'plume! However, I imagine that many others can do a lot better, however censored they may be..!

73

Bill, W0LPQ

W5ATX

06-30-2002, 10:21 AM

A buddy of mine (W2FGS) once called it Radio Shaft . . .

K9STH

06-30-2002, 03:39 PM

Remember that Radio Shack was basically an amateur radio store before it was bought by Tandy Leather Company (now Tandy Corporation). In the early 1970s, Tandy bought Allied Radio (of 100 North Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois) fame which had expanded into a chain of consumer electronics stores. Just prior to the merger, Allied was importing a number of amateur radio products from Trio (which became Kenwood) in Japan including the AX-190 / SX-190 solid-state receivers. The intention was to introduce a matching transmitter. However, Radio Shack bought Allied during the -190 days. In fact, I had an AX-190 that said Allied on it and still have another AX-190 that says Radio Shack. Also, I have met the person who works for Tandy in Fort Worth who was responsible for the AX-190 series of receivers. He said that corporate directions went away from amateur radio just after the merger and plans for the transmitter were dropped.

In the 1990s, Tandy tried to get in on the no-code Technician "boom" by selling 2 meter FM equipment and on the Tech+ by selling 10 meter SSB equipment. Now, the trend at Radio Shack is even away from parts and a lot of electronics towards the computer games and cellular telephone / PCS telephone market.

Tandy Leather stores have gone by the way of the dodo bird with only a mail order operation out of Fort Worth and a few displays at various hobby stores around the country. There was a very good (and profitable) Tandy Leather store in north Dallas for decades. But, it was closed along with all of the rest of them during the late 1990s.

From a commercial market, amateur radio is a very specialized area. Yes, there is room for a few operations. But, most of them have to have mail-orders in order to survive.

Glen, K9STH

AB6ND

07-01-2002, 03:20 AM

This morning from a Radio Shack I bought some IC Chips, Transistors, Elec. Caps and some Battery Holders.Most certainly not toys, although I derive a lot of pleasure from them. I took a list with the RS numbers and one of the clerks found all the items for me to save me the trouble of sorting out the various items on the peg boards and he could not have been more helpful. He was not technically inclined nor was he a ham.I paid cash and he asked for my phone nr. and name. He didn't ask for a Soc. Sec. number. If I had been on the run I could have easily given him false information. Try that with the I R S. What's the problem? AB6ND

NN6EE

07-01-2002, 07:49 PM

Glen or Whomever,

Whatever happened to "LAFAYETTE Electronics Co." ?

Wondering!

Jim/nn6ee

K3UD

07-01-2002, 08:48 PM

Jim,

The name re-appeared about 2 years ago.

http://www.lafayetteelectronics.com/

Or it's earlier name:

http://www.lafayetteradio.com/

I always liked the Lafayette radio stores a lot more then the Radio Shack stores. Lafayette had a lot more stuff and usually had it in stock at the store.

73
George
K3UD

NN6EE

07-01-2002, 11:08 PM

HEY GEORGE thanks for the dope!!!

Gee, when I was a little "BUGGER" and now I'm a bigger one and of course OLDER, that was also one of the CATALOGS to get thru the mail and then DROOL over as a FLEDGLING HAMMATEUR!!!

SIGH!!!!!!!!!

Jim/nn6ee

VE6BUD

07-04-2002, 07:09 PM

I've always found that RS has given me decent service. Where else can you pick up an SWR meter for $12? (And that's in Canadian Dollars too.. what.. that's $0.63 US?)

I find that my local Radio Shack aka Electron Hut is good for picking up odds and ends... Like when I needed a 20 ft long piece of pre-crimped RG-58 with SO-259 connectors on both ends at 8: 00 PM on a Saturday, they were there! (And that cable worked too! )

Yes, I know that I will pay a premium to purchase this stuff, but nobody ever said you can go to 7-11 to find bargains. It's all about convenience!

I was rather suprised to see my local radio shack carry the HTX-101 as well as a really decent HF receiver and even a selection of Grundig Shortwave radios. (Especially Grundig's $600 model.. Yipe! ) They still are catering to the ham, but mostly to the no-coders. They are REALLY catering to the SWL'er.. especially the die hard SWL'ers. (Why else would you carry a $600 radio in the store?)

I have to give Radio Shack credit on one thing. Most of the malls here lack any kind of electronics outlet and Radio shack is the "Last Resort".. especially considering that all of the electronic shops here are 9 to 5, Monday to Friday... if you need a 220 mf cap on a Saturday, I'd challenge you to find someplace other than Radio Shack that sells that.

As for asking my name:

"May I have your name and address, Sir?"

"Yes. Santa Claus. See El Ay You Es. Right. Number 1, North Pole Way, North Pole, Postal Code H0H 0H0."

(Yes, Canada Post has H0H 0H0 as a valid postal code, it's used primarily during Christmas Time to automatically route Christmas letters to a bunch of volunteers who answer "Dear Santa" letters at the Post Office. Somehow it amuses me that they will be getting Radio Shack Catalogues as well... )

It also causes the clerk to be somewhat amused. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Enjoy, have fun.. and leave the ham business to the ham shops.

(Isn't it a good idea anyway to keep all of the ham equipment out of the hands of overhormoned teenage mall rats anyway?)

N1NKM

07-04-2002, 11:29 PM

I, too, remember Lafayette! There was a mall downtown that had BOTH, a Shadio Rack store *AND* a Lafayette Electronics! They were at opposite ends of the mall, and I got lots of excercise! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

They both had plusses and minuses in different areas. Shadio Rack had those red & clear plastic "P-BOX" kits, which I LOVED as a kid!!! (Man, I wish I still had most of 'em!! )

Lafayette had kits on printed circuit boards! Naturally, the PC board kits were pricey compared to the P-Box, but they WERE decent quality!

I honed my soldering skills building those P-Box classics! How many here remember the one with the 5 neon (NE-2) lamps that you could wire to flash randomly, or sequentially? I don't even know how many of THOSE I bought and in my pre-teen & teen years! LOL! Same with their 4-transistor audio amps... I built at least 2 or 3, and even had the schematic MEMORIZED! (My Mom has a picture of me, proudly holding up a drawing of it that I made from memory at her kitchen table! LOL! )

The one P-box kit that I never bought, and truly regret, is their ONE-TUBE RADIO. OH WELL... I was just a dumb kid, and figured "Why do I want a TUBE, when TRANSISTORS are BETTER???" Hehe! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

I only bought a few of the PC board kits from Lafayette, mainly because of the price, but also it was due to the fact that I wanted to wait until I was better at soldering... which I did eventually become. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I bought a stereo pre-amp (which I used for YEARS, and eventually either fried it or lost it.) and a stereo 2-watt/channel amp. (Same usage, same fate. )

One of the BEST things that Lafayette had, though, was their 200-in-one project kit! Man, I "played with" that thing until it plumb WORE OUT!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif (I had it into my High School years. ) I don't know how many times I fried the transistors in it, replaced 'em, and fried 'em again! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif The thing came in a black plastic case that opened like a briefcase. (It was about the size of a big laptop PC. ) I took it with me all over the place... building radios, transmitters, audio oscillators, YOU NAME IT! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I learned a *LOT* about electronics from that thing & it's well-written manual!!!

Ah, yes... Lafayete.. a name that brings back MANY very fond memories!! I can not help feeling a genuine twinge of sadness when I think of their demise. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif I visited the WEBsites posted earlier.. but neither of them seem to have any genuine resemblance to the Lafayette Electronics of the 70's that I loved! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Come to think of it, Shadio Rack was a lot better back then, too! When they discontinued the P-Box kits, I genuinely believe they did a GREAT DISSERVICE to the technically-inclined youngsters of America! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Give me a kid who runs excitedly into the room, saying "Look at what I made!" proudly showing off that string of NE-2's flashing almost as bright as his smile!!! I'll take that ANY DAY over the kid who says "I just got to level 10 on my Game boy!" (wow. )

I'll take that first kid down to Shadio Rack, and tell him he has $20 to buy anything he wants!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

But alas... SIGH. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Color me nostalically sad.

N5LRZ

07-05-2002, 03:37 AM

What is the problem? If you do not want to tell them your name or address just give em a fake name and pass the cash. If they need an address just smile and make one up.

N7CPC

07-05-2002, 07:28 AM

..............yawn........................

K7PIG

07-05-2002, 08:42 AM

That's one of many things wrong with people in the USA:
Give a fake name, give a fake address, give a fake phone number and PUT THE BLAME on someone else. Your a real genuine 100% American, you cannot be trusted and you'll play the childrens game for the rest of your living days-Grow UP.

Coax cable from Radio Lax: Crimp-on right? Your going to pass RF thru Crimp-On right? Sad my Amateur Radio Operator very sad indeed.---SOLDER---Not Crimped Crap.

I won't go into the tech. crap about crimp-on vs solder, it's too complicated for you, like morse code, do it the lazy way.

Radio Lax wants my address and passport number, I give it to them, whats your problem big boy? Lies are better right?

KB9YFI

07-05-2002, 02:41 PM

Ever wonder why you get all that junk mail Wally?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif? #Now you know. #It's the patriotic duty of all citizens to feed false information into the information demon. #Each time I give someone information I garble it a bit. #If it's some radio shack junk then I give them the name of John Adams. #If it's official government bureaucrats then I "accidentally" misspell my name, add and or switch a couple of digits to my address or zip code #Since when is it illegal to be dyslexic? #OOps. #Sorry. #I live on Hobby Horse Lane or was that Happy horse road? Or hobby lobby blvd. ? #

GIGO: #Garbage in- Garbage out. #I have lots of garbage to feed the machines. #It is #the only way to battle the computers that want to know your mother's maiden name. #I refuse to give my SS# to anyone but my boss and the IRS. #When forced to give it to government agencies that illegally demand it I get a bit dyslexic. #oops, #I'm a criminal for wanting some privacy. #Where in the Constitution does it say they can force you to be a number? # I chose not to be a number. #I chose not to show my ID to every government official right down to dogcatcher. #When the girl at the checkout counter asks to see my ID so she can punch my DL# into her cash register when I buy a six-pack I ask if I can see her panties as well. #After her face turns red 99% of the time they will go on like nothing happened. #Privacy does not end with underwear.

Jim

W5ATX

07-05-2002, 03:53 PM

Wally, believe it or not, crimp connectors are used in the commercial land mobile industry. Of course I personally thing that's because the radios are getting so reliable, they need SOMETHING to keep the tech shops working. But who knows?

All the comments about Radio Shaft here are pretty much on the money. I still go in there for connectors and such. Can't find 'em cheaper and closer to home. The last local "ham" electronics place left the building about ten years ago. And the counter guys in this particular Shaft, while not electronic wizards, try to help the best they can, and they know and admit their limitations. I have to respect that.

As for lying about your identity, as long as you know who NOT to lie to, who cares? Radio Shaft sure doesn't need to know who you really are. I've always just declined to tell them, never had a problem. Of course I hate to tell you, but sometimes the sale paper has some good stuff in it.

73,

Chris

KB9YFI

07-05-2002, 04:30 PM

I have both the commercial catalog and the "first ever internet-ready interactive radioshack catalog" whatever that means LOL. #I get the sale rag from the scrap store every weekend in the local paper. #I'm not interested in a cellular phone, cheapo RC car or modular security system so there is not much in there that interests me.

As for Lying who can say it is wrong? #Somebody tell me where it is written that lying is wrong? #I dare you.

K7PIG

07-05-2002, 05:22 PM

First of all; Why do you want to lie? To impress someone?
Lying is wrong and you know it's wrong. Caught in a lie most of the time can cause you undue hardship. Changing stories to protect yourself, the truth is much better, that's my opinion.
I suppose you don't want someone to STEAL your identity? BS.
Boy, that would be nice if she showed her pants or panties, wow.
So, your going to use RF Cable without soldering it, your choice, not mine.

NN6EE

07-05-2002, 06:40 PM

Jim,

# Along similar lines of what we're talking about out here is that back in the year 2000 when the GOVERNMENT sent out the CENSUS forms, I filled it in using a wide "BLACK MARKING PEN"!!! We only answered a FEW of the questions anyway, and one in particular I really fixed them, it asked my XYL'S AGE and I wrote in in BIG LETTERS "YOU ASK HER, I VALUE MY LIFE!!!"

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif #es 3s,

Jim/nn6ee

PS, The CENSUS sent to a Home-Owner or even to a individual WORKER is STUPID, why? because the Damn Government KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU ANYWAY!!!

PSS, Whenever we buy anything at RS, which ISN'T very often, when they ask us for our name I REFUSE, easy as that!!! They really don't care who you, all's they really WANT is YOUR MONEY!!!

KB9YFI

07-05-2002, 07:22 PM

lying is not wrong. It's done everyday. The only thing better than a lie to an inappropriate question is ignoring it which sometimes will not work with your more demading bureaucrat. I returned my census form with the Constitutionally requried answers and to the only legal questions they are allowed to ask under law. I told them the number of adults of voting age living at my address- nothing more. All the rest is illegal for them to ask for in a census if you read the constitution.

nh7fe

07-05-2002, 11:53 PM

Radio Smack, Radio Shaft, Rat Shack, or whatever you want to call it needs some serious help. I go there only because there is a good chance they will have something I need. Other electronic stores in Honolulu do not have what I need for some odd reason. Here is a couple of shopping tips that might make your experience better. One, bring in the things you need. If I need a connector for something. I bring in both ends and say "I want to go from here to here. Do you have it?"
I figure it is easier to show them the two ends then to say I want female this and male that. Most people get that stuff backwards anyway. I live in Hawaii so we are really left behind when it comes to getting the newer things. I came up with this real time saver. Have the catalog number handy so that they can just go to the back room and look. This prevents the droid from saying that such a product does not exist. Then I end up for about three to five minutes trying to convince them that RS sells the stuff. Or let me look it up here in the computer. Of course sometimes I have an idiot verify the catalog number and then go look in the backroom. Lastly if you want to prevent the PCS questions bring an HT with keypad. Most of my visits to RS I bring a Motorola Saber III or MT2000. The full kepad and display looks impressive. Remember full keypad HT's are really cell phones. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I really enjoyed this thread it had its humorous points. If you think you are going to have a bad time shopping at RS have fun instead. (Looks like many people already figured that out). It is okay to lie to RS. They just want to send you a catalog. Send it to the White House at 1600 Pensylvania Avenue. It would be hard for me to do that in Hawaii. I just make those RS monkeys work. I ask all the hard pertinent questions. Lucky their return process is fairly quick and painless. What can I say. I had the questions and they had the wrong answers.

K9STH

07-06-2002, 12:17 AM

In 1958, Radio Shack had, according to their QST ads, 2 stores, both in the Boston area. In 1959, they had added a 3rd store in Conn. By 1960, they had added a 4th store also in Conn. By the way, they would really "cut" you a deal on financing Hallicrafters equipment. Also, they had a pretty extensive catalogue.

Glen, K9STH

NC7K

07-06-2002, 01:58 AM

Screw Radio Shack! I agree with all who do not want to give a name, SSN and "shoe size" to the junk-mail peddlers and telemarketers. I have also been refused a sale due to not giving a name. No more for me. Ill use Mouser or other mail order suppliers from now on.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

N1NKM

07-06-2002, 02:23 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KB9YFI @ July 05 2002,12:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">As for Lying who can say it is wrong? #Somebody tell me where it is written that lying is wrong? #I dare you.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
YOU ASKED FOR IT!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Exodus 20:16 "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."

EXO 23:1 "Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness."

PROVERBS 19:5 "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaks lies shall not escape."

PROVERBS 19:9 "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaks lies shall perish."

Here's a strong one:

PROVERBS 6:16-19
(16) These seven [things are] an abomination to the LORD:
(17) A proud look, A LYING TONGUE, and hands that shed innocent blood,
(18) A heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief,
(19) A false witness [that] SPEAKS LIES, and he that sows discord among brethren.
(EMPHASIS mine)

...and that's just for STARTERS!

Hey, YOU ASKED!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Willie...

KB9YFI

07-06-2002, 02:50 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (N1NKM @ July 04 2002,20:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Looking at your proud picture of yourself holding a cam-corder it looks like you are a sinner by your own book.

The bible is funny in that there is so much written in there you can find proof of anything.

Bearing false witness in court is one thing. #speaking in such a way as to harm another's reputation or standing when such statements are not true facts is a violation of the non-agression principle and thus wrong. #Only in a silly book written by pre-historic sheep-herders will you find mention that a statement like "grass is pink" (a lie) will make "god" mad at you and not let you into "heaven"

Ha ha ha. #my laugh for the day.

K9STH

07-06-2002, 03:57 AM

Enough of religion! That is the only subject that gets people "going" more than politics.

Remember that the two books, and their interpretation thereof, that have caused the most misery, suffering, war, pestilence, etc., over the centuries, are the Bible and the Koran. Also, when one goes back to the original Hebrew and Greek (Old Testament and New Testament) and not the King James translation, many of the stories do not come out the same! It seems that James didn't like some of the literal translations and had the text changed to suit his more puritanical tastes. This I have been told by several biblical scholars over the years.

Glen, K9STH
one of the QRZ.com moderators

N1NKM

07-06-2002, 04:07 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KB9YFI @ July 05 2002,22:50)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (N1NKM @ July 04 2002,20:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
(1) Looking at your proud picture of yourself holding a cam-corder it looks like you are a sinner by your own book.

(2) The bible is funny in that there is so much written in there you can find proof of anything.

(3) Only in a silly book written by pre-historic sheep-herders will you find mention that a statement like "grass is pink" (a lie) will make "god" mad at you and not let you into "heaven"

(4) Ha ha ha. #my laugh for the day.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Addressing "points" quoted...

1 ) LOL! "Proud"? It's meant to be "SILLY", silly! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif How about your picture, "stolen" from the Alladdin movie...? COPYRIGHT VIOLATION!!! GASP!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Hehehe! (JUST KIDDING! )

2 ) I suppose you could, yes. But I didn't mis-quote or change any meanings, here. "Just the facts, man." Hey, like I said... you asked for "WRITTEN PROOF" and there is is. Do with it as you wish. Laugh, Cry, Spit... it's up to you. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

3) LOL!!!! That's a good one!!! LOL!!! Well, if that's what you want to believe, knock yourself out. Just FYI, many of the WRITERS of the Bible happened to be KINGS and highly intelligent leaders. Proverbs was written by King Solomon, considered by many historians to be the wisest man who ever lived. #(That's not even "religious" historians, just plain HISTORIANS! )

4 ) Yes, mine, too! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Hehe! I really *DID* LOL http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

It's good to keep this kind of stuff light-hearted, anyway! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

To Glen, K9STH, our respected Moderator:
Believe me, I have *ZERO* intention of getting into a debate, here. In all honesty, I *HATE* arguments, and in 99% of the times, will be the first to walk away from one. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Besides, God certainly doesn't "need" puny little me to defend Him! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

However, I will make one small point regarding your statement about what King James did... history will verify that this is not the case. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Who are these "Biblical Scholars" you referred to? Do they have a personal "agenda"? Often, they do. A NEUTRAL examination of the facts of HISTORY is the only FAIR way to evaluate such matters... and that's definately *NOT* a topic for QRZ.COM, so I'm willing to let it end here! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

BACK TO RADIO SHACK... I see that nobody, so far, has said a single word about the things in my original post, RE: Kits purchased & built during your youth from RS and LRE.

Thoughts, anyone?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Willie...