I am looking for someone who has extensive experience in dealing with two-way radios. A person who I could have a good relationship with so if I ever ran into a issue in the future with a customer or if I purchased radios I am unfamiliar with that you could help assist me. In return I could give you very deep discounts on Motorola equipment or compensate in money.
About me:
I run into almost every brand /model out there. Motorola, Kenwood, MA-COM, GE, etc and I deal with over a thousand radios a year.
I am a seller of Motorola two way radios and have been for over a year now. I get my equipment directly from government facilities who sell off their old equipment to buy new equipment. So pretty much 99% of the time the radios are in perfect working order. However in the past I have had returns where buyers state there is a low watt output, or the radio does not send or receive communications properly. As I am looking to continue dealing Motorola equipment for years to come, I want to do complete testing on my radios so I can keep my customers happy and keep building my good reputation. On average, out of 500 sold radios I would run into about 5 that customers aren't happy with their radio. It's rare that my radios have issues but I still want to be more prepared and helpful as a seller.
I have bought testing equipment but cannot figure out how to use them yet. I haven't really read into using the testing products. So far I have a Bird Termaline Model 6104 Wattmeter 25- 512Mhz with 4 Ranges 2, 6, 20, 60w and a Diamond SX 1000 SWR and Power Meter that Measures at 140 MHz-525 MHz. But I have not learned how to use these yet...
Feel free to respond here to shoot me a private message.. Thank you for your time.
Wanted: Someone who has knowledge in Motorola equipment
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surplusman
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MTS2000des
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- What radios do you own?: XTS2500, XTS5000, and MTS2000
Re: Wanted: Someone who has knowledge in Motorola equipment
Want to do it right? Contract or hire a local technician.
It's going to take more than a wattmeter to properly test, diagnose and repair modern radios, especially digital ones. A modern service monitor with tracking generator, spectrum analyzer, and software suite for testing various air interfaces (P25 phase I/II, NXDN, DMR, etc) can cost as much as a new BMW. Let alone the training to properly operate it.
Service to board level requires an SMD reflow station, and various other tools.
Am I making it sound difficult? Yes, because it is. Wholesaling radios of the past may have been easy, but the technology of what is under the hood has evolved to new levels like all other electronics. Modern radios are computers. The software is almost as important as the hardware, and no offense, but alot of the "flipper" mentality shows in the ebay ads of people asking ass high prices for equipment that the seller has NO IDEA what he/she has, and if it even works to spec, because they lack not just the knowledge but the hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment needed. Getting modern software patches and updates (firmware) requires having dealer accounts to purchase the software refreshes, not to mention proper programming software suites and labor to load them into the radios. This greatly affects the radios' values.
Is your checkbook hurting yet?
My advice is find a local shop. You will meet quite a bit of resistance, and here's why. People who have invested the hundreds of thousands of dollars in the proper tools, training and personnel in maintaining equipment they sell aren't going to be eager to give away that wisdom to someone who, quite frankly, just wants to make a quick buck flipping used equipment on Ebay.
It's going to take more than a wattmeter to properly test, diagnose and repair modern radios, especially digital ones. A modern service monitor with tracking generator, spectrum analyzer, and software suite for testing various air interfaces (P25 phase I/II, NXDN, DMR, etc) can cost as much as a new BMW. Let alone the training to properly operate it.
Service to board level requires an SMD reflow station, and various other tools.
Am I making it sound difficult? Yes, because it is. Wholesaling radios of the past may have been easy, but the technology of what is under the hood has evolved to new levels like all other electronics. Modern radios are computers. The software is almost as important as the hardware, and no offense, but alot of the "flipper" mentality shows in the ebay ads of people asking ass high prices for equipment that the seller has NO IDEA what he/she has, and if it even works to spec, because they lack not just the knowledge but the hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment needed. Getting modern software patches and updates (firmware) requires having dealer accounts to purchase the software refreshes, not to mention proper programming software suites and labor to load them into the radios. This greatly affects the radios' values.
Is your checkbook hurting yet?
My advice is find a local shop. You will meet quite a bit of resistance, and here's why. People who have invested the hundreds of thousands of dollars in the proper tools, training and personnel in maintaining equipment they sell aren't going to be eager to give away that wisdom to someone who, quite frankly, just wants to make a quick buck flipping used equipment on Ebay.
The views here are my own and do not represent those of anyone else or the company, the boss, his wife, his dog or distant relatives.
Re: Wanted: Someone who has knowledge in Motorola equipment
As was stated, it takes more than just having the equipment that can test the radio.
One place you could look for details on the equipment is the "repeater builders" site. Another is "batlabs.com". Both will show you a path to the mike b site. They all have a good source of the older Motorola equipment info.
As for learning the testing and how to do it, maybe a trip through the "Ham Radio Handbook" might supply some of the info. The ARRL has a number of books that are a great source of information.
It might be in your best interest to locate a mentor that will work with you and show you the ropes. We all had to start someplace and it is much faster and easier if someone can push you along.
Jim
One place you could look for details on the equipment is the "repeater builders" site. Another is "batlabs.com". Both will show you a path to the mike b site. They all have a good source of the older Motorola equipment info.
As for learning the testing and how to do it, maybe a trip through the "Ham Radio Handbook" might supply some of the info. The ARRL has a number of books that are a great source of information.
It might be in your best interest to locate a mentor that will work with you and show you the ropes. We all had to start someplace and it is much faster and easier if someone can push you along.
Jim
Re: Wanted: Someone who has knowledge in Motorola equipment
Ditto either hiring a local tech, or finding a good local shop to work with you.
OTOH, why bother? You bought the stuff surplus "as is" in unknown condition, and probably deeply discounted from the value. Your terms of sale should reflect that.
OTOH, why bother? You bought the stuff surplus "as is" in unknown condition, and probably deeply discounted from the value. Your terms of sale should reflect that.