anyone deal with apcosystem aka watchbuddy?

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 9:55 am

from what he states in his auctions they are parts radios. are they good and reliable?

Post by **HumHead** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 10:29 am

Try putting "Watchbuddy" into the search.

There has been plenty of traffic, all postive, as I remember, with the exception of an ugly little flame war over the propriety of selling "built" radios.

MarkHam2B · Post by **MarkHam2B** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 10:40 am

I purchased a "parts" XTS from Nick and have nothing but high praise for the radio as well as for him. He follows through on what he says he will do for you and supports you long after the sale. I certainly would not have any hesitation purchasing a radio from him.

Regards,
Mark

-Remember the Twin Towers 09-11-2001

ricciticcitembo · Post by **ricciticcitembo** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 12:11 pm

Thats right. And they come flashed to the max.

motsaber99 · Post by **motsaber99** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 12:31 pm

Purchased a VHF XTS and have had no problems. I would recommend him if you want a high end unit but not the high end price.

ExKa|iBuR · Post by **ExKa|iBuR** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 12:59 pm

When he calls them parts radios..he means, he takes new parts from the factory and puts them together. He can't sell the radios as new, but, they pretty much are.

He sets all the digital pot setting and what not, so it's just as good as a factory radio.

Mike

Cpd014 · Post by **Cpd014** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 1:11 pm

Nick is a good guy I bought two XTS3000's from him a while back and they work great very reliable radios and work every penny, I might even buy and astro saber III from him down the line I probaly wouldnt buy from anyone else but hime he is very fast shipper and great in terms of getting hold of.

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 5:14 pm

does he do programing. i BIN on his auction but dont get responces to emails

Cpd014 · Post by **Cpd014** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 5:45 pm

I dont think he will do it but maybe if you ask him he might. On the other hand you are better off giving him a call and leaving a message on the machine.

dvpman · Post by **dvpman** » Tue Nov 05, 2002 1:41 am

I have bought 4 astro radios from Nick and they have ALL been first class and 100% perfect. My preference is to buy from Nick everytime on price and quality.

Mike

Radio99 · Post by **Radio99** » Tue Nov 05, 2002 4:31 am

I too have bought from Nick. He stands by his product and I have no complaints at all with my XTS3000 (800 MHz). Buy with confidence. He is a little hard to get a hold of via e-mail so try his telephone. He will call you back.

MT2000 man · Post by **MT2000 man** » Tue Nov 05, 2002 5:40 am

I too have bought an astro saber III from him about 5 months ago, a great guy, talked with him over the phone, etc. Excellent to talk to as well

I asked if he could program it, and he did, exactly to spec. Great person, he has my vote

Of course, stupid me sold my astro, but I will probably be looking him up again, for an XTS3500 down the road.

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Tue Nov 05, 2002 7:14 am

MT2000 man wrote:I too have bought an astro saber III from him about 5 months ago, a great guy, talked with him over the phone, etc. Excellent to talk to as well I asked if he could program it, and he did, exactly to spec. Great person, he has my vote

Of course, stupid me sold my astro, but I will probably be looking him up again, for an XTS3500 down the road.

nah I am sure you will go the 5000 route

RadioSouth · Post by **RadioSouth** » Tue Nov 05, 2002 7:26 am

Never dealt with Nick but since it';s a 'gray' area radio does he have repair services available ? Doesn't sound like the MRSS would touch it. Other issue would be posession
of a radio with which would appear to have a removed/altered serial# . Obviously if it never had a serial# it can't be altered or removed but who's gonna believe that when
there is a place for a serial# plate but it's not there ? Could be a problem if you need service or your radio ever comes under scrutiny.

Twisted_Pear · Post by **Twisted_Pear** » Thu Nov 07, 2002 4:13 am

Where is he getting the serial numbers from? Those of you that have bought them, do the numbers look legit? (dating for example)

-Wayne

firemedic4 · Post by **firemedic4** » Fri Nov 08, 2002 9:39 am

Does anyone know if his xts3000 800 radios do astro 4.4

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Fri Nov 08, 2002 10:25 am

Twisted_Pear wrote:Where is he getting the serial numbers from? Those of you that have bought them, do the numbers look legit? (dating for example)

I've only seen one of his radios. The one I saw did not have a serial number tag on it at all. I didn't get to play with it while it was connected to a PC with RSS, but I would tend to think that the serial number is either blank or zeroed out.
--Mind you, this is only speculation on my part!

Twisted_Pear · Post by **Twisted_Pear** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 2:24 am

r0f wrote: Hey Wayne.

He uses 326NRDxxxx for his XTS3K's. I'm betting it's 310NRDxxxx for his Astro Sabers.

NRD = his initials.

Shaun

Thanks Shaun, this isn't surprising. But oh well, you all are happy with his gear. I just wish he would use a less complex flashcode with realistic option combinations. I believe you introduce some 5150 tendencies with the plethora of options that are included.

-Wayne

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Mon Nov 11, 2002 10:30 am

well the radios might be good but his service sucks. I have asked 3 times for a tracking number and he doesnt provide, and I asked if he could send overnight but then he says the emails got crossed. I sent with more than enough time.

He might sell good radios but hes a flake

Post by **Code3Response** » Mon Nov 11, 2002 10:39 am

Twisted_Pear wrote: I believe you introduce some 5150 tendencies with the plethora of options that are included.

-Wayne

HAHAHHA

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:12 pm

Astro_Saber wrote:well the radios might be good but his service sucks. I have asked 3 times for a tracking number and he doesnt provide, and I asked if he could send overnight but then he says the emails got crossed. I sent with more than enough time.

He might sell good radios but hes a flake

Don't feel too bad, I've tried contacting him about 3 times in regards to parts and radios and still haven't gotten a reply out of him.

That sure sucks. Back in August when I was looking for an XTS3000 he came up with one, although I found a different offer which seemed more appealing to me so I took it. However, now that I am trying to get another 800MHz XTS3000, he doesn't want to write to me and that sucks.

-Josh

Cpd014 · Post by **Cpd014** » Mon Nov 11, 2002 6:02 pm

I think he sells more than what he can keep up with.

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 11:40 am

since someone on this board likes to go to apcosystem and tell him I called him a flae thats fine, I was told I would recieve my radio today and I didnt, now I am pissed off, he wont get positive feedback from me for his inability to actually respond to the people who buy and send him the money and dont get the goods when stated.

Post by Pj » Tue Nov 12, 2002 12:36 pm

Vetern's day was yesterday, and most delivery compainies operate at reduced levels. Remember, unless you getting extreme overnight pony express delivery, things take time. I just think that everyone needs to relax a bit.

As for emails, just think about the sheer volume of emails that he must get from wannabe buyers and people just asking questions, but not buying or bidding at all on the raido. For the line of radios that he sells, I am sure that his inbox is constantly full. I am also sure that he is dealing with current customers and keeping them happy. Money talks. I personally will devote most of my attention to someone sending me $2000 for a radio then some M nut asking about a flashcode on a radio that has already been sold.

I just think that all this negitive attudiute and assumptions is counter productive. Shipping takes time. Screening emails takes time. Building the radio's take time. Having a family takes time. Just wait and see!

DISCLAMIER: I have not bought anything from him, I do not know him. This is just my observation from the many posts about this subject, and a little common sense.
-------------------------------------
The statement below is true,
The statement above is false

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 12:49 pm

actually UPS was operating at regular levels so that excuse wont work

Cpd014 · Post by **Cpd014** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 1:06 pm

Very true that must be alot of work to do, plus his regular job and like I said he probaly sells more radios than he can handle by himself and maybe it would be better for him to set up two email accounts for questions and for his actual paying customers, I dont know if that would work but when you get the radio you will probaly forget about all the nonsense that has happend. On the other hand if you dont get your radio $900.00 bucks and up is alot to loose for a working man and especally in this economy we live in, so this is an expensive hobby and its an enjoyable one as well, but its a shame when stuff like this happens and good luck hopefully you guys get your equipment soon.

Post by Pj » Tue Nov 12, 2002 1:08 pm

My advice is, when you get the package, run the tracking number through the website first and look to see where the delay was before posting any feedback. Personally I like FedEx since the longest anything takes is three business days. I had a tripod that came from Japan get to Connecticut in three days. Love them. With UPS, I have things go from Maryland to Woseter MA then back into CT to get to me. What kind of routing is that? It was being delievered to me at the PD, and the UPS sort facility is a 1/4 mile away.

Astro25 · Post by **Astro25** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 1:15 pm

If you allready have a tracking number run it and make sure there is movement on the package, because he might not even had shiped it out yet.

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 1:21 pm

well the tracking number is invalid he sent me, and He sent it out today as the ups pkging info email says it wont be delivered until friday which to me is unacceptable. he should overnight it as he didnt send it out as stated. and I even offered to pay for the overnight last week

Cpd014 · Post by **Cpd014** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 1:55 pm

Well at least it is comming and you are not out on money or a radio, even when I had my problem like yours he did not overnight it.

Astro25 · Post by **Astro25** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 1:57 pm

Enjoy the radio when you get it, at least you can make the best of the situation because it could have been worse.

watchbuddy · Post by **watchbuddy** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 2:10 pm

Astro_Saber wrote:since someone on this board likes to go to apcosystem and tell him I called him a flae thats fine, I was told I would recieve my radio today and I didnt, now I am pissed off, he wont get positive feedback from me for his inability to actually respond to the people who buy and send him the money and dont get the goods when stated.

Sorry You Have So Much Stress In You i Will refund You All Your $909.00 Money And Hope You Have better experiances with a great deal somewhere else! The term stated that Seller has 5-days to ship and now you also want free programing! Ouch Good Luck!

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 2:15 pm

I never asked for free programming and I even offered to pay for overnight shipping. according to your emails you shipped it friday which wasnt the case, if you lost the email heres a quote

"What Do You Want in the programing I will need The freq.'s Please advise we only
take payment through paypal

Bob Blake
Owner"

I purchased the radio using buy it now, let me know if you can program it.
and I can get payment to you.

I really wanted to get a UHF astro but not for the headache that this is.
thanks again

so please dont try and cover up your mistake

Post by **alex** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 2:21 pm

I think this is something better left to be taken off the board.

Please continue this discussion through PM or Email. Feel free to post your results, however, I don't think people want to listen to you guys argue it out in a public forum.

Continue and I'll lock the topic.

Thanks,

Alex

watchbuddy · Post by **watchbuddy** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 2:21 pm

Astro_Saber wrote:I never asked for free programming and I even offered to pay for overnight shipping. according to your emails you shipped it friday which wasnt the case, if you lost the email heres a quote
"What Do You Want in the programing I will need The freq.'s Please advise we only
take payment through paypal

Bob Blake
Owner"

I purchased the radio using buy it now, let me know if you can program it.
and I can get payment to you.

I really wanted to get a UHF astro but not for the headache that this is.
thanks again

so please dont try and cover up your mistake

Hello: I am the owner Number #1 Nick Number #2 This Is not the feedback forum so please moderator and/or administrator move this over their !

watchbuddy · Post by **watchbuddy** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 2:30 pm

Pj wrote:My advice is, when you get the package, run the tracking number through the website first and look to see where the delay was before posting any feedback. Personally I like FedEx since the longest anything takes is three business days. I had a tripod that came from Japan get to Connecticut in three days. Love them. With UPS, I have things go from Maryland to Woseter MA then back into CT to get to me. What kind of routing is that? It was being delievered to me at the PD, and the UPS sort facility is a 1/4 mile away.

Has Anyone Asked him when he bought or who purchased it for him????? He bought it On The 7Th, November I have 5-days to ship we just shiped today He Is Dreaming !.. I Have Never Burned Him Or Anyone So You guys Need to get you stuff Straight When you Drop On Somebody! bet none of you donated money here? I did and never even a thanks along with other favors! But thats me not you guys I wont change I am a caring person so run that !... Good Luck And Administrator Please Accept My removal As A Member From This Site!

watchbuddy · Post by **watchbuddy** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 2:47 pm

r0f wrote:Nick/Bob,

So that's your solution? Run away from problems? Leave the site? I don't agree with everything people say about me either, but I don't say ":o it" and run off.

You're also famous for doing the "if you don't like it, here's your money back" thing. Sure it's nice to get your money back, rather than be scammed, but did you think for a moment that maybe people want their radio? You really [ Moderated ] piss people off when you go doing that. You won't bother reasoning with anyone. You know you control the ASTRO market, and you pretty much act like you're Elvis, but people are getting sick of the pompous attitude. Delivering the product has never been a problem with you, it's the "god like" ego your company seems to project.

Like I say, you deliver.. But you act like a middle-eastern businessman. Short tempered and spiteful.

Shaun

Moderated for language Content

Monty
And the Problem Is? Forgettaboutit Your Right Remember the Plastic bags are still in the trunk!

jcobb · Post by **jcobb** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 2:54 pm

Man, I have been on both sides of things like this. I have never purchased from Nick, so can't comment on any particular instance. I don't have a dog in this fight.

But I know that we are all pushed from so many directions, and from so many people that have a claim on our lives.

I know when I push the button on PayPal, I want that "thing" RIGHT NOW. (We need that StarTrek transporter, and how!) And I know when the seller says "I'll get right on it, first thing" that he means that. And when I say that, I mean it too.

And sometimes it doesn't work out. Things happen with the family, and at work, that just push some things a little further down the "to do" stack. Not intentionally, but they do. As I told my boss one time: "If everything is A#1 priority, then nothing is." It took him a minute to get it.

I try to give almost everyone the benefit of the doubt - that they are not trying to deliberately "screw" me over, and it will get here a lot sooner than anything my grandfather sent off for - including his mail-order bride! Man, I'd hate to have seen him waiting on her! I bet he was chewing the carpet before she arrived on the October 1899 wagon train........and he sent the money in January.

Anyway, from what I have seen here, the items from Nick are good, and probably worth waiting for, even if it is a little longer than we anticipated/hoped/negotiated for. And waiting is always more frustrating than the doing.

And emails are great for instantaneous messaging - but loose the nuances of language/communications that face-to-face has. I can't always express myself well in email - but you dam sure know what I am talking about and how I feel about it in person or on the phone (the phone looses some too, no doubt).

I try to subscribe to the "3 Up plan" - shut up, listen up, and lighten up. Don't always take my own advice, though, and got some scars to show for it........

Anyway, I'd like to see this toned down a notch or two - for the benefit of both parties - if anybody gives two s**ts what I think.

Jack

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 3:04 pm

I am hoping that we can get it worked out as we are sending emails back and forth.